Spark Plug Mishap

[NATE1987]

Hey guys

Started changing the plugs in my ‘00 4L.

First set listed that would fit, didn’t, couldn’t get them seated. Second set was a bit better but couldn’t thread all the way.
Bought the exact ones that came out of the block, but after replacing two, engine is misfiring, burning smell, shaking etc.

I torqued down as far as humanly possible with anti seize on them as well. There definitely a spitting/ clicking noise coming from the new plug thread as well. If the engine lugs even a touch it wants to stall really badly.

Last attempt to day to remove and reinstall.

Any advice?

 

[19Walt93]

Get the Motorcraft plug that's listed on the underhood decal. And make sure the never seize is only on the threads, not on the seats. It sounds like the plugs are longer reach than you need and may be contacting the pistons

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hopefully threads dont come out with the plug

 

[Uncle Gump]

We need part numbers and pictures.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Gotta go Motorcraft or Autolite....the latter which is I replaced some brand new NGK's with because my truck hated them and ran like crap.

I think its the waste spark system that makes them picky about spark plugs.

 

[pjtoledo]

don't over tighten spark plugs
ohv or sohc?
anybody have the specs? I'm thinking 15 lbs/ft but not sure on a 4.0

 

[NATE1987]

They Had NGK TR55 in them. Switched to the Autolites that they said fit at Partsource (Canadian o’reilys).

It’s a 2000 4L SOHC

Inspected the rest, they’re all tightened down to the seats, that’s correct I’m assuming since I had zero issues before I removed any plugs.

 

[Roert42]

It sounds like you possibly cross threaded one of the plug and they aren't seated all the way.


Or maybe it's as simple as you hooked the plug wires up in the wrong order.


Do you have any DTC? A missfire code what tell you what cylinder or cylinders you have the issue with.


For what it's worth I've also had issues with non Autolight plugs before, but nothing severe, just poor running with the occasional miss.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

don't over tighten spark plugs
ohv or sohc?
anybody have the specs? I'm thinking 15 lbs/ft but not sure on a 4.0

No specs, I just feel for the washer crushing, and then give it a little extra cinch.
My mental torque wrench would say probably about 15-20 ft/lbs is what Im applying.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Maybe bad coil box? Or plug wires?

 

[Roert42]

Maybe bad coil box? Or plug wires?

Since it was working ok before he tried to change the plugs I would think it's better to assume he did something wrong as opposed to parts randomly breaking while he was doing something else.

I could see a plug wire getting messed up, but I would think that would have been more obvious.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

I'm with Roert42 on the plug wires. It's easy to place the wrong wire on the wrong plug, or even worse, to do that on the coil packs.

 

[NATE1987]

Got it. Must have cross thread the Autolites on the first of round. The NGK's must have also definitley been too far in.

Running like a top now, got lotta pep too... geez.

Thanks for the help

 

[Josh B]

I stripped one plug in my life. It was on a Suzuki 50
Wound up learning how to use Heli-coil, haven't needed any since

 

[pjtoledo]

found specs on a 2005 4.0 17Nm or 13ft/lbs
that ain't much.