Is it time to replace my spark plugs?

T-Sho

New Member

Jul 31, 2006

56

0

0

May 30, 2008

#1

• May 30, 2008

• #1

I've had my car since it had 8k miles on it. Now its around 76K. I've never changed my spark plugs. Should I look into doing so? The car runs just fine with no indications of any problems (knock on wood). So if it aint broke don't fix it? If I do need to change them what would be an upgrade over the factory plugs (I'm assuming their factory since I don't believe a car with only 8k would have them changed already). Thanks for your help.

 

9

97Stangasm

New Member

Aug 11, 2009

1

0

1

TN

Aug 22, 2009

#2

• Aug 22, 2009

• #2

i changed mine today just for the heck of it as well as the spark plug wires. i have 129,000 on my stang but i didnt have any problems before hand. its pretty simple to do considering i wouldnt call myself a gear head. it definitely wouldnt hurt to change them tho. seeing as you have a considerable amount of miles less than mine i wouldnt think you would have any trouble if you decide not to change them. i put motorsport plugs with b&b wires. Not the greatest brands lol but they get the job done.

 

tag4car

Member

Nov 21, 2005

0

0

16

Birmingham AL

Aug 22, 2009

#3

• Aug 22, 2009

• #3

good god yes it's time!!!, i myself don't go more than 20k before changing. Just get a set of motorcraft's and go to it. use a little tiny dab of anti seize and torque to 14ftlb

 

GDawg

Founding Member

Mar 22, 2002

1,469

19

68

Nevada

Aug 23, 2009

#4

• Aug 23, 2009

• #4

I replace my plugs every one to two years. Around 15K in between.

I only have 78K on my car and I'm sure the plugs have been replaced at least 7 times in the last 10 years. I'm also on my third set of plug wires.

 

B

bdcardinal

tree hugger

Jun 10, 2003

3,612

16

69

santa barbara, CA

Aug 23, 2009

#5

• Aug 23, 2009

• #5

change with OEM plugs. when you change the plugs take a close look at the coil boots. if any are soft and spongy change them. make sure to do it on a stone cold motor and use a torque wrench.

 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member

Jan 31, 2003

3,125

81

99

Canada

Aug 23, 2009

#6

• Aug 23, 2009

• #6

tag4car said:

good god yes it's time!!!, i myself don't go more than 20k before changing. Just get a set of motorcraft's and go to it. use a little tiny dab of anti seize and torque to 14ftlb

Click to expand...

Verrry important. After doing the job, go back under the hood after 500 miles and verify all plugs are still torqued.

Given these engines' general tendency to puke plugs, verifying the torque on them should be considered as routine maintenance on par with oil changes: Every time one gets the oil changed, check the plugs... It may sound anally retentive or obsessive compulsive but it's cheap insurance against a plug blow-out.

 

K

Kilgore Trout

Fried or Broiled ?

10 Year Member

Mar 30, 2005

4,749

95

134

Aug 24, 2009

#7

• Aug 24, 2009

• #7

Yes change them.