New plug wires

[rollinstone]

This may be premature, but I replaced the plugs (Motorcraft Platinums) and the wires (also Motorcraft). I replaced the plugs first and had to wait a week or so for the wires to arrive. During that time my gas mileage improved from about 16-17 mpg to 18-19 mpg. When I installed the new wires the mileage dropped to 15.2 on the first tank of gas . Now, to be fair, I took a trip to the mountains on that tank which involved a 60 mile climb on I-90 from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass. But I wouldn't have thot my mileage would have dropped that much.

Still waiting to see what the normal drive mileage is going to be on this next tank. I have ensured that all the wires are properly seated. The gap setting is .054, according to my Chilton's. The engine runs smooth at idle and accelerates smoothly from a standing start and also when I hit the passing gear on the freeway.

Is there any way to check an electronic ignition to ensure that everything is hitting on all 8 cylinders?

r.s

 

[Brandons]

I just got my wires and plugs replaced after 9 years. There was, lets just say, a great increase in horsepower, torque, and mpg, mainly because the plugs were so old they were almost falling apart (thanks you dolt of a mechanic who told us we had platinum).

I dont know why that would do it to you though, perhaps the new wires are worse then the old ones?, the best wires you can get are ACCELL or something like that. I just got neihoff wires and champion copper spark plugs.

good luck.

 

[Brandons]

especially if their motocraft, might wanna check if the new ones are bigger thickness then the old ones

 

[rollinstone]

Many of the recommendations I got from this site say to stick with OEM. Lots of folks who are happy with Motorcraft...second tank of gas gave me only 16.2 mpg, so it's gotta be the wires. Time to complain, I guess.

r.s.

 

[explr1]

Bosch Platinum +4's here as well as Taylor SpiroPro wires with the space age boot protectors.

 

[Brandons]

now that looks cool, the boot protectors are a good idea.