Plugs and Wires

[rock883]

Ok, I've already decided to go ahead and put in some Bosch Platinum 4+, how hard is it to change the spark plugs and what is involved in changing them? Also, which wires should I go with for best performance and where can I get them at? I know I have to get the ones with the clip on one end of them, but shouldn't I also get a set that is made for explorer specifically instead of those ones you have to cut and stuff? Can I get them at a chain store (like auto zone or advance auto parts) or do I have to order them from some catalog or some place online? Thanks for the help.

 

[NightHawk]

Changing your spark plugs is fairly straight forward. All you have to do is unscrew the old and screw in the new. Be sure to check the gap with a guage first before you install the new ones. As far as wires go, its really up to you what kind of wires you buy. If you want some good quality wires you can get some from Jacobs Electronics or MSD. Or you can get decent wires from Autozone. I would get the wires that are specifically made for the Explorer. Not the stuff kind. And be sure to change ONE AT A TIME! Don't get carried away or you will be doing 4 times the work. Good Luck!

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Happy Trails!
'93 XLT
Many Mod's
http://members.efortress.com/swankmi/

 

[Ewald G Gruber]

I have a set of Split Fire # WS6612 3-R (1993 4.0) nothing to cut plugs right in.
My friends at Off-Road Warehouse agreed to take care of our needs ( and maybe even sponsor Ricks Forum!)
offroadwarehouse.com, (they will be on E_commerce in a few weeks... just fill up your shopping cart with your favorite toys!!)
858) 565-7792 ask for Wally mention Ricks Explorer Forum and my name (Ewald)and he will take care of you ( and the rest of us)
hope this will help.


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93xlt,4.0,5Speed,2.5 lift,4.10gears, headers,catback,31M/T BFG,K&N..........

 

[felsmann]

NightHawk, no gapping needed with the Bosch Platinum 4+.

By the way, we are waiting for that clutch story!!

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Juan Felsmann
'97 Sport 4WD 5spd
Warrior Twist
www.explorer4x4.com/thaven_juan.jpg

 

[01EB5.0]

I would either buy Bosch Premium wires or the Splitfire Dual core wires. Both are very good quality wires that will make you happy!

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TravisN1@AOL.COM
1995 XLT 4x4

 

[Andy97XLT]

Do the Splitfire Dual Cores need to modified at all to fit 95+ 4.0l OHV motors? I'm interested in getting those along with a set of Bosch 4+ Plats.


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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT 4.0L OHC 4Dr 4x4
Warrior Twist in the works

 

[RobertC]

If you order the Splitfire wires for your year vehicle they should be ready right out of the box. You may have to move somethings out of the way to get to all the cylinders but in my opinion it is worth it. Do not order the universal set, unless you want to make your own wire length. And change one at a time. If you get the nice Blue wires dirty in the process all you need to do is take some handcleaner on a rag and wipe them down after installation. It does make a nice (weather) afternoon project

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RobertC
96' XLT V-6 4X4 4 Dr
Bosch +4's and Splitfire Dual core wires
85/100 watt Headlights Behind Carbon fiber Headlight covers
K & N Drop in filter

 

[jimiday]

Hey Rock,

Nighthawk has some good advice, however, don't take too lightly unscrewing the old plugs and screwing in the new ones. You'll need a good socket set, preferrably one with a spark plug socket (it has foam on the inside to hold and cushion the porcelin) and an 8-10 inch extension with a swivel adapter. My wires were stuck to the old plugs, so you may want to have a wire puller at your disposal. Wear a decent set of gloves to keep from leaving fleshy deposits on your injector rail or manifold bolts.

I installed the Bosch P+4's in about an hour with the above listed tools (minus the wire puller. I still have a nice nick to prove it Dead Link Removed ). Be sure to put some anti-seize compound on the threads so you can get the new plugs out when it's time to change them again.

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1996 Explorer Sport 4x4
4.0L OHV w/auto & 4.10's
K&N w/drilled box, Bosch P+4's, Borla Cat-Back

jimiday@aol.com

[This message has been edited by jimiday (edited 03-27-2000).]

 

[RonN]

Rock,

I just install a set of the WS6612 wires last week and it went fine. Each wire was even a little longer than the one it replaced.

ALWAYS blow the spark plug recess out with an air compressor. Rust and grit settles in there, and is just waiting for you to push some of it in when inserting the next plug. I always blow thoroughly after loosening the old plug a few turns. One can not be too careful here. Take your time and do it right.

Rust (oxidation) is very hard, ...hard as an abrasive. One little chip in your cylinder will score the wall if it gets along side of the piston.

I've always bought Champions, because they are at least nickeled to resist rusting. I use Permatex anti-seize on ALL spark plug threads.

Back in the '60s one of my friends had Oldsmobile F-85 with the 215 cu. in. all aluminum engine. In removing a spark plug the threads galled and were pulled. Talk about a sick feeling. Once you feel threads start to pull, there is no recovery you just have to keep on unscrewing and hope for the best. This little one hour tune-up turned into an all week project. Heli-coils can fix internal threads in a pinch. Ever since then I've used Permatex Anti-Seize on all spark plugs in ALL engines. His brother pulled the threads on a Norton motorcycle too. These lessons were learned the hard way.

Ron N.