First off, I registered for this site a week ago while looking for my first ranger.

Lots of good info here, I use the search engine every day and learn new things all the time.

This is my first truck, hence my first ranger....2k3 4.0L auto w/100k

Me so happy...

Anyhow...after reading the post on spark plugs, and how everyone reacted to not changing the plugs at 100k, I thought I would ask this....

My ranger is at 100k, and just got it a few days ago. How can I tell if the plugs have ever been changed? I don't want to change them needlessly, but I will change them if they haven't been changed before.

Any ideas?

 

Don't follow the masses. At 100k they are due.

You only have a 4cylinder so they won't cost much. Just pick up a new set of motorcrafts, make sure to not over torque them and call it done for another 100k.

Rich

 

I didn't know a 4.0L was a 4cyl?? If he had a 2.5L 4cyl, he'd be swapping 8 plugs.

Anyway. There's no real way to tell other than the condition of the plug after you pull it out. if it's fairly clean, it's new. Did you purchase from a dealership?? If so, the plugs should've been changed, due to it having 100k on the clock.

I believe the easiest plug to pull is the driver side, 1st or 2nd from the front...(#1 or #3?? I'm thinking chevy right now). Pull a plug, and take a peek. There's threads on spark plug changing in the 4.0L section...it can be a pain. And when you do swap your plugs, don't forget to set them to the proper gap. The required specs should be on your radiator support on a sticker.

 

Thanks, I will check this weekend. If I still question if they have been replaced, I will take a pic and get your opinions.

BTW, yeah, its a V6 4.0L, not a 4 banger.

 

Do a google search on conditions of spark plugs. there's a chart that's on the back cover of those haynes or chiltons manuals. It shows a picture of a plug, and tells us what's wrong with it. there should be an online version of that chart too.


That little 4.0 being a 4cyl......was sarcasm.

 

Dumb sometimes me might be a bit.

 

speaking of which, what is the gap on the 4.0L?

 

nevermind, if i would have looked at the other thread my question wouldve been answered

 

check the gap. if they are original, the gap will be bigger than what the truck calls for. If it's real close to the proper gap it probably has been changed.