Ford ASF-42-C Spark Plug

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When replacing spark plugs, it's important to have the necessary tools, including a spark plug socket, extensions, a gap gauge, and a torque wrench. Begin by purchasing the correct spark plugs for your engine, checking the recommended type on the Emission Control Information label under the hood. Ensure the engine is completely cool to prevent damage to aluminum cylinder heads. Before removing a spark plug, inspect the new plugs for defects and adjust the gap as specified on the label, using a wire-type gauge. To remove a spark plug wire, pull on the boot at the end of the wire or use a plug wire removal tool. Blow away any dirt or debris from the spark plug hole with compressed air or a bicycle pump to prevent foreign material from falling into the cylinder. Using a spark plug socket, turn the plug counterclockwise to remove it, then compare the old plug's condition to reference images. Install the new plug by threading it in manually using a rubber hose for grip, then tighten it with a torque wrench or ratchet. Before attaching the spark plug wire, inspect it, and use a twisting motion to ensure a proper seal on the new spark plug. Repeat this process for each spark plug, replacing them one at a time to avoid mixing up the spark plug wires.

The spark plugs are located on the sides of the engine. The tools necessary for spark plug replacement include a spark plug socket, various extensions, a gap gauge, and a torque wrench. A special plug wire removal tool is also useful but not necessary. Before replacing the spark plugs, purchase the new ones in advance, adjust them to the proper gap and replace the plugs one at a time. Ensure to obtain the correct plug type for your particular engine. Allow the engine to cool completely before attempting to remove any of the plugs. While waiting for the engine to cool, check the new plugs for defects and adjust the gaps. The gap is checked by inserting the proper thickness gauge between the electrodes at the tip of the plug. With the engine cool, remove the spark plug wire from one spark plug. If compressed air is available, use it to blow any dirt or foreign material away from the spark plug hole. Place the spark plug socket over the plug and remove it from the engine by turning it in a counterclockwise direction. Compare the spark plug to those shown in the accompanying photos to get an indication of the general running condition of the engine. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the spark plug threads. Install one of the new plugs into the hole until you can no longer turn it with your fingers, then tighten it with a torque wrench. Before pushing the spark plug wire onto the end of the plug, inspect it. Attach the plug wire to the new spark plug, using a twisting motion on the boot until it is seated on the spark plug. Repeat the procedure for the remaining spark plugs, replacing them one at a time to prevent mixing up the spark plug wires. On 1996 to 1999 OHC engines, reinstall the ignition coil pack, or reconnect the individual coils on 2000 and later OHC engines.

Before removing any spark plug wires, ensure they are properly numbered as to their original location. Mark the wires with tape if necessary or remove only one plug at a time so that the wires are always in order. Remove each spark plug wire by grasping the molded boot, twisting it slightly and then pulling it away from the end of the spark plug. Do not pull on the wire itself because it could separate the connector inside the boot. If this happens, the wire must be replaced with a new one. Using an insulated spark plug socket, loosen each spark plug about two turns and carefully clean around the plug hole so that no dirt can enter when the plug is removed. Fully remove each of the spark plugs by hand. Inspect the firing ends of the plugs for deposits and electrode condition. Inspect the insulators for cracks and discoloration. If the plug appears usable, clean it with a wire brush to remove carbon deposits from the electrodes and threads. Use a small file to clean the electrode surfaces. Set the spark plug electrode gap to the setting on the emission control decal by bending the outer electrode, never the center one. Position each plug into its cylinder head port and thread into the hole by hand. Fully tighten each of the plugs to the proper torque. Using a clean standard screwdriver, apply a thin film of silicone grease on the entire interior surface of the spark plug wire boot. Push each of the spark plug wires into position on the ends of the plugs, again using a twisting motion to fully seat the boots. Make sure that the wires are re-installed in their original positions. Uncover or re-connect the battery.

You should blow away any dirt or debris from the spark plug hole, ensuring nothing falls into the cylinder as you remove the spark plug.

Before removing any spark plug wires, ensure they are properly numbered as to their original location. Mark the wires with tape if necessary or remove only one plug at a time so that the wires are always in order. Remove each spark plug wire by grasping the molded boot, twisting it slightly and then pulling it away from the end of the spark plug. Do not pull on the wire itself because it could separate the connector inside the boot. If this happens, the wire must be replaced with a new one. Using an insulated spark plug socket, loosen each spark plug about two turns and carefully clean around the plug hole so that no dirt can enter when the plug is removed. Fully remove each of the spark plugs by hand. Inspect the firing ends of the plugs for deposits and electrode condition. Inspect the insulators for cracks and discoloration. If the plug appears usable, clean it with a wire brush to remove carbon deposits from the electrodes and threads. Use a small file to clean the electrode surfaces. Set the spark plug electrode gap to the setting on the emission control decal by bending the outer electrode, never the center one. Position each plug into its cylinder head port and thread into the hole by hand. Fully tighten each of the plugs to the proper torque. Using a clean standard screwdriver, apply a thin film of silicone grease on the entire interior surface of the spark plug wire boot. Push each of the spark plug wires into position on the ends of the plugs, again using a twisting motion to fully seat the boots. Make sure that the wires are re-installed in their original positions. Uncover or re-connect the battery.