Spark Plug Problem

[97Vicious281]

Aiight I changed my spark plugs about a month ago, and I went from about 280 miles to a tank to like 230. Not too good since gas prices sucks these days. Just wondering if there is like a chart to gap them correctly because I didnt like 52-54 gap but when I took the ones that were in it out they were at like 64. Just looking for some suggestions.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

What is the model year, milage, spark plug type you used, and any other helpful information you can provide?

 

[97Vicious281]

97 GT Vert Auto, I used MOtorcraft Platinum plug, stock number 432. I talked to a guy that works at the ford dealership and he said if you use anything other than motorcraft splugs they're more likely to skip. I changed the plug wires and coil pacs as well.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

You made an ok plug choice, not the best but acceptable IMHO. I believe that you gapped them correctly. The mileage drop could be a coincidence and could actually indicate that you need to change your fuel filter. How many miles?

 

[97Vicious281]

It's got about 83500. I just changed them at like 80k and I don't think they have ever been changed before. I was hopin to get better gas mileage but that's not the case.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Do the fuel filter for sure. Also, never hurts to reset the computer...

 

[97Vicious281]

How do you reset the computer cause I know there is a button in the trunk behind the trim that says something about if the car doesnt crank or has problems with something to press the reset button and read the manual.

 

[Hammer1999Gt]

That reset button is for the fuel pump emergency cut off. If you are in an accident the fuel pump is shut off and you have to push that button to reset it. TO reset my computer I just disconnect the battery and let it set a couple minutes then reconnect it. Then there is a procedure in the owners manual to relearn the idle.

 

[04GT]

Don't need to totally disconnect the battery to reset computer. Just take off the negative battery cable for a few minutes.

 

[Dark Knight GT]

Another thing that wouldn't hurt is a fuel system flush. Get some seafoam, dump it in the gas tank at your next fill up, and be sure to do as Kilgore trout instructed and change that fuel filter.

 

[CanadaStang]

Don't forget the air filter if you haven't checked it for awhile.