CHECK YOUR SPARKPLUGS! TSB 23-2011

[Angry Possum]

In all serious though, why did Ford do away with the covers?

Planned Obsolescence perhaps.

 

[racsan]

One more thing to keep a eye out for when buying a newer (todays) ranger a few years from now when they are more affordable due to age/milage.
I agree on a engine cover becoming a home for rodents, My mom had one in her mazda, they live in a wooded area and it was such a constant battle to keep the critters out that dad just tossed the cover on it eventually.

 

[sgtsandman]

​

JcrOffroad: Ranger Engine Cover | 4th Gen (19-23)

Needs a TRS logo on the front of it.

That is the one I have in mind and have it bookmarked.

 

[HenryMac]

What a shitty design. A cavity that holds water, to hold the spark plugs, with a 360 degree enclosure.

 

[sgtsandman]

I finally took the time to check my plugs. Mine were completely fine and there appeared to be no signs of water accumulation on the valve cover what so ever. I don't have the proper disconnect tool for the low pressure fuel line (none of mine fit in the tight space that is there). So, getting the coil boot back in and properly seated as a bit of an adventure. I'll have to do some research on what the proper tool is for the connector and where to get it.

 

[racsan]

who knew it could be difficult to get to the plugs on a 4cyl? Eventually I will get there, my next truck upgrade may very well be a 2019+. I like the older stuff but it’s getting hard to find anything worth bringing home.

 

[sgtsandman]

who knew it could be difficult to get to the plugs on a 4cyl? Eventually I will get there, my next truck upgrade may very well be a 2019+. I like the older stuff but it’s getting hard to find anything worth bringing home.

The only plug that was a bit of a problem was cylinder #4. You had to flex the coil boot just right for it to properly seat on the spark plug.

 

[JohnnyO]

I finally took the time to check my plugs. Mine were completely fine and there appeared to be no signs of water accumulation on the valve cover what so ever. I don't have the proper disconnect tool for the low pressure fuel line (none of mine fit in the tight space that is there). So, getting the coil boot back in and properly seated as a bit of an adventure. I'll have to do some research on what the proper tool is for the connector and where to get it.

That's why I haven't changed mine yet. Can't figure out how to get the line off. Now with my new knee it will be a while before I'm crawling around vehicles anyway. May just have the shop do it when it gets inspected in March.

 

[sgtsandman]

That's why I haven't changed mine yet. Can't figure out how to get the line off. Now with my new knee it will be a while before I'm crawling around vehicles anyway. May just have the shop do it when it gets inspected in March.

I’m short enough that I pretty much laid across the engine and radiator support for the back two. That and a two step step ladder.

I think the plastic or aluminum disk tools might work. I still need to break out the Windows computer to pull up the Shop Manual so I can see if they mention a tool for that.

There are times I wish they offered a paper manual. So much more convenient to work with.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

​

JcrOffroad: Ranger Engine Cover | 4th Gen (19-23)

Needs a TRS logo on the front of it.

20% off at JCR thru Thursday...

 

[Snoranger]

20% off at JCR Thursday...

Good call… I ordered the engine cover and the Molle door panel inserts.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Good call… I ordered the engine cover and the Molle door panel inserts.

So tempting and yet... so hard to put a bow on for a christmas present and expect a pleasant outcome.

 

[CMOS]

​

JcrOffroad: Ranger Engine Cover | 4th Gen (19-23)

Needs a TRS logo on the front of it.

Does this cover actually prevent the issue in that TSB??


CMOS

 

[Snoranger]

Does this cover actually prevent the issue in that TSB??


CMOS

I hope so… that’s why I bought one. I’ll let you know when it gets here.

 

[Dwgray]

Due to a lackluster seam placement in the rangers cowl, water running down the windshield can & will make its way into the spark plug wells, especially if you park with the nose pointed downhill.

In some (lucky) cases, a simple misfire is all that will occur. Ford's official fix is replace plug, replace coil/boot, goop up with dielectric grease, and install the very engine cover they deleted from the trucks after MY2019.

In extreme cases.. the plug will be so ridiculously corroded that the repair ends up being a complete head replacement.

View attachment 100973View attachment 100974

This has been an incredible nightmare for folks who've had to deal with this, thanks to Ford & their dealers ABSOLUTE ABYSMAL customer care in the past few years.

Making the problem worse is Ford's reccomended 100k mile plug change interval.. The longer you run your factory plugs.. the closer you are to a brand new head.. possibly ON YOUR DIME. CHECK THEM! CHECK THEM NOW!

If the wells look gross, and you're still under warranty, dont touch them. Make yourself an appt. with your stealership of choice and let THEM snap those plugs off (mabey)

The community has also figured out that putting a piece of foam pipe insulation across the cowl covering the seam will keep your wells nice and dry regardless of the weather.

View attachment 100975

Thanks for the update!