Spark Plug Questions for 92' 2.3L 2WD

[pad2383]

Hi,

I've got a 1992 2.3L Ford Ranger 2WD with a little over 240,000 miles on it. The engine has the distributorless 8 plug system and I'm changing the spark plugs.

After inspecting the old ones, it's clear that they are too hot since they're all blistered white and well worn. Maybe the engine is running lean on account of old injectors?

The Haynes manual recommends Motorcraft AWSF 42 or 42C for replacement.

The sticker under the hood recommends Motorcraft AWSF32C.

The old plugs that are in it are Motorcraft AGSF32PM.

The new plugs the guy at the Napa autoparts store gave me are V-Power NGK TR5 2238 (which he assured me were equivalent to the Motorcraft AWSF32C).

A quick check on this site http://www.sparkplug-crossreference.com/ has the NGK TR5 listed as equivalent to the AWSF42C (was the guy at Napa mistaken?).

What's the difference between all these plugs?

Most importantly, which are the best plugs for me to put in my truck to keep it running well?

Should I go ahead with the V-Power NGK TR5 or return them for another plug?

Any recommendations and expertise would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Pad

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've always ran Autolite 764' gapped to .042", don't over think it too much... it's just a lowish power 2.3L

 

[pad2383]

Yeah. I figured the V-Power NGK TR5 probably would work fine but since the old plugs look like they were burning hot, I'm thinking maybe I ought to step down the heat range a notch. If AWSF32C are recommended and the motorcraft plugs in that heat range are coming out white and blistered, I was thinking maybe AWSF22C would be the thing to install. I know I'm being finicky but if any tech oriented people want to chime in, I'd love to hear more thoughts.

 

[brokemechanic3000]

A lot of times part manufacturers change their part numbers but the part is the same. I agree it is just a 4 cyl with 8 plugs the plugs you got will be fine but make sure you gap the plugs right. And put a little dab of antisieze on the threads before putting the new plugs in.

 

[Mark_88]

I ran those V-groove NGKs in my Tempo for about ten years and never had a problem with them. I did change them every six months to a year (50,000 Km) as recommended and the engine was still going strong at 250,000 Km...would have lasted longer but...I won't get into that story...

 

[1998 2.5 5 speed]

I'd say NGK plugs are way better than motocraft.

 

[pad2383]

I appreciate the tips that the v-power NGK plugs are quality. What about my thought that the truck might benefit from a colder plug since the old plugs were definitely running hot?

 

[brokemechanic3000]

Stick with what is recommended could be that the old plugs just needed replacement, but could also be that they were not gapped right. some vehicles need a certain type of metal electrode to run right.

 

[adsm08]

A lower heat range will hurt performance. After a while the plugs will be white and blistered without a real problem. Just put in the 42s and be done with it.

 

[pad2383]

So I threw the new NGK TR5 v-power plugs in today and the truck is already running better. It had been a bit stumbly and now it's purring smooth as can be.

Here's a picture of the old platinum tipped plugs I pulled out. I was told platinum plugs should be good for 50,000 miles plus but these were only in for around 30,000 and as you can see they are pretty danged cooked with the central and side electrodes rounded and worn.

I wish I knew why the engine always seems to run lean. Guess I shouldn't worry about it as long as the truck keeps running well.

We'll see how these NGKs last over time. Thanks for the tips.

 

[Mark_88]

They don't look too bad on the business end, but they sure look like it's been a few years of duty...

I've always, pretty much, used the Bosch +4 in my 4 plug carbed engine...it just doesn't seem to run well at all with regular plugs...everyone else seems to think they are garbage, but I wouldn't put in anything else...unless, of course, I rebuilt the bottom end...

Good to hear it's running better though...

 

[pad2383]

Yeah, this little truck of mine has been through 46 states and most of them with that set of plugs. Things wear fast in the north. I'm glad to be back in California where the easy weather should provide the truck with many more happy years.

Thanks again for all the input.

Pad