OEM 2002 Ford Thunderbird Spark Plug

2002 Ford Thunderbird Spark Plug Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair a spark plug on 2002 Ford Thunderbird?

  A: Service and repair the spark plug by removing the ignition coil followed by the spark plugs and by using compressed air to clean foreign material from the spark plug well before the repair process. The maximum spark plug gap should be checked for deposits and excessive oil or carbon residue that bridge the electrode area. Cleaning the spark plug becomes necessary if bridge formation is detected. Replace the spark plug only after fixing oil leaks because wet black deposits on spark plug bore electrodes indicate ring or piston wear as well as bearing or excessive valve-to-guide clearance problems. Analysis of black carbon deposits that appear dry and fluffy on spark plug insulator tips and electrodes should be conducted to determine if incorrect heat range settings, a dirty air filter, fuel too rich condition or extended engine idling exists. The spark plug requires cleaning if this condition is detected. The inspection should reveal light tan or grey residues on the firing tip and melted electrodes together with possibly damaged insulation marks the need for a new spark plug replacement particularly when metal remains appear; this condition typically results from incorrect timing settings or fuel selection or inadequate heli-coil installation into spark plug threads. Engine overheating as well as incorrect fuel type, loose spark plugs or incorrect heat range or low fuel pump pressure or incorrect ignition timing leads to a white or light gray insulator with small black or gray-brown spots and bluish-burnt electrodes requiring a new spark plug. Carefully examine fuse spot deposits that appear as blisters or bubbles because of sudden acceleration then clean the spark plug if needed. Check that the platinum tip exists before using appropriate tools to set the spark plug gap. The process of installation can be finished by following the removal procedure in reverse.