Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 05-05-2019, 09:33 AM
firstplaceagain firstplaceagain is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Default Bad Rotton Egg Smell after changing plugs and wires

I recently changed the plugs and wires in my 98 4.0 V6 4WD Ranger and it now has an instant awful rotten egg smell. I've started and stopped it a few times in the driveway and let it run about 5 minutes, but haven't driven it any where due to the problem. The truck doesn't sound or feel like it's misfiring and the check engine light hasn't came on.

What should I do to troubleshoot, or do you have any advice?

I installed Bosch 8113 plugs which do not require gapping.
I installed Standard Motor Products 6684 plug wires. Every one of the new cables were different lengths than the original ones were, and I believe the original ones were OEM. The 3 on the passenger side were all the same length, but the 3 on the drivers side were different lengths, and none matched up exactly with the old ones. I labeled everything before I took them off and double verified that I have all the cables in the right order.

Could the odd lengths of these aftermarket cables be the problem? Wouldn't that be a problem for everyone that bought them if so?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-05-2019, 10:38 AM
firstplaceagain firstplaceagain is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Default Re: Bad Rotton Egg Smell after changing plugs and wires

I installed the old plug wires, same rotten smell. It must not be the wires...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-05-2019, 10:45 AM
Dirtman Dirtman is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 516
Default Re: Bad Rotton Egg Smell after changing plugs and wires

Rotten egg smell is from hydrogen sulfide not being properly converted to sulfur dioxide. Typically it's because the catalytic converter has died but it also happens if too much unburned fuel is passing through it.

Since this issue just randomly appeared after replacing the plugs I would first inspect your work. Did you accidentally knock any hoses or wires loose? Especially for example the vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator. If you can't find any oopsies, run the engine again at idle for a couple minutes and then pull the plugs and inspect them. If any of them are wet and smell of fuel then those plugs are not firing correctly and you need to find out why. Bad wire, bad plug, etc.

Also, aftermarket plug wires are always different lengths than oem. They are usually a bit longer but sometimes a tad shorter. This is because they try to make them fit as many different vehicles as possible to save cost. It's normal.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-05-2019, 10:50 AM
firstplaceagain firstplaceagain is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Default Re: Bad Rotton Egg Smell after changing plugs and wires

I'll try pulling the plugs out and inspecting them. I'll probably just purchase motorcraft plugs and install them at the same time.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-06-2019, 10:13 PM
bjurke bjurke is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 350
Default Re: Bad Rotton Egg Smell after changing plugs and wires

put the old plugs back in. that way you know if its plugs or convertor.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hesitation After Changing Spark Plugs / Wires and Fuel Filter osswmi 4-Cylinder Tech 12 03-29-2016 05:02 PM
Changing plugs and wires. Coil pack too? LoJosRanger 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 3 01-28-2015 08:06 AM
changing plugs and wires - 2004 2.3L Mr. Mick 4-Cylinder Tech 2 09-24-2012 07:47 AM
Changing Spark Plugs/wires daldup 4-Cylinder Tech 14 08-18-2012 03:56 PM
poor fuel economy after changing plugs/wires rleighton 4-Cylinder Tech 5 03-01-2012 03:12 PM