Problem with my Windstar

I am having a problem where my spark plugs keep going out. I changed all the plugs, wires and coil pack on my 2001 Windstar and within a few months my van was running on 4 or 5 cylinders instead of 6 and this isn't the first time it has happened. Any advice on what I should do?

You sure you have the right heat range of plugs? And proper gap? Go with what's in the owners' manual..

What would you suggest on the type of spark plugs to use?

Always use autolite part # APP105

It's the same as OEM. (The motorcraft ones are just that part rebranded, and they don't even produce the double platinum with the motorcraft brand on them anymore.)

What auto parts store can I find autolite part # APP105? I tried to look it up on Auto Zones website but couldn't find it.

They all should carry it. Here it is on autozone.com:

http://www.autozone.com/external-engine/spark-plug/autolite-double-plat-spark-plug/117706_519139_0/?checkfit=true

FYI: Note that there is a part number "AP105" that looks identical but won't last nearly as long. The APP105 should be good for 100K miles or so.

FYI... you could have a bad coil pack or spark plug wire, too. If it's been a really long time, you may want to change those out as well. The coil pack develops tiny cracks in the body that cause arcing which causes misfires that are hard to otherwise detect. Take off your coil pack and carefully look on the bottom for any little cracks.

But, of course, get the right plugs installed first!

I actually had the coil pack, wires and plugs all changed at the same time and within a few months my van was back to running on maybe 5 cylinders. I was pulling out of my mechanics parking lot when one of the plugs quit working.

Thank you Scubacat I will try those plugs.

Great, let us know how it goes! I forgot to mention one other thing - make sure the cables are firmly connected. I thought one of mine wasn't working once and it turned out that the #1 cable had come off the coil pack because I hadn't snapped it on firmly.

Even cheap plugs should last longer than that. Is there buildup on the plugs? Is it burning oil?

I don't think they're failing prematurely, rather they're the wrong type of plugs. Certain types, especially the ones with multiple ground electrodes, are well known to cause misfires and other issues on this engine. Switching to the correct plugs is the first step in troubleshooting this issue.

Even cheap plugs should last longer than that. Is there buildup on the plugs? Is it burning oil?

yes it is burning oil.

I don't think they're failing prematurely, rather they're the wrong type of plugs. Certain types, especially the ones with multiple ground electrodes, are well known to cause misfires and other issues on this engine. Switching to the correct plugs is the first step in troubleshooting this issue.

I'm going to try the better plugs and see what happens.

You might as well. I always try the cheapest/easiest thing first. It's only about $13 for all 6 at autozone.com after the discount and rebate.

yes it is burning oil.

How much oil in how many miles?

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying don't replace the plugs or they aren't a problem. I good quality plug is always best. I have seen many times plugs get buildup from burning oil.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying don't replace the plugs or they aren't a problem. I good quality plug is always best. I have seen many times plugs get buildup from burning oil.

Absolutely. If he's burning more than a quart every 1000 miles, he's likely got some internal engine damage. Spark plugs obviously have nothing to do with burning oil. I have a feeling that there is a bigger issue here, as well, but I always start with the basics anyway. Perhaps the engine, with proper ignition, will run more smoothly and burn a little less oil in the future to where he'll be fine.

Absolutely. If he's burning more than a quart every 1000 miles, he's likely got some internal engine damage. Spark plugs obviously have nothing to do with burning oil. I have a feeling that there is a bigger issue here, as well, but I always start with the basics anyway. Perhaps the engine, with proper ignition, will run more smoothly and burn a little less oil in the future to where he'll be fine.
If the plugs do help the running problem you could try adding lucas oil additive it seemed to help oil burning on a few of my old beaters.

I'm currently using Mobil1 0w-40 in our old Winny. Changing at a 5k - 6k mile frequency. I know this is not the recommended viscosity ... and I'm not recommending it for others, just kinda experimenting. If I drive super hard and fast on trips, I will have to add over a quart ... but often get by adding less than a quart per oil change period. Next oil change will be at 441K miles.

How much oil in how many miles?
Not sure I haven't really measured the miles.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying don't replace the plugs or they aren't a problem. I good quality plug is always best. I have seen many times plugs get buildup from burning oil.


I'm wondering if that is the problem is build up

If the plugs do help the running problem you could try adding lucas oil additive it seemed to help oil burning on a few of my old beaters.

I will check into that.

Absolutely. If he's burning more than a quart every 1000 miles, he's likely got some internal engine damage. Spark plugs obviously have nothing to do with burning oil. I have a feeling that there is a bigger issue here, as well, but I always start with the basics anyway. Perhaps the engine, with proper ignition, will run more smoothly and burn a little less oil in the future to where he'll be fine.


What kind of bigger issue could it be?

How many miles do you have on it

How many miles do you have on it

I believe over 170,000 I would have to check to be exact.

The spark plugs must be Motorcraft double patiums plugs I had the same issues