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OEM spark plugs out of 03 Ranger, with 3.0, 85k miles on plugs. These could have been regapped and then put back in. I already bought new plugs so didn't see the point in re-using them. Only thing I could find wrong with them was the gap had opened up. Enjoy.

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Great condition for 85k. I've pulled mine out at 68k and they were foul on my taurus with carbon trace. The exteriors on your plugs are already corroded, just replace it seems fine.

Gapping them at this age isn't worth it. The 3 PG plugs out of your 6 already have the ground electrode worn thin, won't last another 90k.
 
I see no point in regapping plugs, cleaning them up or anything else for that matter.

Those platnium's are probably 2 bucks a piece, just replace..
 
3 electrodes practically gone, very wide variation in gap. definitely needs new plugs, i recommend going double platinum this time. such as autolite DP, which are reasonable in price, and your gap will remain consistent.
 
Looks like the plugs that I pulled out of my 00 F150 5.4L at 85. That's part of the reason I'm waiting till 100k on the Escape and probably 150k on the Ranger.
 
You could regap them and reuse for another 30K. The platinum tips are gone, so you wouldn't be able to reuse them for another 85K stretch. But as you and others said, it's prudent to start with a fresh set.

It shows that you're doing something right with your maintenance.
 
It's interesting that Ford uses two different plugs as OE. Does anyone else do this?
 
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
It's interesting that Ford uses two different plugs as OE. Does anyone else do this?


I don't know, but it states in the owners manual that the replacement plug is just one part number. If I had to guess the dual part #'s for the plugs is an internal thing, as in it helps with part routing in the assembly plant. At least thats the best reason I can think of.
 
Ford often uses a waste spark ignition.
Two plugs fire at one on the same circuit.
One fires +to-, the other -to+.
So one will erode the center tip faster, and the other the side electrode faster.
Factory plugs have platinum on only one side, depending on the hole they are going into.
Replacements have it on both.

From the picture above, I see 'platinum' on the side of the plug, but they look conventional - very odd.

BTW, Motorcraft spark plugs are excellent - their double plats are very good.
 
The platinum tip is very small and thin even on the new plugs, so I wouldn't say the old ones are worn more than the new ones are also worn.

They are nowhere close to the amount of platinum on other better plugs like NGK. Gapping at 85k isn't worth it, unless you pull it out every 30k anyways.
 
I replaced the OEM plugs in my wife's Vue at 109,xxx miles, and they looked better than that. They were Bosch, with 4 tips.
 
Originally Posted By: JustinH
I see no point in regapping plugs, cleaning them up or anything else for that matter.

Those platnium's are probably 2 bucks a piece, just replace..



Close, about $3-4 ea.
 
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Ford often uses a waste spark ignition.
Two plugs fire at one on the same circuit.
One fires +to-, the other -to+.
So one will erode the center tip faster, and the other the side electrode faster.
Factory plugs have platinum on only one side, depending on the hole they are going into.
Replacements have it on both.

From the picture above, I see 'platinum' on the side of the plug, but they look conventional - very odd.

BTW, Motorcraft spark plugs are excellent - their double plats are very good.


Bingo.
 
No need for NGK's, MotorCraft plugs with the correct p/n will provide him with many more years of trouble free driving.
 
Originally Posted By: Captain_Klink
3 electrodes practically gone, very wide variation in gap. definitely needs new plugs, i recommend going double platinum this time. such as autolite DP, which are reasonable in price, and your gap will remain consistent.


Some Ford engines are finicky with Spark plugs. They need OEM plugs to run properly.
 
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