I just picked up a 93 2.3 Notch. It has about 109,000 miles on it and runs a little rough. I've never worked on a 2.3, always working on the 5.0. Anyways, I'd like to replace the plugs and wires, but how the heck do you get to the spark plugs? It looks like the Intake manifold is in the way. Do I need to remove the intake to replace the spark plugs?
The only thing I moved was I swung the alternator up to get a little more room for the front plug. I can't remember, but I don't think I moved the maf intake tube. Its as easy as it gets changing the plugs on these. The bad part is all the plug wires (8). Don't waste your money on anything besides Autolites.
cool thanks, I'll stop by napa later today to pick up some autolite plugs. Should I bother going to the Ford dealer for spark plug wires? I'm not sure if I trust the generic parts store wires.
Everyone will have a different opinion on this. The first time I changed the plug wires I used a set from Advance they were a good match, but one of the connections actually rusted off at the boot. The set I have now are from Autozone. Unless your really out to spend lots of money, I would say most parts stores will have a good and better set, go with the better ones and the autolites I actually picked up at wal-mart, but they are cheap enough at most parts stores too. I'm not so sure Ford even sells our plug wires anymore or would have them in stock, they are always discontinuing our parts I checked www.napaonline.com, they say the gap is 044" for the plugs. They have plug wires from 17.99 to 91.99. I would choose something in the middle range. I didn't see them listing Autolites, but shouldn't be that hard to find. I always look for my parts online at their sites before going to the store, that way I know what I need and they don't sell me the wrong stuff. O'Reilly lists several autolites http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/ByKeyword.do?keyword=plug&descriptionId=2691 They only show one set available in my zip code in the store 21.99, with several they can get overnight. Autozone is cheaper on the Autolites http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=performSearch&Parameters=Auto+Store%7C%7EREGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP%7C%7ESpark+Plug $26.99 for Duralast wires with limited lifetime warranty. Anyways, have fun and enjoy. Don't forget the fuel filter needs changed every 30,000 too.
cool, thanks for all the great info. I might try my luck with the duralast wires. Thanks for reminding me about that fuel filter, lol. I'll be sure to replace that too. Hopefully my gas mileage will pick up a little bit after I do all this.
