Going to change spark plugs, have a few questions

[Matthew Biddinger]

Hey all, I’m going to change out the plugs on my 2001 Ford Ranger 3.0, and I had a few questions/concerns.

The main concern is the plugs being seized. The truck has over 200k on the clock and Car Fax shows no history of the plugs ever being changed out, I know that doesn’t mean that they weren’t changed, but it is kind of telling.

The second question is about the actual removal, can I just spray some PB Blaster down in there to help me get them off? Or is that not an area where penetrating fluids can be used?

It’s been a number of years since I’ve done any work on a vehicle, and even then they were 4 cylinder cars with easy plug access. IF you guys have any suggestions, or tips, I’d really appreciate the help. Thanks.

2001 Ford Ranger Edge Single Cab
3.0 V6

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Might suggest you blow out the spark plug wells with compressed air to clear out any debris before removing the plugs.
You can use PB blaster, though personally I’ve never needed to.

[Matthew Biddinger]

Okay man, thanks for the reply. I hope I don’t ned the PB, but I’m kind of just preparing for the worst lol

[Richard Kirshy]

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Steve Collins]

Carfax misses a lot. The previous owner may have changed his own plugs, as many of us do. That won’t show up on Carfax.

I’ve never needed penetrant over 40 years of changing plugs on dozens of cars either. If you’re lucky, someone used anti-seize lubricant on them when they were placed. Make sure to get yourself some anti-seize lubricant to put on the new plug threads when you put them in. Just a little goes a long way, you only need a bit spread out on the threads. It makes them easier to remove. And be careful about overtightening the plugs – the threads can easily be stripped. A torque wrench is nice to have but not necessary, just get them snug.

And use the compressed air to blow out debris around the old plugs before you remove them as nightflyr suggested.

[Matthew Biddinger]

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I have the plugs, but I wanted to change the wires too while I was there, and my parts store didn’t have the ones I wanted so I’ll probably be changing them over the weekend. I’ll post back here and let you guys know how it went.

[Daniel]

A few thoughts, first the spark plug seal is on the outside of the threads so no way to get penetrating oil to the threads until they are already broken loose and backed out a turn.

And as always since you didn’t say what plugs you bought, this is the D.I.S. version of the Vulcan 3.0 so being waste spark you can’t use single platinum plugs. Iridium, double platinum, and conventional are fine, though I have no experience with which of the 3 this engine likes best. I’d probably just go with the O.E. ones.

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