Bought my 2001 explorer in 2003, never did plugs / wires, still runs fine at 191k

[2001sixcylinder]

Do plugs last this long? My explorer has been relatively light usage for most of its life, but starting to use it more.

Just replaced the EGR valve... should I do plugs urgently since coming up on 200k miles?

Stock plugs are platinum and they last 60k, so I've triple lapped them. Bought with 35k miles on it, and has had no main issues except a blown radiator 10 years ago.

Engine still has get and go, however it was the EGR stuck open that likely was causing problems in hot weather.

Thanks for any feedback. New to forum.

 

[C420sailor]

Yes. Change them.

As the gap erodes, it places more “stress” on the coils, for lack of a better term.

Getting them out is likely to be a good time…but the longer you wait, the worse it’s gonna get.

 

[2001sixcylinder]

Yes. Change them.

As the gap erodes, it places more “stress” on the coils, for lack of a better term.

Getting them out is likely to be a good time…but the longer you wait, the worse it’s gonna get.

Ok, thanks sir. I do realize it was a bit of a dumb question. I'm thinking of having the dealer do it, because its an old girl, and if they mess something up, they can be able to fix it properly.

 

[J_C]

Do replace the wires with the plugs. Disturbing wires that old can break them.

 

[DintDobbs]

@2001sixcylinder I'd go ahead and change 'em for the reasons C420sailor and J_C said, and it might not be a bad idea to grab a spare coil pack from a junk yard or RockAuto.com. Change the wires with the plugs.

I've had two 2nd-gen SOHC Explorers and both of them ate a coil pack within 6 months of purchase, one was a '99 around 154k and one was a '00 around 216k. Changed the plugs, wires, and coil packs together, did wonders.

Incidentally, I'd recommend using Motorcraft or NGK platinum plugs, and same brands for wires. Both are great products. And smart move, letting a garage do the plugs; extracting is a pain!