I've read several posts where folks complain about how hard it is to get to the #4 and #8 plugs. But what about on the 4.2L V6? Can someone with experience on that engine give me an idea of whether it's something you'd want to do in your driveway (i.e. without a lift, etc.)?

My truck is a '99 XL, if that helps.

Thanks!

 

The spark plugs on the 4.2L engine are all easily accessible.

 

You guys/gals with the 4.2L are sooooooooo lucky.

Both of my 4.6Ls are a pain in tha azz!

 

You will have no problems. Get yourself a good spark plug socket( preferably with a swivel ) and a couple of diffrent extentions. Take care not to tear the plug boots when you remove them.( give them a gentle twist first before you pull on them) Don't forget to gap the new plugs( the gaps can get distorted sometimes in transit or when the auto parts guy drops them on the floor) Have fun and don't forget the fuel filter....

 

Don't forget anti-seize and use a torque wrench if you can, especially if you have aluminum heads! Might want to read about torqueing dry vs wet when using anti-seize.

 

Those are all good tips.Also,if you have a compressor,blow the dirt and debris from around each plug before removal.If you dont have a compressor,you can buy air in the can from any department store.Another thing,put some dielectric grease in each plug boot after plug installation.Some people think its easier to go thru the fender wells to change out the plugs.I use one of my car ramps to stand on.And last but not least,use Motorcraft plugs!

 

Thanks for the tips, everyone - what a great group.

 

A female Lawyer and Mechanic? What a Gal!

 

I'm *slightly* more qualified on the lawyer side of things than on the mechanic side of things these days, but back when I was driving late 80s Toyota and Mazda trucks, I did EVERYTHING myself. Tune-ups, brake jobs (including master cylinder replacement), shock absorber replacements - none of this stuff intimidated me. (One time back in '98, I had the master cylinder off my Mazda only to discover the new part they'd sold me was defective or wrong. I drove back to the parts store using the emergency brake for stops. )

But my F150 is the first new vehicle I've ever bought and is a bit more complex than those beaters I used to drive.

 

Using the emergency brake, thats funny!

I used to work in gasoline alley in Indianapolis Indiana for a while helping with the design of the Offy and Cosworth engines.
We were using alloy's in the pistons and trying different percentages of metals in the pistons to make em lighter. We had a lot of pistons come back with holes in em. LOL
We also did piston head design changing the compression ratios of the engines.

Things were so simple then but now everything has sensors and computers. Thats been over 20 years ago. Im taking an interest in engines and stuff again but Im old and rusty. Please tell me it gets better... LOL

 

I am reading the Chilton's manual for Ford trucks, and I can't tell - does the 6-cyl 4.2 engine use a distributor cap and rotor? If not, what's at the other end of the wires? Is that the "coil pack"?


Thanks!

BTW, this Chilton's manual sucks. I do NOT recommend it.

 

I have a Haynes manual and it seems to indicate the 4.2L, 4.6L and 5.4L engines all use an Electronic Integrated Ignition system that do not use a distributor or rotor and cap.

These engines use coil packs and an EEC-V module (PCM) along with crankshaft timing sensors and camshaft sensors.

This Haynes manual leaves a little to be desired also. I got to get a Ford service manual sometime.

 

I have a Ford service manual and it rocks!