Changed out the spark plugs.

[Blacksheep Josh]

So after putting it off for a really long time, I finally took out the plugs I put in about a year, year and a half ago. They were Bosch Platinums, not sure if they were double or not. I replaced them with Autolite Double Platinum Plugs from Wal-Mart.

Picture of old plugs: They're in the order of how they were pulled out, as if you were standing in front of the Explorer looking at the engine. Sorry for the crappy quality, camera phone...

Engine has 266k miles. These plugs, like i said, have about a year to year and a half of driving on them. I average around 200-250 miles a week.

 

[Anime]

Mileage matters more than the length of time, since you can be well under the 60K mark of changing platinum plugs even with a year or two of driving. The 4.0 OHV really likes fresh plugs, though.

Is is running okay with the Autolites? They're generally regarded as pretty poor plugs, and some members have had problems. If you have any ignition issues, might want to go with Motorcraft or at least back to the Bosch's.

Is that 266K miles without any major engine work? Sweet.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Mileage matters more than the length of time, since you can be well under the 60K mark of changing platinum plugs even with a year or two of driving. The 4.0 OHV really likes fresh plugs, though.

Is is running okay with the Autolites? They're generally regarded as pretty poor plugs, and some members have had problems. If you have any ignition issues, might want to go with Motorcraft or at least back to the Bosch's.

Is that 266K miles without any major engine work? Sweet.

Well, let's put it this way, my Dad bought me the Explorer when it had 214k on th engine in April of 2005. I've put around 50-55k, depending if the odometer is perfectly accurate. I try to change the plugs out once a year, because it's relatively cheap and I can tell a different between old and new plugs. I thought from what I read, Autolite made the Motorcraft plugs? As with new plugs though, as most OHV owners probably know, you can feel a little more pep/power right off the bat.

It seems to be running fine with these plugs. I'm off to college tomorrow morning, so I won't do as much driving as I was. I used to average 200-250 miles a week, now I'll do about 50 miles a week I'd say.

Yes, 266k miles on original equipment. Only thing that's been fixed so far (that I know of), is I changed the starter, and it's on it's 3rd transmission (previous owner did lots of towing without telling me). The alternator is still OEM to, although it's pretty damn worn out, gauges flickering and such.

 

[Anime]

I guess as a college vehicle, if the plugs are okay it's no big deal, just keep in mind if you ever have ignition issues it might be the plugs. Some of the Autolite double platinums are really good, but in general, going by the post around here, they just aren't a good as the Motorcraft. You can get Motorcrafts at Autozone or parts stores that carry Motorcraft stuff for about what you can get Autolites for. Ford acquired Autolite and lots of Motorcraft stuff is made by Autolite, but the plugs are still pretty different, with Motorcraft being the OEM brand and Autolite more a general aftermarket line.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

gotcha.

yeah, i'm "hoping" i don't have to drive it to much. i expect a huge cut in income from not working as much as i have. it's weird, it's like i'm preparing it for a burial. new oil change to have fresh/good oil in it. buying the stuff for gasoline to keep it from separting.

but i'll definitely be keeping on eye on this board.

 

[seth247]

hose plugs got quite a bit of white stuff on em. I can't remember what that means.

 

[Four0Sport]

i have always had great luck with autolites and autolite platinums. i try to push those at work all the time for ford vehicles as i have never had an issue with them. I even put them in my moms 06 wrangler and she noticed a great improvement over the factory ngks which i thought was odd to be in a mopar vehicle.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

the idle has definitely "solidified" if thatmakes sense, it's a lot smoother. as far as performance it feels kind of sluggish. but that could be do to 266k miles, a bad alternator, possible bad oil pump and some other problems.

hopefully i'll be getting the engine rebuilt within the next year. i'm never getting rid of this thing!