2.3 Sparkplug Replacement

[RangerFella]

Okay guys... 1997 Ranger XLT 2.3L Supercab 5spd 2WD ~67k miles

I've replaced 7 out of the 8 plugs/wires. I got all 4 on the left side of the engine (if you're looking at it from the front...looks like the exhaust side), and the first 3 on the intake side. The one I'm having trouble with is the last one closest to the firewall on the intake side. I can't even pull the boot off, let alone get a socket and extension in there, it's being blocked by the intake riser. To me it (seems) like I have to remove that entire [riser] assembly to get at the plug...is this true or is there some 'hidden' technique that I don't know about? I'm not exactly comfortable with removing that much of the engine just to replace the sparkplug. If I were to take it to a mechanic, or better yet the Ford auto shop...how much would something like that cost to get done?

Just as a side note...when I got this truck with 65ish thousand miles on it, the previous (only) owner of the truck told me he had it serviced regularly by his local shop...there are a lot of those service stickers around under the hood. My question is...shouldn't the sparkplugs have been replaced before now? What came out of the engine are Motorcraft ASF 32F (or is it Motocraft?) Platinum plugs. The only reason I think they're the originals is because of how worn out and just...completely fallen apart they were. So much so that most of the plugs just fell apart in my hand, the cores came out with the boots, and the ceramic was all but obliterated.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot

-Red

 

[Bryan22]

I just changed the plugs and wires on mine not that long ago and it's a pain in the butt. I'm not sure if youre motor is set up the same but i was able to get a socket in the middle of all that crap to get to the back one, there was a hole just big enough to get the extensions in. then when u get it out you can use a peice of fuel hose to get the new one started. just put the end of the spark plug in a tight fitting peice of fuel hose and use it like an extension. super cool trick since u can twist the fuel hose in all kinds of kinked positions.

 

[BMT_Ranger]

The Last Plug....

i just did mine on my 1994 and im sure the engine is the same.....

on that plug wire......get yourself a small piece of string or wire (i used wire) and loop it around the plug wire and give it a tug and that should get the plug wire loose.......

now for the plug.....i had to use about 10" of extensions but i got it out....just manuever through that riser.....i know its tight.........(but you know you like it).....

you will be rolling again before you know it

 

[Southern3.0]

I havent done mine yet but ive read, like already said it can be done with out removing the upper plenum. But from looking at mine, when it comes time it looks a hell of a lot easer to pull the plenum off.

 

[Super95]

Use a universal attached to the plug socket and long extension(s) to get past the intake. Don't screw w/ the intake.

 

[james_joshua]

5 bolts, unbolt the EGR tube and the upper intake can be moved out of the way. It also gives you a good chance to replace the plenum gasket.

 

[Derek The Great]

man am i glad i bought a 94 with a 4 banger.. see they changed the intake around like 96, which was great for like 12 hp but crappy for plug service. with a 94 all you need is like 2 u joint bits and about 10" worth of extensions, and you dont have to undo ne thin.. with the 96 and up, you gotta remove the upper portion of the intake plenum (as mentioned ealier). its not that bad, just start doing it one bolt at a time, remove and label vacuume lines that you disconnect. Dont force anything tho, if the plenum doesnt pop off with a lil coaxing then there might still b a bolt holdin it down (one is hidden behind the plenum, closest to the firewall...) You will be amazed by how easy everything is to reach.. Just reverse this for reassembly, just buy new gaskets tho, you're already there..