WooHoo, just changed my plugs!

[SVO LOU]

I bought my Mounty used about a month and a half ago so today I checked a spark plug to see if they needed to be changed. When I pulled the boot on one I knew it was original, it had that little dab of paint on the end. I pulled it just to check and the gap was at 70 thousandths! Turns out all of them were about that worn.
Anyway, I got a set of NGK G-power plugs and couldn't be happier. Don't know if it's the fact that they're NGK plugs or just having non-worn plugs but throttle response is MUCH better. With my Fords I've had good luck with either Motorcraft plugs or NGK. These plugs are single platinum but that's OK because I won't let these stay in over 50K.
Can't wait to see what happens with gas mileage.


Lou.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Did you put new wires on also? With that many miles it probably wouldnt hurt.

 

[SVO LOU]

I didn't know about the plug wires until I saw how they were routed during the R&R of the plugs. They almost HAVE to go bad being routed like that.
Next project.

Lou.

 

[DarkFox1]

its in your head

lol, I can't just say that..

I pulled a plug on my truck not too long ago, I work on old GM cars and trucks all the time, so to me.. the gap was HUGE on this plug.. they're not originall maybe about 40k miles old. they all fire.. so I've been told as long as the plugs fire, they dont need replacing.. its a binary type thing.. 1 fire 0 doesn't there is no grey.

what is the gap supposed to be?

 

[garyt]

Gap

If my memory serves, the gap on the 5.0 is supposed to be .054

 

[garyt]

Oh, and on the binary firing point, that's only to keep the fuel in that cylinder igniting. A weak spark will still ignite some of the fuel. But, Quality/strength of spark affects the completeness and timing of the burn, which affects power and mileage. That's also the reason that so many people upgrade ignition systems with better wires, coils, plugs, etc. It's to have a better spark, not just a spark.

 

[Pemerling]

im thinkin about changin my plugs before the tmperature outside gets way too cold. my friend and i were lookin at it the other day whats the easiest way to get to the plugs. on the 5.0 it seems they are hard to reach and considering i have a broken hand i basicaly have to direct my friend on how to do it.. any suggestions?

 

[DarkFox1]

wheel well

go in through the wheel well.. you dont have to take the tire off.. just jack the truck up, put it on jack stands, and remove the black rubber-ish uh.. debris sheild.. and you should see all 4 plugs right there.. passenger side is a ton easier than driver.. MAKE SURE THE ENGINES COOL.. I had over 7 extentions on my ratchet to get mine out cos every time I got even close in there wiht my hand I almost burned it on an Xhaust manifold.

btw.. driver side may need the tire off.. dont think so tho

 

[SVO LOU]

I didn't have to take off a wheel. Just jack it up so you see more space between the tire and the fender. Take out the black plastic splash-shield and voila. If you plan on re-using your spark-plug wires then definitely get good spark-plug boot pliers. I used a 5/8" spark-plug socket that has a built-in swivel and a 36" extension.
Good luck.

Lou.

 

[Pemerling]

im guesing its not that hard to change ur wirers either eh? ive had the same ones since i bought the truck. how much would a good set run me? since u guys have all the answers to my questions (which i apreciate) do asny of u have an idea on how to fix a drivers side bucket seat? mines sorta twisted from being used soo much. the ford guy said something about new parts for the frame? any ideas

 

[DarkFox1]

couldn't say about the wires.. but if I were to do it.. I'd make syre the engine is cold, cos where these run it looks like theres gonna be a lot of hand to exhaust manifold contact.. of which would not be prefered if the truck was just on a 20 minute drive

I would grab a friend to help me do the wire swap.. one at the wheel well.. one at the top.. I'd change each wire 1 at a time making sure it follows the same path (and is the right length) I say the 2 people from experience of running other wires through the truck.. 1 person can do it.. but 2 people can do it easier hehe