The dreaded spark plug replacement

[manger]

I will testify that you do not have to remove the intake manifold to replace the plugs (2.3)! there are specially designed cradles that allow you to pull the plug wires off without having to remove anything. if someone before you left them off you could be SOL! I just replaced my worn Motorcraft plugs with autolite double platnum plugs. I would recommend buying bosch platnum if you have the choice. The good news iss my plugs all looked good with no signs of excessive oil burning or fouling conditions. I did have some signs of lean conditions however. I'll post a pic of their condition at 190,000 miles

 

[Hopman]

Thanks for the info. I've got one of the dual-plug 2.3's in my '94. I've gone over 75,000 on the Bosch plat's the preivous owner installed. I was wondering how to change those.
Any recomandions about swapping out the coil packs and wires?

 

[rednine4]

it's an easy job... just a knuckle buster haha ... I ran the first set (factory plugs) for 65K.... then changed them once again at 100K (hardly worn at all) ... never changed again.. I think i used motorcraft... never looked back now at 136K ... runs fine.. probably will never change again for the trucks remaining life...

 

[Bryan22]

I've had nothing but horrible luck with bosch plugs in my 2.3 autolire or motocraft only for me. the plug change isn't that bad, a couple extensions a u-joint and about 45 mins is all it takes. getting the plug wires on and off is probably the hardest part, but not impossible.

 

[scotts90ranger]

autolite and motorcraft are the same plugs...

 

[JohnnyO]

Multi electrode plugs like Bosch +2 or +4 do not get along well with the Ford ignition system. My preference is Motorcraft or Autolite double platinum, if you want Bosch ('cause Auto Zone pushes them really hard) then just get the single electrode plug.

 

[Hopman]

Cool. I'll just stick with the tried and proven Bosch single plats.

 

[jackedup03]

Yeah, go with the single plats. I thought I would spend a little more and get the NGK doubles, and two weeks later I went back for the Autolites. Truck ran so unbelieveably rough. Been running great ever since!

 

[Bryan22]

I used the bosch single plats in my 2.3 and it ran horrible. I'll never run any bosch plug in my vehicle again. go to walmart and get autolite plats for a few bucks more, worth every penny. the autolite copper plugs are better than the bosch for me. I'm not saying you can't try em out, but if the truck starts acting up, you know where to look.

 

[Hopman]

Could it have something to do with the crappy fuel in SoCal? Mine runs like champ with the Bosch plats.

 

[gary762]

Bosch Plugs

I've got the Bosh plus 4's in my 1999 Ranger 2.5L.
It seems to run just fine.

BUT! I am also running ACCEL EDIS coil packs and better plug wires. Since then I have also unplugged the battery overnight and let the computer reset itself.

Don't know if that helps anyone, but there it is.