Hey guys, im at about 99,700 miles and im thinking its time to change the spark plugs. Ive never had it done since ive owned the truck, and I dont know if its ever been done.

So I know I need the spark plug socket and a wrench. What else do I need?

Ive read up a bit and I take it I need to buy Motorcraft double platinum spark plugs and motorcraft wires? What else? Do I need some sort of gapper tool to get the gap right on the spark plug? Or are they already set up when I buy the plugs.

How hard is this to do on a 2000 2.5L 4 Cyclinder? Especially for someone who is not very mechanically inclined.

If someone doesn't mind can you give me a step by step sort of guide? Id appreciate it.

 

yup, Change em...

Oh, and motorcraft plugs for sure! Compare prices, I have run Napa Belden blue wires on all my vehicles (that needed replacements) and they are great wires.

 

Even if they tell you that they are pre-gapped, check them anyways. Changing plugs and wires is pretty easy, just a lil time consuming. When you change the wires do them one at a time to keep from getting them crossed up. Platinum plugs are typically good for 100,000 miles, so its bout that time. Part # for Motorcraft Platinum nickle-plated plugs is AGSF32FM. Set the gap at .044

 

Okay now how do I set the gap? Do I need some sort of tool?

 

When your at NAPA or Autozone or wherever on the counters they usually have gap tools, they are about the size of a half dollar with an edge that tapers. Check your manual for the proper gapping. Oh, and if your wires don't come with the dielectric goo pick some up.

 

something like this for the gap tool:

 

something like this for the gap tool:

they're only a couple bucks

 

Okay got it. So on a scale of 1-10 how hard do you guys think this will be? The most ive ever done by myself on hooking up my truck was the throttle cable mod, trying to get a tach wired up (unsuccessful) and installing a aftermarket stereo.

 

Hmm okay. Is there anything else I should do along with changing the plugs and wires?

I think I got the basic concept down. Ill be trying to hunt down some motorcraft plugs and some motorcraft wires.

 

x2 and the beldens are great i got mine for i think 80$

 

my 98 has 113k and still the same plugs from factory

 

^^^Time to change them my friend....

 

113K and never changed yikes that is scary to me

 

^^ I know, can you say broken plugs?? lol...

 

If those plugs have been in the head since the truck left the factory, you will need to be very careful not to strip the thread when you remove/replace the plugs. Apply pressure carefully after hitting with PB Blaster or some other penetrant. If this doesn't work, Drive the truck till it reaches normal operating temperature & CAREFULLY (so not to get burned) try again. If all else fails, try applying pressure to tighten and then try to remove. Those constant "heat/cool" cycles tend to weld the plugs in the heads.

Good Luck!

 

Good advice.

Belden is a good brand of plug wire, the problem with them and other aftermarket cable sets is that they are often packaged to fit more than one engine, and so you sometimes end up with wires that are too long or too short running to a couple of cylinders.

I recommend a Motorcraft cable set, they are premium plug wires and always a perfect fit. You can get them at a great price, even after shipping, from here:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...cfm?siteid=318

Look under "Electrical" and "Ignition".

 

Well I just finished changing plugs and wires on my truck today. I replaced them with Autolite Platinums and Motorcraft wires. I am new to this truck and this particular style motor so my advice, take your time and don't buy the Motorcraft wires from the dealer $$! If you don't want cramped hands and scraped up arms, this is not the job for you, but hey I saved money doing it and I learned more about my truck!

 

Sorry to drag up the old thread here, but I just felt this would work better then creating a new one.

a couple quick questions for you guys.

1. Where abouts can I find specifically motorcraft plugs and wires? Besides the dealer?
2. Should I try and get Motorcraft platinum plugs? Or will another platinum plug do just fine?
3. My friend who is going to help me suggested I replace the distributor cap, does that need to be motorcraft as well or no?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks Mark. I was actually able to track down Motorcraft parts. Turns out theres an OE store right by my house. So I picked up motorcraft platinum plugs and motorcraft wires.

I should definately do the PCV probably and the timing belt, but thatll have to wait.

 

One other tool that I have found to be very handy for replacing plugs is a short length of 3/8 fuel hose about 18 inches long. stuff the plug into one end and use the hose to start them threading into the head until they are finger tight, it makes putting the ones under the intake manifold oh so much easier.

 

i don;t think this was mentioned. Make sure you put anti sieze on the plugs before you install them.

 

no argument necessary. We are discussing a 4 cylinder. I think 4 cylinder has aluminum heads. I would always use anti sieze on aluminum heads. I assume the compound would conduct electricity. I hope it does cause I use it on ground wires all the time and never had an issue.