Is the #2 spark plug removable or a permanent part of the motor?

[brucecooner]

I figured I'd get eyes on some of the spark plugs this afternoon, sometimes they can tell you a story.

 

I started at random, with #3, mostly because it was easiest to get to.

It, and #4, looked mostly new on the outside.

 

Inside, the nub didn't show any wear, though the darkness at the base of the threads caught my eye.

Is it getting scorched or something? 

 

 

Number six was a different story.

 

 

This guy is obviously taking the brunt of the leaking valve cover's oil, but the nub here was what really caught my eye.

It's completely out of shape, so much that part of me wonders if it's even the same brand of spark plug.

Like a dingus, I didn't even think to check the brand on the side of the body, durrrr.

 

Anyway, is it possible for some spark plugs to wear so differently from others?

Or is it possible somebody ran out of spark plugs before they got to #6, or just didn't bother changing it last time for some other reason?

 

At any rate, I'm leaning toward all new plugs, so I can have a firm date of install and just so I can finally get a small win in the mechanical department.  I've heard you want copper ones?

 

But then there's that number two plug.

 

On my '88 with A/C that thing is BURIED behind the compressor and a big honkin' radiator hose that is itself protected by a strong metal bracket. And, it appears that the metal bracket is piggybacked in with a bolt that holds on the back of the compressor.

 

The number one I could at least see, and probably get a socket to.

But can #2 be removed without draining the coolant and detaching hoses?

I looked for videos on 4.0 spark plug removal/changes, but none of them had a similar configuration up at the front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jdog]

Yes, it is possible,  just a little difficult, you can bend the bracket up and shift the hoses without draining the system. It is possible that they can wear different but my bet is they only changed the easy ones.

[cruiser54]

Plugs look just fine. Shove the hoses out of the way and git r done. 

[brucecooner]

 

Is there a recommended brand or style to use or avoid?

 

I'm not interested in anything platinum, trip-tip, etc.

Whatever gets the job done..

 

[Pete M]

plain jane copper works best.  

[cruiser54]

NGK.

[Eagle]

NGK

 

[eaglescout526]

Mopar, champion and NGK are probably your best bets. 

[75sv1]

The #6 might be a platinum tipped plug. Standard NGK is what i am running. Some do say Champions in the earlier motors. I have run Champion Truck plugs. They did run good, at least initially.  I don't know how many miles I ran on the one set. The electrodes gap grew a lot. It was giving issues. I didn't think it was the plugs, till I pulled them. Also, I had a lot of the insulators break while taking them out. 

[brucecooner]

On 5/17/2022 at 4:20 AM, 75sv1 said:

Also, I had a lot of the insulators break while taking them out. 

That was the Champions breaking on you? 

 

I think I put NGK in my Ranger last time, they seem to be doing well though I only put about 4K a year on that guy.

[75sv1]

Yes, Champion Truck Plugs were breaking on me. I think this happened on two sets. And I'd say two plugs in both of those sets. They ran good when installed. I think the gaps on the second set, opened up a lot. I don't remember having issues with other Champion plugs though. The Truck Plugs are discontinued. 

[cruiser54]

NGKs for the win.