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Old 11-18-2011, 09:23 AM
double b26 double b26 is offline
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Default Changing Half of the Spark Plugs (4 of 8)?

okay, ive been reading around the forum (and others) on changing the plugs in my 95 2.3 Lima ranger. it looks like its going to be a real pain compared to every other 4cyl i've worked on. not to mention that i'll have to buy more specialty tools to get the job done, like swiveling plug sockets and/or extensions.

but anyway, the real reason im here is that i've read that only half of the plugs are firing on the compression stroke, and the other half only fire during the exhaust stroke, and that basically the latter are there to burn off extra fumes before sending it through the cat and exhaust... emissions BS. that being the case, i've seen some ppl say that a person can change only one side of the 8 plugs, and it should improve the idle/running of the engine. no one is saying there's no reason to change all 8 of them, but if your in a pinch, changing the compression-firing set will give you some improvement until the rest can be done.

so, i'm in a pinch! is there any truth to that? i think i read that the 'main plugs' are on the exhaust side, which look easy to change.
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Old 11-19-2011, 05:08 PM
sheltonfilms sheltonfilms is offline
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Default Re: Changing Half of the Spark Plugs (4 of 8)?

Yeah main firing plugs are the easy exhaust side. The intake/drivers side is the "waste" spark side that only fires on exhaust strokes.
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Old 11-19-2011, 05:40 PM
TheStig TheStig is offline
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Default Re: Changing Half of the Spark Plugs (4 of 8)?

I posted a How to. On making all the plugs fire on the compression stroke....

Check out the Dual ignition plug mod in the how to section
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:02 AM
double b26 double b26 is offline
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Default

I got the main ones changed out, and it did help out some. But it still has a miss when its real cold oit, and you first start it up. Smooths out after it warms up, but still doesnt feel 100%.

I lost one of my 3/8 extensions down in the engine bay while doing the job.... bummer. Im laid off right now, so everuthing has been put on the back burner till i get some real pay coming in.

Ill look into the plug firing mod too. Thanks for the tip!
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:11 AM
Rackster Rackster is offline
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Default Re: Changing Half of the Spark Plugs (4 of 8)?

No fun losing the socket in the engine compartment. If you have rod with a magnet tip (or a neighbor who has one) you might be able to do some 'fishing' and find it.

Good luck on the job hunt Brian! Hopefully a short look gets you back in the saddle.

Kevin
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2000 Ranger Sport - Stock 2.5L, 4AT w/OD & 4:10 gears, Ultragauge

Mileage: 100K, 23Cty/27Hwy/25Avg, AC 25% (winter blend)

Bests: 100%Hwy 28.5 mpg@58 mph(win/up); 27.6 mpg@60 mph(AC 50%)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?pa...)&viewcar=3919
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Old 01-21-2012, 07:21 AM
double b26 double b26 is offline
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Thanks for the well-wishes man, but im only laid off, and should be back at it around the end of this month. I actually opted to keep my current position because i typically get laid off in the winter for 2 or 3 months.... and i cant say that i mind the down time, other than having to tighten my belt a bit. But its a fair trade in my book!

Abyway, i have a telescoping magnet tool, but it didnt do any good. The extension fell somewhere, but never hit the floor. Every now and then, i hear what sounds like something rolling around in the engine bay, so i might luck out at some point and find it laying on a skid plate or something.... but not counting on it. And as luck would have it, its the only one like it that i had. I have two of every other type i own, but only one like that one. Go figure!
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Old 01-21-2012, 10:23 AM
Rackster Rackster is offline
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Default Re: Changing Half of the Spark Plugs (4 of 8)?

That's good to hear; only off for the holidays and cold weather. Some jobs work out that way, so I can't blame you for enjoying the down time. Like you said, tighten the belt but enjoy the mental vacation from the job. I think many of us would actually enjoy that!
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2000 Ranger Sport - Stock 2.5L, 4AT w/OD & 4:10 gears, Ultragauge

Mileage: 100K, 23Cty/27Hwy/25Avg, AC 25% (winter blend)

Bests: 100%Hwy 28.5 mpg@58 mph(win/up); 27.6 mpg@60 mph(AC 50%)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?pa...)&viewcar=3919
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4 of 8, compression stroke, exhaust stroke, spark plugs

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