tune up..

[mitchvines]

I think i might need to do a tune up on on my 2002 4.0 with 62,000 mile. It seems to bog down under strain. Mainly in 4x4. I just changed the oil and filter and fuel filter. I was thinking it might be the clutch, but not sure if a worn clutch could bog the motor. Also i have a volant cold air system and cherry bomb with it turned down after the muffler. Im running pro comp mud extreme 31x10.50r15 on it.

I guess my question do yall think plugs and wire might help? and which plugs and wire do yall think will be best?

And if yall think of anything else that i can do?
thanks

 

[Rifleman]

Roughly 60k miles is about when I swap out stock Motorcraft Plats with the Bosch IR Fusions and always notice a difference on my FLM vehicles. They say the old school copper core plugs give the best performance, but they only last about 20k miles.

A worn clutch would allow the motor to rev with no matching increase in speed when in gear, so that isn't it unless you've spent allot of time with the clutch at extreme temperatures, then it could be the throwout bearing. My old ranger had a seized hydraulic throwout bearing that would kill the motor dead when you let out the clutch pedal in gear or neutral.

Another thought is to disconnect the battery for a while and let the computer reset so it can relearn all the fuel trims. Once you reset it you should let it idle with no accessories operating (AC or heat or the likes) for at least 5 minutes before any revs or driving so it can relearn the idle trim first. If you touch the throttle or anything it will cause the computer to kick out of it's learning cycle and revert to the "failsafe" programming for baseline operation.

 

[mitchvines]

thanks Well it doesnt die as soon as i let out the pedal. it just when its have a big load like in 4x4 drive in the sand. So what other plugs and wires would be good that would last longer than 20k? have you heard of those PLUSTAR plugs?
r

 

[iceracer60]

im a big fan of ngk plugs or autolites, which for the price isnt a bad plug. for wires the napa mileage pluses arent bad. if your looking more performance orientated id go with accel or msd wires

 

[Big Jim M]

Once again..spark plugs!

thanks Well it doesnt die as soon as i let out the pedal. it just when its have a big load like in 4x4 drive in the sand. So what other plugs and wires would be good that would last longer than 20k? have you heard of those PLUSTAR plugs?
r

Ok so the engine was built and totally engineered by FORD engineers.. They had at their disposal all plugs from anywhere in the world..
ONLY those engineers know for certain what plug would be best in their engine.. ALL others are simply guessing! 62K on the original plugs is about 1/3 of their life expectancy. Leave em alone. They are still good. When you need new plugs or wires the engine will miss and stumble..you will definately KNOW when they stop working.
It is NEVER a good idea to use different plugs in any engine. Of course if the plugs are worn out and the engine is missing ANY new plug will be an improvement! That is why some guys will tell you that a certain brand is wonderful! But the original plug will always be best and last the longest in your engine.
For my Ranger only the dealer has the original spark plug...NONE of the local parts houses carry it. So I picked up a set and am waiting for enough miles on my engine to install them.
After taking the lead out of gasoline and lowering the compression the plugs last for many years in our rides..

I'm guessing you have dirt in your intake or the tires/load under certain conditions are causing the low rpm power loss.
Big Jim

 

[mitchvines]

thanks Big Jim. Is there any plug wires that are better than stock?

 

[Shamus]

Careful about OEM always being the best. Ford recommends Motorcraft because they own them or, with Autolite, have an investment in them (follow the money). To be sure, they are quality plugs, but not necessarily the "best." As for wires, check out Granatelli Motor Sports MPG wires. They are as close to zero ohms as is possible (their catalog shows the same wires for the Mustang's 4.0 for later years than the Ranger, but they are the same V6). I have a set on my 07 4.0L with Bosch IR Fusions and love them. As for your plugs, pull one from each side and check them. All manufacturers use a maintenance schedule that is designed to appeal to those who want a long term before having to perform it. Usually, these periods are much too long.

 

[Big Jim M]

Nope!

thanks Big Jim. Is there any plug wires that are better than stock?

Not really. All the wire has to do is transmit the voltage and not leak it out..
Big JIm

 

[Shamus]

Mitchvines - Just a thought: Pull out and clean your MAF sensor with the PROPER cleaning spray. It might make all the difference.

 

[Big Jim M]

Howdy Shamus

Careful about OEM always being the best. Ford recommends Motorcraft because they own them or, with Autolite, have an investment in them (follow the money). To be sure, they are quality plugs, but not necessarily the "best." As for wires, check out Granatelli Motor Sports MPG wires. They are as close to zero ohms as is possible (their catalog shows the same wires for the Mustang's 4.0 for later years than the Ranger, but they are the same V6). I have a set on my 07 4.0L with Bosch IR Fusions and love them. As for your plugs, pull one from each side and check them. All manufacturers use a maintenance schedule that is designed to appeal to those who want a long term before having to perform it. Usually, these periods are much too long.

Yes they do own them companys. AND they have done extensive engineering for them companys to produce the EXACT plugs that do BEST in their engines.
All other plug companys just TRY to copy the heat range of the factory plugs. Some may be a little hotter while others may be a little colder than the EXACT replacement needs to be.
One cannot go wrong with the same plug the engine came with. HOWEVER one can go waaaay wrong with certain other makes. Why chance it?
By the way I do feel the same with any other make of engine.
I betcha the Ford engineers didn't engineer any other plug makers attempt at a plug for Ford engines.
Big JIm

 

[rpcaster]

I too agree! Nothing wrong with Motorcraft plugs. My first set came out at 92,000 miles when I installed my supercharger. Heard a lot of comments that the stock platinum plugs were not good for "Supercharged" engines. After some research found Ford uses platinum in the "Ford Lightning", and states they are fine up to around 10lbs boost. I will be changing the plugs soon as they now have about 100,000 miles on them, as my od reads in excess of 192,000 miles. Never had a problem with my ignition system, even to this day.

 

[Shamus]

BIG JIM M/RPCASTER: No real arguement, guys. Motorcraft/Autolite are excellent plugs.
However, that does not change my earlier comments. I have Bosch IR Fusions in my 07, and "feel" that my engine idles smoother. (By the way BigJim, I grew up in Abilene; Austin was too big for me.)

 

[Big Jim M]

Howdy Shamus

BIG JIM M/RPCASTER: No real arguement, guys. Motorcraft/Autolite are excellent plugs.
However, that does not change my earlier comments. I have Bosch IR Fusions in my 07, and "feel" that my engine idles smoother. (By the way BigJim, I grew up in Abilene; Austin was too big for me.)

My Dad grew up around there.. My Great Grandaddy had the first Brick making company and made the bricks that are in all the OLD buildings in the Abilene area.
Big Jim