Buyer beware

[Dr_Strangelove]

@moorejl57 - I guess my memory is faulty, imagine that, because it looks like the official ValvoMax packaging is also a blister pack, but different. I went looking on google just to see if by chance I could find a photo of the unit I was sent and I did! On ebay!

FAKE UNIT:

REAL UNIT:

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[RedlandRanger]

Was the problem caused by counterfeit plugs? Because many people had issues with #4 after replacement because that COP is a bitch to get on correctly.

I was going to say the same thing. Misfire on #4 sounds like the COP problem.

Counterfeit parts are becoming a big problem on Amazon - Project Farm did a bit on counterfeit batteries - Milwaukee. DeWalt and Makita. It was pretty scary honestly. The knock offs looked IDENTICAL to the real ones - sometimes if you looked REALLY, REALLY close you could see something different, but most of them looked identical.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Thank you for the heads up. This is a great time to parrot my old story about how I once got a counterfeit ValvoMax oil drain from Amazon. Crazy stuff.

I've relegated Amazon to "stuff from whole foods or stuff that doesn't matter."

I bought a "Motorcraft" engine air filter from Amazon that I am 100% positive is counterfeit but it looked exactly like the one I pulled out - so I put it in. I figure this can't get... oh dear God.

*runs to garage*

Run Forrest Run!!?‍‍?‍‍?‍‍

 

[Fawnbuster]

I had to order some hemorrhoid meds from Amazon since I can't locate it locally. The box looked the same as I remember but the applicator looked strangely like a damper....wait, runs to bathroom...

 

[airline tech]

Although truly possible in today's age (Counterfeit) products. I feel that due to #4 COP being somewhat difficult to guide down the well and get it properly installed. As it is a (BY FEEL) install, I think it is a high probability that the COP was not installed correctly, on the first stab.
This is not the (FIRST) time we have had an owner with this issue, and it is always #4, and if not being 100% attentive to the small (click/snap) feeling, it is very EASY to get the COP on, only the boot is slid down the side of the plug, this is all due to the fuel line being in the way of the direct straight on approach.
So possible (counterfeit) - YES but in this case and the plug #4, I think it was the install that is the cause of the misfire.
If you make #4 the last one that you install, you have the other 3 as a (feel) guide to use as a reference.

This is by far is no discredit to the OP, but I think that the auto parts store may be jumping to conclusions without actual proof, as they are not at the truck installing them and not noting the somewhat difficult install of the plugs COP (misfire) in question (#4)

The only proof would be to take the plugs in question and install them in #1 & #2, I highly suspect that they are just fine and a legit product as for you to get an immediate misfire on #4 after starting the plug in question would have to have a Visual Defect (Cracked) or way out of (Gap) range.
The shudder was a major misfire due to the fact you were only running on 3 cylinders, with #4 COP not attached to the end of the plug or not fully seated.

 

[LaBalbe]

I was going to say the same thing. Misfire on #4 sounds like the COP problem.

Counterfeit parts are becoming a big problem on Amazon - Project Farm did a bit on counterfeit batteries - Milwaukee. DeWalt and Makita. It was pretty scary honestly. The knock offs looked IDENTICAL to the real ones - sometimes if you looked REALLY, REALLY close you could see something different, but most of them looked identical.

The most frightening part about that is that every single one of the tests that he ran to prove that it was a counterfeit product would require that you've already been scammed and bought the damn thing. Good luck getting restitution.

 

[theprinceofsnj]

Hmm. I got over 67000 on my plugs. I was under the impression that they were good for 100K

 

[MountainGoat]

The most frightening part about that is that every single one of the tests that he ran to prove that it was a counterfeit product would require that you've already been scammed and bought the damn thing. Good luck getting restitution.

Returns are easy, if not do a chargeback. Mega-corps like Amazon and Walmart are so big they never bother to contest anything. Hell you could buy plugs, install them and put your old ones in the box and return them.

 

[Nellieg]

I picked up a case of motocraft oil filers ... They are not going on the ranger. I am doing quick changes on my wife's fusion hybrid thinking between hybrid and not using the filters long on non turbo engine I should be ok... After all used to put fram on... They probably are about same quality

 

[Buckbull]

I buy plugs, filters, suspension parts, etc. from Rock Auto. The shipping kills a lot of the savings but their parts are just what they say they are.

For plugs, I've had really good luck with NGK Ruthenium HX plugs in my tuned VW, and they are available for the Ranger. When its time, I'll try them.

I had a bad experience with some door parts purchased from amazon. Lasted 3 months. I go straight to rock auto for everything now unless I buy local. Really like rock auto.

 

[rydfree]

Counterfeit , possibly. Made on the same production line ? Most likely.

To be honest , I've never thought about plugs being counterfeited, but seems any product is at risk these days and many are simply over runs of the actual product. These could very well be just some that failed QC due to the imperfect imprinting. Do we throw them away or sell at a discount retailer ?? I've purchased just about every part for my 1991 Ranger off Amazon and luckily haven't had any issues. A set of coil packs were obviously counterfeit but they worked fine and have lasted about 15k miles so far. I can't complain about the performance for the price, lol . I think I paid about $12 for it

 

[Langwilliams]

I thought this came up once before. There was a video on YouTube showing the details to watch for on ford parts. Things like the font an the packaging being very slightly wrong. The only thing I think I would cheap out on an get from Amazon is the cabin filter.

I heard rock auto is all legit. I don't throw away my money but now that only drive 10-12K a year an only have the Bronco an the Harley I don't have to worry about a few bucks. When I had 4 kids all driving an 2 cars myself it added up quick.

 

[Motorpsychology]

 

[Kemo Sabe]

Hmm. I got over 67000 on my plugs. I was under the impression that they were good for 100K

i agree. Not changing mine for at least that long, unless———-

 

[ppfd]

I buy plugs, filters, suspension parts, etc. from Rock Auto. The shipping kills a lot of the savings but their parts are just what they say they are.

For plugs, I've had really good luck with NGK Ruthenium HX plugs in my tuned VW, and they are available for the Ranger. When its time, I'll try them.

I had a 99 f150 with a leaky radiator. I got on rock Auto and ordered up a radiator for a ford f150 1999 model
Week later I get this huge beat up box.
In it was a radiator for a 1999 International over the road truck (semi) and it was beat to hell and damaged. so even I got it to fit it was still torn up.

Returning it was a huge pain in the ass. RA admitted the order was wrong but wanted me to pay to return it. They finally sent a label for it.

Local Napa got me the right one the next day after I went and ordered it.

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