Its time to change plugs, wires, fuel filter ; due to poor fuel economy.

Questions:

1. Do Bosch Premium wires ok, any suggestions, OEM?

2. I am leaning towards OEM plugs; do think I should consider another manufacturer like Bosch.

3. Is an aftermarket fuel filter OK?

3. Should I attempt to change plugs in my driveway?

Thanks for your help

Changed my plugs and wires couple months back. Used Autolite platinums and a standard wire set. Van runs great with them, but search this forum as there is a lot of talk about which plugs to use.

I highly suggest taking off the cowl in the engine compartment to change the plugs and wires (this takes about 15 minutes.) This makes for easy access and helps to avoid getting under the vehicle (also much easier to reach the coil pack.) GOod luck.

-I would use Autolite Platinum plugs and Autolite professional wires. I have had absolutely no problems with them and have used them in every car I have owned. I do not like Bosch plugs I have purchased several sets and returned them due to the electrodes being misaligned a little.

-Fram fuel filter

- the plugs can be frustrating, and definately can be done in the driveway. I do everything in my driveway.

Do not use Bosch plugs. They are not true double platinums. The plugs you need are platinum on both the ground and centre electrodes. So far Autolite and Motorcraft seem to be the only manufacturer who supply them. Bosch platiunums, Bosch Platinum 2s and the 4s are only platiunum on the centre electrodes.

They are very do-able in the driveway depending on your experience of course.

I use fram olil filters but I have heard a lot of bad things about them but I don't know how valid the comments are.

I just changed the plugs on my '99 WS 3.8l and I went with the Autolite double platinum. APP 765 might have been the plug number. It took me 10 minutes to change the front 3 and 1 hour to change the back 3. The rear plug on the passengers side was very difficult. I did the rear plugs from underneath.

Can't help you with plug wires. I didn't do those yet.

Don't chintz out. Get the double platinum. I have heard stories about people going with the cheapies and it caused the CEL to come on.

I use only Wix filters for fuel, air, and oil.

Autolite or Motorcraft Double Plat plugs......important in order to maintain an even wear.
Bosch do not seem to do well in the Windstar.
I have Autolite wires... I have read bad things about both Bosch and Autolite.....and other brands. I think you will be fine with the Autolite wires, as I, and several other's have had luck with them.
Take the extra time to get a good grip on the boot part of the wire.....turn it about 1/4 turn each way to break the boot free from the ceramic body of the spark plug, then pull the boot off.
Pulling the wire instead of the boot is easier, but will damage the wire.....by pulling it out of the metal clip at the end...which is the part that connects to the spark plug.

I would also get some dielectric grease, and put that onto the ceramic body of the spark plug. It does not take a lot, but will help the wire boot slide over the plug body, and will help seal out moisture, etc....

You can buy Wix filters online at www.rockauto.com
I would buy a few to overcome the shipping charges.....and you will save money over buying at most stores.

Fuel filter, make SURE to get one with a metal body.

I would only use motorcraft parts. I see aftermarket parts cause problems all day long.

I would only use motorcraft parts. I see aftermarket parts cause problems all day long.


Thanks for your advice folks. I decided to go with OEM parts.

I'll let you know how it turns out.



All I want is better gas milage.



Thanks

Rock auto carries Motorcraft brand for a number of parts. When you look up a part, they list a variety of brand names. I would stay away from the "cheapies".
Another good source for parts, from a FORD dealership that has discounted prices at it's online parts department is at
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214072

I have these (Rock auto and Millennium FORD) in my "favorites" folder.
Of course, this site is in there also.

I decided to go with OEM plugs, OEM fuel filter, and Bosch wires. I also did a fuel injection system cleaning.

I now get 27 miles per imperial gal; this was an improvement from the 22 I was getting before the maintenance.

I had my local independant garage do the work.

I am pleased with the results

Thanks

Auto lite plugs used here as well.. And I am Glad to see someone else hitting the 27 MPG mark.. Thats on the HWY running 75 -80 mph.. But had issues in the past that made that mark hard to even come close too. But all is well again...

Hi

According to NGk, you can use the following:

2000 FORD WINDSTAR / V6 / 3.8

SPARK PLUGS
Spark PlugPart No.Stock No.Plug GapNote
G-Power PlatinumTR55GP 3403 0.054
LaserPTR5F-11 6579 0.054
Iridium IXTR55IX 7164 0.054

WIRE SETS
NotePart No.Stock No.
RC-FDZ065 52023

OXYGEN SENSORS
Pre-Cat Left 22524
Pre-Cat Right 22524
Post-Cat Left 22500
Post-Cat Right 22500

Hi

According to NGk, you can use the following:

2000 FORD WINDSTAR / V6 / 3.8

SPARK PLUGS
Spark PlugPart No.Stock No.Plug GapNote
G-Power PlatinumTR55GP 3403 0.054
LaserPTR5F-11 6579 0.054
Iridium IXTR55IX 7164 0.054



According to NKG............

This means thaat they have plugs that will mechanically and themally fit into the vehicle and work. They will not last however unless they are DOUBLE PLATINUM. The G-powers are not as I was looking at them at lunch for a different application.

Windstars fire 1/2 of the plugs from centre to side and the other 1/2 from side to centre. The wear is much greater on the electrode at the higher potential and thus when spark plugs without platinum on the side electrodes are used 1/2 of them will have the side electrode wear prematureley.

Motorcraft and Autolites are known to be true double platinums. Boschs are not - even the Boschs 2s and 4s are not. They are simply platinum on the centre electrodes and since traditionally plugs fire from centre to side they are great in many other applications.