Spark plug change at 43000 miles

[ChiefQM]

I saw a video over the weekend about plugs changed on a 2020 Ranger with 40K miles. The plugs all showed heat damage. I picked up some new plugs yesterday and put them in this morning. They all showed the same heat damage, with #2 being the worst. The job was straightforward, unbolt the coil pack, unlock and pull off the wire connector, lift out the coil pack and boot, remove the plug and replace. The only issue I had was the #4 coil pack and boot did not want to seat properly. I fired it up and immediately felt a miss, followed by a CEL light. I got the codes and sure enough, there was a misfire on #4. I cleared the code and pulled the coil pack and boot back out, shot a photo down the hole to make sure the plug was okay, and finally got the boot to seat properly. Fired it up again and it ran perfectly. And fortunately, there was no water in my spark plug holes.

Ford recommends 100K between spark plug changes. I don't think so.

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[RedlandRanger]

I did the same thing a few weeks ago and had exactly the same experience (CEL on #4) - my plugs looked very similar as well. I didn't notice a huge difference in how it ran afterwards but given the state of the plugs I'm glad I replaced them.

 

[Frenchy]

What usually causes these to do that is running fuel that is less than 91. Don't ask me why, but that is how the lovely EcoBoost engines are

 

[ChiefQM]

What usually causes these to do that is running fuel that is less than 91. Don't ask me why, but that is how the lovely EcoBoost engines are

When the difference in price of 87 and 91 is 80 cents a gallon, that is about $14 a fill up, if you buy 18 gallons. 4 plugs were $23. I will stick with the 87 and change the plugs in another 40K miles.

 

[Frenchy]

When the difference in price of 87 and 91 is 80 cents a gallon, that is about $14 a fill up, if you buy 18 gallons. 4 plugs were $23. I will stick with the 87 and change the plugs in another 40K miles.

Also think about the other benefits with running a higher octane file on a vehicle that is designed to run with a premium fuel. The main advantage is the ignition timing can be advanced more with less chance of knocking and pining in the engine allowing the engine to run smoother and efficiently allowing a little more power(not necessarily a crazy amount either) and in turn allowing better fuel mileage. The same effect applies if you go with a mid grade if available in your area.

That said this only applies to vehicles that can adjust for it and are designed to run on premium fuel. A great example would be my old 93 Pathfinder. It is designed to run on 87. Anything more than that is simply a waist.

 

[deleriumtremor]

I think what you see on the porcelain of those plugs is called Corona Stain and is normal. I think the plugs actually look fine. They don't appear to be running lean or rich, temp range appears right. I probably wouldn't have changed them, maybe just checked the gap and sent them.

 

[mtsoxfan]

Also think about the other benefits with running a higher octane file on a vehicle that is designed to run with a premium fuel. The main advantage is the ignition timing can be advanced more with less chance of knocking and pining in the engine allowing the engine to run smoother and efficiently allowing a little more power(not necessarily a crazy amount either) and in turn allowing better fuel mileage. The same effect applies if you go with a mid grade if available in your area.

That said this only applies to vehicles that can adjust for it and are designed to run on premium fuel. A great example would be my old 93 Pathfinder. It is designed to run on 87. Anything more than that is simply a waist.

I've tried 91 over 87 for a couple of tanks. MPG dropped 1.5

 

[Msfitoy]

I saw a video over the weekend about plugs changed on a 2020 Ranger with 40K miles. The plugs all showed heat damage. I picked up some new plugs yesterday and put them in this morning. They all showed the same heat damage, with #2 being the worst. The job was straightforward, unbolt the coil pack, unlock and pull off the wire connector, lift out the coil pack and boot, remove the plug and replace. The only issue I had was the #4 coil pack and boot did not want to seat properly. I fired it up and immediately felt a miss, followed by a CEL light. I got the codes and sure enough, there was a misfire on #4. I cleared the code and pulled the coil pack and boot back out, shot a photo down the hole to make sure the plug was okay, and finally got the boot to seat properly. Fired it up again and it ran perfectly. And fortunately, there was no water in my spark plug holes.

Ford recommends 100K between spark plug changes. I don't think so.

I agree...changed mine at every 50k...although mine didn't have scorch marks on the upper half like yours...also had trouble second time around with seating #4 boot for solid connection...but all's good...

 

[Msfitoy]

https://www.3si.org/threads/is-it-normal-for-a-spark-plug-insulator-to-look-burnt-like-this.434941/

https://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=103476.0

 

[Peter949]

Did mine at 60k this weekend they looked okay. Brown but not burnt looking. I thought it could've lasted a little longer. Put on some NGK Laser Iridium with a smaller gap.

 

[ChiefQM]

https://www.3si.org/threads/is-it-normal-for-a-spark-plug-insulator-to-look-burnt-like-this.434941/

https://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=103476.0

That is an interesting board. I personally have changed plugs in everything from VWs to big block V8s and have never before seen marks like that. Of course, in the day, we changed the plugs at 10 - 15K miles when we did a tune-up. I used both anti-seize and dielectric grease on the Ranger. I will say that whatever hesitation that was there when I hit the gas before is now gone.

 

[Essthreetee]

What plugs are you all using?

 

[Bsthroop]

I saw a video over the weekend about plugs changed on a 2020 Ranger with 40K miles. The plugs all showed heat damage. I picked up some new plugs yesterday and put them in this morning. They all showed the same heat damage, with #2 being the worst. The job was straightforward, unbolt the coil pack, unlock and pull off the wire connector, lift out the coil pack and boot, remove the plug and replace. The only issue I had was the #4 coil pack and boot did not want to seat properly. I fired it up and immediately felt a miss, followed by a CEL light. I got the codes and sure enough, there was a misfire on #4. I cleared the code and pulled the coil pack and boot back out, shot a photo down the hole to make sure the plug was okay, and finally got the boot to seat properly. Fired it up again and it ran perfectly. And fortunately, there was no water in my spark plug holes.

Ford recommends 100K between spark plug changes. I don't think so.

I had the same problem with #4 when I did mine. There is a fuel line or something in the way in the back and it is very easy to miss the plug when pushing in the coil. Mine also had the corona marks which I am told are normal. I changed mine at 20k.

 

[ChiefQM]

What plugs are you all using?

They were the OEM Motorcraft plugs. I replaced them with Autocraft Double Platinum. It runs like a scalded dog.

 

[Feruiki]

Thank you for sharing your experience with changing the spark plugs in your 2020 Ford Ranger. It's essential to pay attention to signs of wear or heat damage and address them accordingly, even if it's before the manufacturer's recommended interval.

It's not uncommon for conditions such as heat or other engine-related factors to impact spark plug performance earlier than the suggested maintenance intervals. Every vehicle and driving situation can be different, so it's a good practice to monitor and inspect your spark plugs and other engine components regularly to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential issues.

In your case, addressing the misfire on cylinder #4 promptly and ensuring the proper seating of the coil pack and boot is a prudent step to maintain smooth engine operation. Your proactive approach to spark plug maintenance can contribute to the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

If you have any more questions or concerns about your vehicle or maintenance, feel free to ask. Safe travels!

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