I need to change the spark plugs in my truck. I've got an Amazon gift card. Which ones would be best to buy from there? (Under $50) Thanks for the help, Kim. This is the part number I have but it comes up with really expensive spark plugs. Motorcraft AGSF22PP

 

The ones it comes up with are 4 for $100.00. That seems kind of high to me.

 

The best spark plugs for a Ranger are either motorcraft plugs or autolite plugs. Same thing, different name.

There is NO reason why you should pay 100 dollars for 6 plugs, none what so ever. Absolutely ridiculous!

When it comes to plug type, you have four choices. Copper, platinum, double platinum, and iridium. These refer to what the electrodes are made of, or what coating they have. This of course ups the price. Copper is the cheapest, iridium is the most expensive.

The best spark plug, so far, I'd wager is the copper spark plug. They don't last as long as the others, but they're cheaper by a longshot and the deliver a nice hot spark every time.

Also, any claims that any spark plug will give you a boost in performance over another plug is a complete and utter lie. The premium metal on these expensive plugs ONLY make them last longer. That is it. The only reason you may see a performance gain, is for the fact that new plugs have replaced worn out plugs. Any new plug will out perform a worn plug and make an engine run better.

I digress. Your best bet is a set of copper plugs, autolite or motorcraft brand. Both will suffice. I ordered a set of autolite 103 plugs (six) from rockauto and it was about 12 dollars.

 

Ok, so I went on Amazon, because I have a gift card for $40 and found this , are these the ones you are talking about? And will they work in my 2000 flex fuel 3.0 Ranger? https://www.amazon.com/Autolite-103-...dp/B000C21GKO/

 

Yes, they will fit. Same plugs I have, and I love them over the platinums.

In the future, use rockauto to see if something will fit. They list several part numbers for a given application. Even if you don't buy the parts from them, their catalog is still great for ensuring part fitment. Never trust what ebay or amazon say as far as part fitment goes.

 

The only reason I'm buying from Amazon is I got the gift card. My friend when asked what would be a good thing to use it for , suggested something for my truck. I really did not know they had automotive parts. Thanks very much for your help sharing your knowledge!

 

You're welcome, Kim. Plenty of people have bought parts from amazon and ebay both.

A few tips, if you're new to this. Only change plugs on a stone cold engine, after it has sat at least over night. Reason being, is metal is softer at these high temperatures, and it's easier to strip threads; which is a very bad day.

Also, have a spark plug socket. I believe the size used is 5/8ths. You can take a spark plug with you to ensure you get the right one, if you don't already have one available.

Apply antiseize to the threads of a spark plug. This stuff is cheap, and can be found in containers for around 6 dollars at hardware stores like Menards. Auto parts stores are awful full of themselves as far as prices go. This prevents the plug from ever rusting and seizing in the head. Makes subsequent spark plug changes easier.

Use a normal-length ratchet. You can over-tighten a spark plug easily with a longer handled ratchet. As a rule of thumb, anything over 9 inches I would consider 'long handle' and under 9 is 'normal'.

The use of a short extension is a good idea in some cases. Make sure this is not a 'wobble' joint, however. It's surprisingly easy to break a spark plug. A wobble joint makes it easier to do this.

Change only one plug at a time. This prevents the spark plug wires from getting mixed up. They're in a certain order because of 'firing order', since not all pistons fire at the same time.

Don't drop the spark plug. The 'gap' can change, which will alter the spark. A cheap spark plug gauge is good to have. Speaking of which, do ensure the gap is correct for your engine. There should be a label somewhere on the truck within the engine back which will tell you the gap. 0.42-0.46 is what mine is gapped to; although yours may be different.

Start a spark plug by hand before using a ratchet. This ensures that the plug isn't cross threaded.

Make sure any spark plug wires aren't coming into contact with the exhaust manifold or other hot parts of the engine. If it melts, it can cause a misfire.

Good luck! :)

 

Wow thanks for the additional tips!

 

You're welcome. The more knowledge I can put forth, the better. It's no fun breaking off a plug inside an engine.

 

So that still leaves me money on that gift card what do you think of Amazon wiper blades. The ones on the truck are pretty crappy. I know 18 inch is the size. They have a lot of choices there. and is there any other small item/s you would suggest? Thanks

 

I've always bought mine in store, but a long as it's a good brand I don't see why getting it online would be bad. Michilan, rain x, I think bosche makes wipers, etc are all good brands. I personally have Rainx.

A fuel filter and air filter are good choices, too. Even if you don't need them right now, they're good to have for when you do need them.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!