My 1987 Mercury Colony Park

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Any codes if you scan for them?

Haven't done anything code related yet. When I got back to GA after the trip, my primary concern was grabbing the '97 and going after I parked it since it was getting late. I'll check for codes this week, probably Wednesday since I'll have some time available in the morning. I just need to remember where I stuck my test light. I can also grab my tools and pull the plugs to get an idea of how they look. The plugs don't seem terrible to get at, I just need to remove some of that air cleaner assembly on the driver's side.

[sly]

check for loose spark wires. I've had some jump off plugs because of getting put on when cold out. There was enough air expansion to pop one off.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Pulled codes 34 and 67. I'm checking plugs right now.

[TecNickal]

Code 67 is probably because you had the AC on during the self test.

Code 34 is something to do with the EVR, EVP or EGR.

If vacuum is good to the EVR and EGR, then suspect either a failing EVR, or the EVP is saying that the EGR is not fully closing. May need to be removed and cleaned. Carbon loosening up...

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Yanked a plug from the passenger side rear bank. Greeted with a copper core Autolite 2545. Looks like there's no suspicious fowling on the plug.



However, it does look like the gap is a bit wide, unless that seems about right for .050. I didn't bring my feeler gauge, so I'll check next time. I think however it might just be time to change the plugs and wires. I'm considering using Autolite AP5145 plugs, which are the full thread variant that superseded the 2545 line. I'm thinking a platinum plug will be nice to use since they last longer than copper plugs and this car isn't being driven like a race car normally.

Inspection of the cap and rotor indicated nothing out of the normal.

Code 67 is probably because you had the AC on during the self test.

Code 34 is something to do with the EVR, EVP or EGR.

If vacuum is good to the EVR and EGR, then suspect either a failing EVR, or the EVP is saying that the EGR is not fully closing. May need to be removed and cleaned. Carbon loosening up...

A/C was on. I'm kicking myself right now because I did a KOEO test, but not a KOER test.

[DerekTheGreat]

Yah those plugs are done but look great, no oil fouling. Try pulling the one closest to the driver's side firewall and see what it looks like.

[sly]

done? nah... plenty of life left. Bend the gap back down a little and run another 30K.

[TecNickal]

Zach now I'm puzzled. I could have sworn I put Motorcraft platinums in that wagon.

But now I have vague recolection I may have put Autolite coppers in there, or those plugs came with the wagon. I know I did Motorcraft wires at least. Too many dang cars to keep track of - that's why I have a binder that I write stuff down in now so I can keep better track of things. The 89, 90 are the thickest binders lol

Sorry if there was any misleading by me.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Zach now I'm puzzled. I could have sworn I put Motorcraft platinums in that wagon.

But now I have vague recolection I may have put Autolite coppers in there, or those plugs came with the wagon. I know I did Motorcraft wires at least. Too many dang cars to keep track of - that's why I have a binder that I write stuff down in now so I can keep better track of things. The 89, 90 are the thickest binders lol

Sorry if there was any misleading by me.

It's all good Nick. I figured it would be a good idea to ask regarding the plugs. The wires definitely don't look old, just a little grungy from being in the engine bay. I think I'll just change the plugs for now, and inspect the EGR if the idle doesn't smooth out following the plug change.

[gadget73]

I'm not overly in love with platinum plugs. I've run them before, and honestly got anywhere from no benefit to it ran worse. Basic Motorshaft copper plugs seem to be the winner in these.

[longroof87]

My 1987 Mercury Colony Park

And don't run copper on coil pack ignition. Found that out the hard way.

[sly]

or coil on plug. Need plats for that.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

The '97 only gets double platinum thanks to that waste spark setup.

So on the '87, would it just be reasonable to use copper spark plugs over the platinum plugs? I usually use platinum plugs simply for the purpose of longevity and most new applications take them anyway.

[DerekTheGreat]

Yes, copper is what they called for and like best. Conducts electricity better than platinum anyway. I really think you can squeeze more than 30k out of 'em too as my car had 20+ years and 86k miles on it's original wires & plugs. You should have seen all the aluminum oxide under that dizzy cap and such.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Copper it is then. I'll probably grab Motorcraft copper plugs; if not those, Autolites.

Is there any torque specifications I should be aware about for the spark plugs going into the heads? I'm used to very low torque ratings on the 4.6 engines to prevent over-tightening since spark plugs don't need some Hulk-spec tightening on aluminum heads. Would I be safe just to stay in the 7 to 15 FT-LBS range when tightening?