Newbie w a Spark Plug Question

97GreenXLT · #1 07-10-2011, 07:55 PM

Hey guys Newbie here to the forum, just bought a 97 Ranger XLT a few weeks ago. It runs great im actually getting 30mpg in the city. But I do have one problem when I go up a hill or get it on a little I feel hesitation and feel it missing I have to go down sometimes 2 gears.( it is a 5spd) I'm guessing I need plugs. I'm worried that if I get the wrong kind it will affect my gas mileage I would like my MPG to increase further if possible. I was looking into autolite double platinums? are they good for rangers? they improved my MPG in my old mustang by 2mpg. Or is there something better that will improve my gas mileage and work better in my ranger? Not really looking for performance, the more mpg the better for me. Also should I go ahead and change my wires and coilpacks also? if so what is the best I can get for some performance and mpg increase? Thanks

FireRanger · #2 07-10-2011, 08:03 PM

Might help if you told us what engine you have. Also, how are you calculating the MPG.

Autolite or motorcraft only.

97GreenXLT · #3 07-10-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

Might help if you told us what engine you have. Also, how are you calculating the MPG.

Autolite or motorcraft only.

Oh yea sorry, its the 2.3L 4 cyl and im calculating it on the trip. I fill up usually every 250-260 miles. I went 259 miles today and filled up took exactly 8.360 Gallons. So do you think the autolite double platinums would help my MPG further? or should I go with autolites new iridum plug? What about the wires and coil packs should I change them also?

idlewyld89 · #4 07-10-2011, 09:41 PM

As FireRanger already said, Autolite and Motocraft are the only two brands I would use. I think Autolite might be cheaper, but Motocraft generally don't wear out as quick. I change my plugs every 80,000 - 100,000mi or as needed, vs. Autolite's in the past which have needed replacing at 60k or sooner.

If you're already getting 30mpg, then I wouldn't hope for much more. Most 4cyl Rangers are rated right around 29-31mpg highway.

If you have a voltmeter, you can go ahead and test your wires. Resistance should read 0, with a 0.05 tolerance. Anything else means your wires are due. If not, go somewhere dark, or wait until night, and check and see if you can find any arcing on the wires when the engine is on. If you see any sparks (probably blue), that is also a sign they're due.

Cheers!

97GreenXLT · #5 07-10-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idlewyld89

As FireRanger already said, Autolite and Motocraft are the only two brands I would use. I think Autolite might be cheaper, but Motocraft generally don't wear out as quick. I change my plugs every 80,000 - 100,000mi or as needed, vs. Autolite's in the past which have needed replacing at 60k or sooner.

If you're already getting 30mpg, then I wouldn't hope for much more. Most 4cyl Rangers are rated right around 29-31mpg highway.

If you have a voltmeter, you can go ahead and test your wires. Resistance should read 0, with a 0.05 tolerance. Anything else means your wires are due. If not, go somewhere dark, or wait until night, and check and see if you can find any arcing on the wires when the engine is on. If you see any sparks (probably blue), that is also a sign they're due.

Cheers!

Appreciate the info man, will probably end up going with motorcraft instead then. I will check the wires when I get a chance. What about liquid nitrogen in the tires..? I have heard 1-2mpg increase from that my gparents have it in all of their vehicles 1 mpg increase on their SUV and 3 on my gpas truck. What you think it costs 25 bucks. Should I go with it?

S13minus1 · #6 07-10-2011, 09:49 PM

no, spark plug wires will not have 0 ohms of resistance. they'll actually have what is technically called a metric dickload of resistance.

FireRanger · #7 07-11-2011, 04:47 AM

No matter what people tell you or what you read on some fancy advertisement, spark plugs do not enhance performance or MPG. If your old plugs are crap, that will hurt performance and MPG and replacing them with correct new ones will bring your performance and MPG back to normal. If you are getting 30mph in that truck, you are already getting normal mpg so do not expect a difference.

There are many things that can cause the problem you're having and it may or may not be the plugs. I think it is could be something else fuel related too. Have you checked the fuel pressure? It should be 35psi on yours.

97GreenXLT · #8 07-11-2011, 08:54 AM

No I haven't checked it. I'm not sure how to do that, never have done it. How exactly do I do that?

FireRanger · #9 07-11-2011, 09:22 AM

There is a schrader valve somewhere under the hood to check it just like you do tire pressure. But I don't know where it is on that engine.

97GreenXLT · #10 07-11-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

There is a schrader valve somewhere under the hood to check it just like you do tire pressure. But I don't know where it is on that engine.

I'll look it up and see if I can find it. Let me know if you find it and shoot me a link

Twin City Ranger · #11 07-11-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97GreenXLT

Hey guys Newbie here to the forum, just bought a 97 Ranger XLT a few weeks ago. It runs great im actually getting 30mpg in the city.

The '96 that I bought new was equipped the same as yours, and I maybe got 22 mpg in the city if I drove it nice.
They were rated at 19 city - 25 hwy.

I think you should do your calculations after using a complete tank.

97GreenXLT · #12 07-11-2011, 11:59 AM

does it have a low fuel level warning sensor if im low on fuel? my fuel sending unit is bad. But according to my owners manual I have a 17Gallon tank and after 260 miles I only use around 8.5 gallons

killj0y · #13 07-14-2011, 09:24 AM

Dunno if your calculating right but 30 is about the best anyone can get with these engines without doing crazy modifications and weight loss. Also I've heard our engines aren't too good on hills and inclines, don't know if it's true since I don't live near any to test it besides a little tiny one. How many miles on the truck? What if any regular maintenance history do you have? Have you done any regular maintenance since you got it? Is it throwing any codes?

94fordrangerkcmo · #14 07-21-2011, 10:07 AM

I have a 94 ranger 2.3l 5 speed xl, just rolled 175k, was getting average of 19mpg. I changed the passenger side plugs and air filter. Mileage has returned to near sticker list, 24 average. Until gas prices come down, I only run 1/4 tank of gas at a time. It saves a little on weight.

97GreenXLT · #15 07-21-2011, 10:56 AM

True. I need to get my fuel sending unit fixed. I only run about 250-260 miles to a tank then I fill up.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by killj0y

Dunno if your calculating right but 30 is about the best anyone can get with these engines without doing crazy modifications and weight loss. Also I've heard our engines aren't too good on hills and inclines, don't know if it's true since I don't live near any to test it besides a little tiny one. How many miles on the truck? What if any regular maintenance history do you have? Have you done any regular maintenance since you got it? Is it throwing any codes?

Yea they suck goin up hills. But I feel a hesitation when going up one like it's hitting something just enough to make it feel like you are getting hit back a little. I have a little over 168,xxx