jturquette
Member
- Joined
- August 9, 2007
- Messages
- 48
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Houston, TX
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2003 XLT V8
I have set a goal of 25 mpg (hwy) for my 2003 explorer (4.6L V8), a similar effort to Aldive’s “quest for 30”. I have base-lined my vehicle at 18.9 mpg hwy, measured 27 June 2008 on a trip to Flatonia TX and back to Houston. I won’t discuss current mods here, but will probably post in the profile or on another post.
I have also decided to share my results here for my fellow "X" brethren to use as they see fit.
After reading up on spark plug replacement for my X, I decided to test the Halo spark plug offered by LSGBrisk. More positive reviews than negative for these plugs led me to try them. I was intrigued by the halo design and since they not much more than stock replacements, I decided to give it a go.
I do not have any immediate results. The manufacturer states that one must adjust the timing slightly to gain the fuel savings. They note that most current vehicles need only disconnect the battery wires; that this will reset the timing and allow the ECU to accommodate the new plugs. They note about 500 miles are needed. I will report back after 500 miles for any hwy fuel economy changes.
Side note-I realize now I messed up and need to redo the plugs for two reasons, 1) anti-seize on the threads to prevent dissimilar metals from bonding and 2) proper torque settings for plugs. Now that I know what I am doing, this should be much easier.
Plug replacement - I won’t bore you with many details here as there are already threads on this, but mention a few items to answer questions from these threads.
The plugs are located on top of the V8 engine, under the black engine cover, with individual coil packs over each plug. At first glance, the fuel rails appear to be in the way. After removing the set screw holding the pack in place, gently pull up the coil pack and maneuver the pack away from the fuel rail. The rubber boot between the pack and the plug head allows a lot of flexibility. An alternative is to remove the wire harness on the side of the coil pack. (needed to get to the last plug, passenger side, rear of vehicle) I elected to remove the plugs one at a time. I pulled the air intake hose to get to the passenger side plugs.
I have kept the OEM just in case. BTW- I checked the gap on the OEMs, they ran consistently to each other (.054" to .056"), with one exception
(.060"). I guess I can say that they were doing well.
I have also decided to share my results here for my fellow "X" brethren to use as they see fit.
After reading up on spark plug replacement for my X, I decided to test the Halo spark plug offered by LSGBrisk. More positive reviews than negative for these plugs led me to try them. I was intrigued by the halo design and since they not much more than stock replacements, I decided to give it a go.
I do not have any immediate results. The manufacturer states that one must adjust the timing slightly to gain the fuel savings. They note that most current vehicles need only disconnect the battery wires; that this will reset the timing and allow the ECU to accommodate the new plugs. They note about 500 miles are needed. I will report back after 500 miles for any hwy fuel economy changes.
Side note-I realize now I messed up and need to redo the plugs for two reasons, 1) anti-seize on the threads to prevent dissimilar metals from bonding and 2) proper torque settings for plugs. Now that I know what I am doing, this should be much easier.
Plug replacement - I won’t bore you with many details here as there are already threads on this, but mention a few items to answer questions from these threads.
The plugs are located on top of the V8 engine, under the black engine cover, with individual coil packs over each plug. At first glance, the fuel rails appear to be in the way. After removing the set screw holding the pack in place, gently pull up the coil pack and maneuver the pack away from the fuel rail. The rubber boot between the pack and the plug head allows a lot of flexibility. An alternative is to remove the wire harness on the side of the coil pack. (needed to get to the last plug, passenger side, rear of vehicle) I elected to remove the plugs one at a time. I pulled the air intake hose to get to the passenger side plugs.
I have kept the OEM just in case. BTW- I checked the gap on the OEMs, they ran consistently to each other (.054" to .056"), with one exception
(.060"). I guess I can say that they were doing well.
