98 Ranger - Spark Plugs/Plug wires

[Gusser75]

Basically 2 issues:
I have a 1998 Ford Ranger with 180,000 miles and I foul 1-2 spark plugs every 3-6 months. I also burn up plug wires every 10-12 months. I don't know if a bad starter could contribute, but in cold weather (apprx. <30 degress) the starter will stay engaged anywhere from a few seconds to 1 minute after the truck is running. Warm weather I have no problems with the starter. Any advice would be helpful.

[2000mudder]

a bad starter will not cause plugs or wires to go bad. what do you mean you foul a plug? carboned up? burnt electrode?

[Gusser75]

Thanks for the insight concerning a bad starter. The spark plug seems to be a burnt electrode. I immediately notice when a spark plug goes bad because the truck developes a bad miss and runs really rough. FYI - 4.O liter 6cyl.

[2000mudder]

what kind of plugs are you using. you should be using a double platinium plug. not sure about the 4.0l but my 3.0l requires them cause of a double pos and neg fireing system.

[Gusser75]

I tried the motorcraft plugs last summer ('05) but I am currently using Bosch double platinum (since December '05).