Regap spark plugs?

[windstarstuart]

Mechanic says spark plug #4 needs to be regapped. Any thoughts? Can dh do this himself in a minimal amount of time?

TIA from a cartrackers refugee

windstarstuart

[windstarstuart]

Originally Posted by windstarstuart

Mechanic says spark plug #4 needs to be regapped. Any thoughts? Can dh do this himself in a minimal amount of time?

TIA from a cartrackers refugee

windstarstuart

Sorry...this is a '96, btw.

[97TaurusGuy]

It should only take 2 minutes to regap a plug. All he has to do is pull it out, regap it, put it back in. But if he says one plug needs to be regapped it is a safe bet that all 6 should be regapped. But if you dont know when the plugs were changed last it wouldnt hurt to change them as long as you are taking them out. Use Motorcraft stock# 686 if you have the 3.8l

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by windstarstuart

Mechanic says spark plug #4 needs to be regapped. Any thoughts? Can dh do this himself in a minimal amount of time?

TIA from a cartrackers refugee

windstarstuart

I am trying to imagine in my mind that a mechanic removed a spark plug and made the determination that it was not gapped correctly and then replaced it without regapping it. That doesn't make sense. I suppose that it is similar to going through the effort of removing a light bulb and then re-installing it after deciding it was burnt out.

I don't see any other way for him/her to make the definitively decide that there was a problem with the plug gap.

I am not sure of what plugs are in the 96 but I thought the platinum type did not require gapping. (Maybe I am confused here) and that they are not adjustable.

I agree that I would replace the plugs if I was going to the effort and cost of removing them all to re-gap them.

[97TaurusGuy]

Platinum and duouble platinum plugs are just like any other plug. They also require gapping.

[road_rascal]

Why bother with the regap? Just replace all 6 plugs. The rear bank can be accessed from underneath the van if you lift/ jack the front end up. It took me less than 2 hours (I'm slow and thorough) to change all six on my '01.

[97TaurusGuy]

It is actually easier to access the plugs from the top by just removing the cowl cover.

[windstarstuart]

Thanks. DH is going to replace the plugs next weekend. Today he has to replace the alternator on the '94 Sentra. (Hey, anyone have any tips on replacing the alternator in a '94 Sentra? )

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by 97TaurusGuy

Platinum and duouble platinum plugs are just like any other plug. They also require gapping.

FYI- That's too general of a statement. There are some platinum plugs that have a fixed gap and are NOT adjustable. I mistakenly thought that the Windstars had this type. I guess I was incorrect but not all plugs require gapping.

[road_rascal]

Originally Posted by 97TaurusGuy

It is actually easier to access the plugs from the top by just removing the cowl cover.

This may be true for earlier year Windstars. I did remove the windshield wipers and cowling from my '01 but the upper intake plenum was still way to close to the firewall to get to the rear plugs. It was much easier to get them from underneath the vehicle, plus I could see them.

[wiswind]

You can get the "stock code 686" Motorcraft plugs at Autozone. They listed at just under $5 each.
They are the correct OEM replacement.

I also get at my back plugs from under the car. VERY easy on my '96. The less I have to take apart.....the less chance for me to mess something else up. When working with spark plugs.....and / or spark plug wires.....I try to do 1 plug at a time.....as in....I only have 1 wire off at a time.....less chance of accidental switching of wires.........