pre-gapped spark plugs..

[simonkn8574]

Ok, the drama that is changing the spark plugs...

I bought 6 NKG platinums from a local motor factors who confirmed them as pre gapped. After removing the old (same make ones) and realising they didn't really need changing - judging by the colour and wear (typical!) I installed the new ones. Now I didn't trust the "pre gapped" theory and checked. Well the only way to make a 1.3-1.4mm measure was to connect a 1mm and 0.3mm wire together and hope..
Well the car started fine after each plug was changed bur Ive noticed that in low gear at about 50mph theres a real judder and hesitation, until I floor it and it goes... Now is that the plugs or have I unearthed another problem?
And have I got any comeback from the motor factors?

And does anyone know what to properly measure the gap with???

Cheers
SK

 

[Luis696]

The best to measure the gap is to use feeler gauge, you can get ones from most suppliers including halfords.

 

[janolsson]

I always check the gap on new plugs before fitting them as the slightest knock on the end can close them. I use feeler guage to check the gap.
If you have lost a little power i would re-visit the leads and check they are snapped on, not damaged etc. You may have one of the connectors not on properly. It may also be worth pulling the new plugs one by one and carefully inspecting them as it is not unheard of to find cracked ceramics on new plugs.

 

[swshawaii]

If you are in a bind without a feeler gauge, an American dime is 1.35mm or .053 inches.
Hopefully you can find one in the U.K. Question is, why NGK, and not Motorcraft plugs?

 

[simonkn8574]

these were the plugs offered when I asked for Ford Explorer plugs! And interesting that they were in there before!

And the halfords feeler gauges all go up to 1mm. Do you just push the 1mm and 0.3mm together to get the total gap of 1.3mm??

Cheers just thought there were feeler gauges out there over 1mm.

will be checking tomorrow intermittently with the rain!!!!

SK

 

[janolsson]

Hopefully you can find one in the U.K. Question is, why NGK, and not Motorcraft plugs?

If you saw the prices of genuine motorcraft parts in the uk then you wouldn't have to ask that question.

 

[ihpj]

I know that people report that the Ex. can be very sensitive to different brands of plugs. That's why I was keen to get genuine Motorcraft ones when I changed mine recently (thank you Howard!).

I wonder if you refit the old plugs if you get the same issue? If not maybe swap out one plug at a time or something to see if it's one bad plug?

 

[swshawaii]

I bought 6 NKG platinums from a local motor factors who confirmed them as pre gapped. After removing the old (same make ones) and realising they didn't really need changing - judging by the colour and wear

That's what makes this strange, they've been replaced with identical NGK plugs.
As mentioned, check wires, ceramics, and most importantly, the correct .054 gaps.

 

[fcat]

Can anyone tell me which are the correct Motorcraft ones for my 98 facelift Ex ? I'll be in the US in a week and want to pick some up while i'm there.
Also looking for recommendations on a new set of plug leads.
cheers

 

[janolsson]

fcat
just looked on tasca and does not list the type. On USAllparts it lists the Autolite APP103 Platinum. I believe Autolite make the motorcraft plugs but i could be wrong. If you are running lpg you will want the autolite copper equivilent
I'm sure a quick search in the US part of this site would find the answer but i'm out the door right now to get some new wheels for my mr2

 

[simonkn8574]

yep, I think thats the solution to check all leads and drive it. Then change one plug at a time and drive it after each change.... Long and drawn out but perhaps the only way...

Cheers all

SK

 

[fcat]

Thanks for the info, im not running LPG and will look into it.

 

[onetime]

Hello, i brought these in uk http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-Motorcraft-Spark-Plugs-fit-Ford-Explorer-Rover-SD1-NGK-BPR5EFS-RS12YC-/290693391065?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43aead22d9

haven't fitted them yet, does anybody know the gap 1.3mm? from above post or what?

they have autolite written on them.

onetime

 

[fcat]

Hello, i brought these in uk http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-Motorcraft-Spark-Plugs-fit-Ford-Explorer-Rover-SD1-NGK-BPR5EFS-RS12YC-/290693391065?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43aead22d9

haven't fitted them yet, does anybody know the gap 1.3mm? from above post or what?

they have autolite written on them.

onetime

I did see those and thought they were the bargain of the century at £7 for six! however it only lists them upto 96 models and mines a 98, plus it says they are for the OHV ? not the SOHC?

 

[onetime]

good job i haven't fitted them yet, good job they were cheap! does anybody know if they will be ok with a 1999 sohc, cannot see why they wont be but i am sure there is a expert out their.

That will teach me to read the advert and not bid after a few beers!!

onetime

 

[simonkn8574]

Well, just for once the old girl doesn't make me bleed to get to the truth!

Removed the drivers front wheel and pulled back the wheel well cover and removed the lead from plug 3. And low and behold, the NEW plugs ceramic is split in 3 pieces!

removed and replaced with an old one, then regapped the other two on the same side (all NEW PreGapped plugs and all below 1mm!) and she runs like a dream. 'Suppose i'll remove the other three sometime and recap them as I expect them to be pretty poorly gapped!

Back to the shop then - i was expecting a bit more from a £5 plug!

Regards

SK

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

may have to check mine if they are poorly gapped, considering last time i checked one i did have 1.3mm gap and assumed they where all like this from ngk

 

[swshawaii]

good job i haven't fitted them yet, good job they were cheap! does anybody know if they will be ok with a 1999 sohc, cannot see why they wont be but i am sure there is a expert out their.

That will teach me to read the advert and not bid after a few beers!!

onetime

Would bet odds they are the WRONG plugs. Nothing listed on the under hood decal or owners manual?

 

[janolsson]

Well, just for once the old girl doesn't make me bleed to get to the truth!

Removed the drivers front wheel and pulled back the wheel well cover and removed the lead from plug 3. And low and behold, the NEW plugs ceramic is split in 3 pieces!


SK

Ha ha I called it, does that mean i win some haribo????

 

[simonkn8574]

Claim a bag of Tangfastics from a Budgens near you soon!!

well done sir! Will be back at the shop tomorrow claiming my replacement plug!

SK