spark plug change out.

[toughguy]

ok, my first time changing out the plugs on my 2000 Ford Ex, EB RWD, and the wife's 1999 Ford Ex, EB AWD, went to the manual and I see this....."1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch).

what does this mean ? why such a wide gap range?

what does the V8 call for? THANKS.

 

[XLTrunner]

They are giving you min/max. Recommended gap is right in the middle...(.054"). Same for V8.

 

[toughguy]

They are giving you min/max. Recommended gap is right in the middle...(.054"). Same for V8.

Thanks, what plugs?

 

[1998Exp]

Plus/minus 2 mils tolerance is about as good as the gap can be adjusted, considering that there is some flexibility in the ground electrode. Because the gap will also change with time and temperature, there is no need to do any better, and engines are designed to accept the small variation in firing voltage that this will cause without any significant impact on performance.

ok, my first time changing out the plugs on my 2000 Ford Ex, EB RWD, and the wife's 1999 Ford Ex, EB AWD, went to the manual and I see this....."1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch).

what does this mean ? why such a wide gap range?

what does the V8 call for? THANKS.

 

[beach]

Yeah just did mine, .54 gap and be careful gapping platinum plugs, I had to gap my whole set, they were all way off. Word of advice, a lot of people strip or snap the plugs off in the 5.0 block. Mine didn't budge with force and didn't want to take the chance, soak them in PB blaster for a week and heat cycled them to make sure the oil worked it's way in, still took some time and was careful but they all came out.

Might as well do new wires too, also rerouted #4 wire as the stock location is moronic lol. I always used the Autolite Double Platinums for the V8.also take your coil packs off and replace if bad or clean them up, huge difference. Just made a thread recently.....

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434784

 

[toughguy]

Yeah just did mine, .54 gap and be careful gapping platinum plugs, I had to gap my whole set, they were all way off. Word of advice, a lot of people strip or snap the plugs off in the 5.0 block. Mine didn't budge with force and didn't want to take the chance, soak them in PB blaster for a week and heat cycled them to make sure the oil worked it's way in, still took some time and was careful but they all came out.

Might as well do new wires too, also rerouted #4 wire as the stock location is moronic lol. I always used the Autolite Double Platinums for the V8.also take your coil packs off and replace if bad or clean them up, huge difference. Just made a thread recently.....

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434784

Thanks Beach, this will be my weekend project, thanks for the heads up on the coil packs too !!! Will update this weekend.

 

[swshawaii]

Any visible corrosion? Sounds like the Gen 2 V8 had issues with spark plugs seizing in the cast iron heads and breaking. Using a very thin coating of copper or nickel anti seize on the threads is always subject to opinion, mostly due to over tightening, but it sounds like a good preventative measure if you are careful when tightening. Using PB Blaster or any penetrant well before removal may be your best friend. These threads are probably worth reading before you proceed,

96 V8 Explorer, broken spark plug *pics inside of what I used
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139982&highlight=broken+spark+plug

Spark plug and wire change nightmare
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273303&highlight=broken+spark+plug

 

[toughguy]

Any visible corrosion? Sounds like the Gen 2 V8 had issues with spark plugs seizing in the cast iron heads and breaking. Using a very thin coating of copper or nickel anti seize on the threads is always subject to opinion, mostly due to over tightening, but it sounds like a good preventative measure if you are careful when tightening. Using PB Blaster or any penetrant well before removal may be your best friend. These threads are probably worth reading before you proceed,

96 V8 Explorer, broken spark plug *pics inside of what I used
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139982&highlight=broken+spark+plug

Spark plug and wire change nightmare
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273303&highlight=broken+spark+plug

Thank you swshawaii.