Install new plugs/wires today

[theven7]

Finally did it on an '01 4.0 Sport and it was a *expletive deleted*! Now I can see why shops charge so much to do this! It is absolutely ridiculous for it to be that hard just to change the spark plugs/wires! Oh, well...it's done. It took about 3 hours (would've taken longer, had it not been for this forum) to get the job done, but at least I put good components in, so I won't have to do it again for a while (Autolite Double Platinum plugs and Borg Werner wires). It was worth it the first time I cranked it up. Idled smooth as a kitten and I can feel the better response from my engine. Btw, for all you people who say you can do this in 45 mins., you can kiss my *expletive deleted*. Anyone else feel the design of this engine bay was beyond ignorant?

 

['97 V8]

haha...which way did you go to get to them...wheel wells or from top.

 

[theven7]

Wheel well on the pass. side. Top on the driver's side. Only Mr. Fantastic could get the passenger side from the top. That's my hypothesis, anyway.

 

[whoathere]

is the 01 sport, and 00 sport the same in the engine bay? My 4.0(OHV) isn't hard at all to get them all from up top. I guess it could be that its an OHV tho.

 

[theven7]

Mine's a SOHC. I envy you OHV guys sometimes. Except for when I'm at the gas pump.

 

['97 V8]

Mine's a SOHC. I envy you OHV guys sometimes. Except for when I'm at the gas pump.

ouch lol. but look at the bright side. Im sure you feel a whole lot better about you doing something yourself...the self joy i may say in replacing your spark plugs....and you saved yourself some money.

 

[Papa]

Tell us more about your Borg Werner choice for wires. Are they carbon core, stainless core, silicone, 8-12 MM etc.

 

[Diddy74]

"Anyone else feel the design of this engine bay was beyond ignorant?" LMAO I've come to the conclusion the engineers at Ford are sadistic and intended to punish us in some way or another for thinking we can work on our vehicles ourselves

 

[theven7]

Borg Werner was my choice b/c no one had Autolite's in stock. I would've had to wait 'till Wed., and I'll be out of town then. So I just asked the dude at O'reilly's to gimme the best they had. I had heard some good things of the Werner's, so I decided to give 'em a shot. Not bad so far. If all else fails, I'll just order the Autolite's and put 'em in later. I belive the Werner's are the silicone variety. Btw, I can't stress how much help a 3/8" universal joint and a 10" 3/8" extension are

 

[theven7]

diddy....I hear ya, man. When I read that the engine that the engine was german designed/built, it all made sense. I'm a quality engineer at german automaker here in the US and most mechanics would break down in tears after opening the hood of one of their finished vehicles.

 

[pfeffer1728]

hey, dont give germans a hard time....just think about all the saussage and beer we contribute to the world..(pfeffer...yeah german family history). so how much did all those plugs/wires set you back, ive been thinking about doing it myself

 

[theven7]

Don't get my wrong, pfeffer, german built engines are awesome. Their power stands alone, and their durability is on-par with the japanese. I just think they don't keep us shadetree mechanics in mind when they design the engines. The plugs were $4 a piece, and the wires were $42, I believe. If you have the patience to wait for shipping or if any of your auto stores have Autolite plug wires in stock, I'd go w/those. Can't go wrong w/OEM. I think they run from $40-60, depending on how fancy you want 'em. The u-joint and extension will prolly run ya $10-$14, and make sure you get some antisieze compound and dielectric grease. You don't wanna break those sparkplugs off if you ever have to change 'em again.

 

[pfeffer1728]

ive heard copper actually works best, despite all the hype about iridium and platinums....any thoughts?

 

[theven7]

I would say whatever OEM uses is most likely best. One place manufacturers don't cut corners is engine components.