Another Maintenance Item off the List

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Well, not very exciting Bronco project this weekend. I changed the spark plugs. I did some research and determined NGK NGK Ruthenium HX LTR7BHX was the best available plug for my intended use. NAPA actually had a slightly different plug they marked as exact fit and I did use the recommended part number, maybe the stock heat range is different (above part is one step “colder”)? I think they ended up about $16 per plug with an online ordering discount.

Standard service interval is 100k, severe duty, 60k. I’m at about 65k. Three of the six plugs were slightly out of spec (over .30 gap) 3 were still in spec, so probably about the right time for me to change them. Colors looked good, definitely some corrosion on the passenger side plugs. I assume I picked up some moisture at some point, and it wasn’t severe, but noticeably more resistance coming out.

Each plug got a light coat of anti seize and some fresh dialectric grease on the boot.

It does run a bit smoother and the occasional low idle miss I could feel seems gone.

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Coil-packs weren’t too difficult to remove?

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The wiring was tight, but doable. I just took my time. I did notice my arms are scraped up a bit and my chest hurt where I was laying across the engine on and off for a couple of hours. I saved at least $300 doing it myself and it was nice to read the plugs.

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I failed to mention the torque spec is 13-14 ft lbs. I’m glad I checked, there is no crush washer, I would have gone to tight or stripped the threads potentially without the torque wrench and specs. 5/8” plug socket btw.

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Thanks Matt! This is all great info and a good reminder about basic maintenance. I’m at 55k, so this puts it in the back of my mind to check towards the end of summer to see how Bonnie is holding up.

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Great write-up, Matt! Maybe not glorious, but I appreciate your maintenance posts!!