Hey Folks,

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 2wd, 3.0L V6. I last replaced my spark plugs and fuel filter with Motorcraft SP-432 plugs and a FG1061 filter in 2018 back when I had somewhere around 100-110k miles. I currently have 140k miles and the truck seems to be running fine aside from having eaten (or possibly leaked) about a quart of oil since my last oil change back in November of last year and the fact I have a small coolant leak.

What is the recommended service interval for spark plugs and fuel filters for the ranger?

Thanks!

 

Fuel filters are 5 to 7 years, but really depends on you local fuel supply

Spark plugs depend on coating and engine condition
You should only use regular copper(no coating) or Double coating, with Wastes spark systems, which is what you have
Single coating will wear out faster on one bank of the engine than the other, so waste of money

Just pull 2 or 3 spark plugs, one from each side at least
And check the gap and condition of the tip
You can re-gap and clean
Very light brown tips means all is well

Darker brown tips means engine is running Richer than it should, usually because O2 sensors are older and need to be replaced
Blackish means oil is being burned, could be from older PCV Valve or leaking valve stem seals, usually NOT from rings

But check the spark plug tips first before changing to newer spark plugs
Generally 40k-50k is a good change interval

 

Thanks Ron!