Tune Up Information for the 1980 2.3 Liter Ford Mustang

Dirty or corroded spark plugs can lead to poor engine performance.

The 1980 Ford Mustang 2.3-liter tune-up procedure is relatively easy. The most important information on this tune-up is using the correct parts, retaining the proper firing order and applying the proper spark plug torque.

Parts

The basic tune-up on the 2.3-liter Mustang includes only two items: spark plugs and ignition wires. The 1980 Ford Mustang uses standard copper spark plugs with a .034-inch gap between the center and ground electrodes. The ignition wires are direct replacement and available at most auto parts stores.

Firing Order

The firing order of a vehicle is the order the distributor delivers spark to each cylinder. The cylinders on the 1980 Mustang 2.3-liter are numbered 1-2-3-4 from the front of the engine to the rear. The firing order on the Mustang is 1-3-4-2. When performing a tune-up, it is recommended to remove and replace only one spark plug and wire at a time to prevent errors in the firing order.

Torque

The proper torque of the spark plugs is very important. Over-torque can cause the spark plug to break off inside the engine, leading to a costly repair. The correct torque for the 1980 Mustang 2.3-liter's spark plugs is 5 to 10 foot-pounds.

References

• AutoZone Repair Guides: 1980 Ford Mustang Spark Plug Gap
• AutoZone Repair Guides: 1980 Ford Mustang Firing Order
• AutoZone Repair Guides: 1980 Ford Mustang Spark Plug Installation