Tune Up Questions...

[GlassesRx]

Hey everyone. A few questions...first off, I tried to change the splugs. While removing a sticky boot, it broke of course. A small piece of plastic was broken off and fell down the "chute" and into the engine. First off, any possible damage? Second, what's the best way to free up those sticky boots? Those long ones are a PITA! Thanks for the ideas.

[v8_dave]

Damn! That sucks, so it fell in after you had the spark plug itself out.

Dont know about damage, if you dont get any response here, before you start it, post a thread in the lounge as it is a general engine question. I would try to suck it out though.

I try to wiggle the wires side to side, didnt have any problems with them. Were they factory Ford wires?

[GlassesRx]

It's not original ford wires...shhh! LOL CAr run fine...even with that little piece of plastic in there. Not sure where it went though. UGh! GUess i should get some originals?

[pro-five-oh]

I've noticed that unlubricated boots get destroyed when you change plugs. Always put a dab of grease on each boot before installation.

Not sure about the plastic in the motor thing. There's a good chance it will get sucked out without damaging the motor...but I'd try a shop vac, sealing it tightly against the valve cover.

[GlassesRx]

I've put a lot of the silicone stuff you buy at the auto store and lubed up the boot whne I put them in a few yrs ago. Guess the heat got to it. I've used the Motocraft double platinum plugs. They have about 25,000 miles on them. The gap went from .054 to about .058 now. I wanted to save a few bucks and regap them. What do you think about those Autolite pugs from Walmart? Anyone ever try those? How long do you recomend the plugs to be changed? Aren't the platinum plugs last till about 100,000 miles? Or am I just dreaming?
As far as the plastic thing goes, I have no idea where it went, I tried looking in there, but its gone. It's about 5mm long, so I hope it doesn't cause any damage in there. If anyone know where it might end up...thanks in advance for the responses.

[v8_dave]

I just imagined it melting to the cat, but probably no big deal.

Now you will be buying Motorcraft wires for next time. Under $80 shipped from the ford parts sponsor.

I cannot believe in 25K miles the gap increased that much on AWSF32PP plugs, they should be good for 100K!

If you get the Autolite ones, get the double plats.

[GlassesRx]

Thanks for the reply everyone. I was hoping the little plastic piece will make its way out into the exhaust. The site for the ford parts, is it the one located in Las Vegas,NV? IF not do you have the site?

I "think" I have 25,000 on it! LOL It has been a few yrs and I wanted to check the burn and gap on then. It's no more than 35,000 on them though.

[v8_dave]

Not NV las I checked, heres our sponsor's http://fordparts-fordparts-fordparts.com/

fair prices. Should be fine, still odd on the plugs though,

[GlassesRx]

Thanks for the site. This site is a few bucks cheaper! Woohoo. Any ideas why the gap dropped that much? I thought that would be about an normal gap for that many miles. I guess wrong.

[v8_dave]

I dont think its possible for double platinums to have that much gap in those miles, maybe you got hosed.