Hey there folks.

WARNING! what follows are a few very basic questions that many of you may laugh at, but I am in need of help...If you'd like to help..please do! Thanks in advance!

I own a 1997 Ford Ranger...and for the first time yesterday, I opened the hood to do something other than change fluids.

I've never really been afforded the time to "tool" around with my cars, but as I settle into my career, I am finding that more time is available to me.

I decided that after 87,000 miles, I would treat my reliable baby to a Tune-Up.

Wires/plugs/filters..etc...etc.

Easy enough I thought...Im not a complete *** when it comes to the toolbox (Although you may think so =)...SO my first surprise is that there are 8 spark plugs on my 4 cylinder engine!!
This simple fact leads to my first question..
1) Is there an easy way to change the DRIVERS SIDE plugs? I mean, jesus, these things are buried! The Passenger side was a breeze!
2) Is there a secret to removing the Fuel filter? The end to the rear of the truck was held in place by a little plastic retainer clip...that was easy enough to remove...but the end facing the front of the vehicle has this metal clip on it. After I removed the clip, I was unable to get the filter off. There still remains a metal sleeve around this side of the fuel filter. I was perplexed, so I just put the whole assembly back together. Any ideas?
3) Where is the PCV valve?

Ok guys/gals...thanks for helping me out. I appreciate the input, and welcome any resources to reference!

Be well.
Turtle.

 

I don't know about the Rangers, but it seems odd that you have 8 sparkplugs on a 4 cylinder! The PVC should be on the valvecover either the pass. or driver's side. As far as the fuel filter, on the 97 and up F-150's you need a Fuel filter detachment tool...$6 at a local auto parts store. I'm sure there will be many others that are more knowledgable that I on the Ranger, so wait to see what they say.

Good luck!

 

The eight plugs is for emissions, they fire at different times to improve emissions. The plugs on the intake side are easy to change with the right tools. A long extension and a double wiggle socket.

 

I believe you do need a fuel filter removal tool for that truck-10 bucks at autozone and it comes with a few other ones to remove a/c lines etc.Also,MX are you serious about the 8 plugs for a 4 cylinder or are you just kidding? Never heard of that.???And as stated above,pvc is on valve cover.

 

On that engine the are 8 plugs, 4 for the intake side that fire on intake and 4 on the exhaust side that fire on the exhaust stroke to burn any remaining fuel/air mixture to aid in the reduction of emissions. As for as proper replacement procedure on the plugs I am not sure. Note: Sometimes the intake side and exhuast side uses 2 different spark plug #'s.
Just be gald it's not a new Hemi or would be replacing 16 plugs on a 8 cylinder engine.

You will need a fuel line removal tool for the fuel filter. You will also need to releave the fuel pressure beofre the fuel line will release it's grip on the fuel filter. Refer to a service manual for the proper way. Usually you can trip or unplug the fuel safety cutoff, start the truck and let it run till it dies and the pressure is gone.

 

Had that engine in my '89 Ranger. Thank goodness the plugs last a long time. A couple are a royal B***H to get at. Careful removing the plug wires. I usually destroyed the ones under the intake, I am too lasy to pull it just to replace a plug. But, that engine never gave me any trouble or used any oil.

 

KyFord Freak Hit the nail on the head thats exactly why they have two plugs per cyl. If my memory serves me correctly the first one appeared in the 89 Ranger. The plug wires under the intake end up destroyed about half the time on high mileage vehicles. The hardest part about replacing the plugs is removing the wires.

 

Great advice so far guys...I really appreciate your input..
So..
Those of you "IN THE KNOW"...There is a way to get the plugs out of the drivers side with out removing the Intake manifold and such?

I guess I need the fuel filter removal tool (who knew?)...ITs like a chinese finger trap..it will only go 1 way...

Ok thanks so far guys!

See ya.

 

Snap On, Mac, etc make a spark plug socket with a double wiggle joint. I use that socket and an extension and go through holes in the upper intake and can get to all the plug easier than most v8's. More than likely the plugs will look good on the intake side with 78,000 miles. Pull one of the plugs on the intake side and if it looks good replace the exhaust side. You'll probally never notice if you do or don't replace the intake manifold side plugs Just my 2 cents