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120k on stock plugs/wires

98TredSVT

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
540
Location
Plainfield, IL
I think I'm overdue on plugs and wires so can anyone suggest any locally available plugs and wires for my 98 csvt? I'm not looking to spend more than necessary just common replacement parts. They have oreilly's, autozone, and some other knock off parts stores around me.
 
Autolite APP764 or Autolite XP104 plugs. APP764 is a double platinum plug and is identical to the factory replacement plugs on a 95 V6. XP104 more closely matches the fine wire plug used for 96 and newer. Either one will be great. Autolite is the prime supplier for Motorcraft spark plugs.

If you are not having problems with the wires I would leave them alone. Factory wires are some of the best. Mine were still perfect when I installed red Ford Racing wires. I did it just for looks. Of the currently available wire sets, Autolites are usually spoken of highly here for a factory replacement quality level (although they are not quite up to that). Taylors are also getting good reports, and are available in colors. If I needed a set today, I would probably buy Taylors.
 
Sounds just like me, I changed my plugs at about 123k and could definately tell they were the originals. I agree with Big Jim and wouldn't replace the wires unless you are having problems with them(or want them to look pretty). The Autolite double plats are a safe bet to go on for the reason mentioned above. Autozone is where i got mine but it wouldn't hurt to call around and get prices.
 
it really hesitates in 1st and second gear under 2000 rpms, even under light throttle, like in parking lots
Be aware that there is a difference between a hesitation and a misfire. I believe a misfire would make the CEL light blink or flicker so if that isn't what's going on, it might be something totally unrelated to plugs and plug wires. I'm only mentioning this so that if your problem doesn't go away after replacing these parts, you won't be too surprised or disappointed.
Karl
 
Other maintenance to catch up on that might help with your hesitation would be to run some injector cleaner through the tank, clean the throttle body, and do a vacuum suck decarbon. If you have original plugs, they are overdue anyway so most certainly change them immediately.
 
throttle body and intake manifolds have been cleaned recently, so you think changing the plugs without changing the wires is ok?
 
Injectors cleaned?

As posted above, inspect the plug wire boots and old plugs for evidence of carbon tracking. It looks like someone drew a line with a fat pencil. Any evidence of carbon tracking and the Plug wires should be replaced. If not, they are probably OK. It is usually not necessary to replace plug wires every time you replace plugs.
 
I have used a technique for years to determine where I have high voltage leakage. I work at night. You need that old weak flashlight.. weaker is better. You run the engine with the hood open and just wait for your eyes to adapt to the dark. Keep waiting. When your eyes are getting adjusted, you'll THINK you see a blue glow... usually not directly in the center of your sight, but just off to the side. You're almost there at this stage. Carefully angle around the car peering in the high voltage areas and you will start seeing the subtle leaks as erie blue glowing areas. If you're in need of a replacement wire, boot, or coil pack, it will be pretty obvious. I once found a faulty sparkplug this way, as it was glowing inside the porcelin. My problem at the time was a pesky lack of power problem that defied ID. The weak flashlight is all that's needed to confirm the position of the leak, but squint your eyes when using it so you don't take too long to re-adjust. It is very satisfying, and pretty spectacular to SEE the engine running this way. Of course you must be careful of the moving parts. Don't actually get in there without knowing where the spinny parts are. The Contour latout is pretty nice this way. You'll love the light show.
 
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