Hi guys, this is my first post. I have been reading this site for about a year but have never posted. I have a very easy question, I am doing the first tune up on my car and getting to the spark plugs look like a nightmare. Is there a easy way or dose it just take time. Thanks

 

It takes time. It really isn't all that hard once you get the hang of it. Have fun.

 

Thanks I'm going to get to it in the moring.

 

one trick is to use a spark plug socket that has a bolt shaped end so you can stick a wrench on it if clearance becomes an issue.

 

3/8" socket with 2" extenstion with a spark plug socket.

Some of the back plugs are easier to get to from underneath the car.

 

What about getting the No. 1 spark plug out on the V6? It's buried beneath the alternator bracket EGR valve hose, and the ignition coil bracket. Does anything else have to be removed, or can the plug just be carefully fished out?

 

On a 6 banger its not hard at all, just gotta get in there. 8's are abit different. That gave me more trouble. But by all means use a spark plug socket with the rubber boot inside. Its there for a reason.

 

All right. Thanks for the reply.

 

while on the subject of spark plugs..... what are the best kinda plugs to use in an LO3 motor? i heard bosch platinums are garbage.... and i no different motors respond better to certain plugs....

 

These motors aren't special in any way shape or form, so neither should the spark plugs be. Plane jane copper ones, delco, champion, your choice. Normal, single ground strap cheapos, change 'em at the recommended time.
Fancier plugs are a waste of cash, and usually drop the power, yet low you keep 'em in longer... These cars are EASY to get to the plugs, so do 'em often.

 

factory spark plugs...some ac delcos.



edit - "These cars are EASY to get to the plugs, so do 'em often."

Easy for you and me, but for a person who has never done it, or doesnt have the right tools, is not familiar with a third gen it is NOT that easy...they can be a pain in the ***, especally if they have not been routinely changed.

 

Ever do 'em on a Ford Thunderbird supercoupe? Now THAT is hard. The only thing easier then on my car is like a '77 Truck. Now that, is a cake walk.

 

easiest to get the back 2 plugs from under the car i learned that after scraping the hell out of my hands trying up top just make sure you watch out for the starter. ratchet on a strarter=a no no

 

yea they deff arent that hard at all.... my dads 2001 taurus requires you to remove the upper intake manifold.... be grateful you dont have to do that and buy a new gasket each time.... also, i just wanted to say that the jeep inline 6 is the EASIEST by far, all six plugs are on one side with nothing blocking it.

 

I found that the easiest way to get to the plugs on my car was to attack from underneath. Get spome ramps or put the front up on jackstands. Crawl underneath and you should have a straight shot at a lot of the plugs. I change most of mine from underneath. #1, 2 and 3 get changed from the top, the rest from underneath. It's much easier that way, believe me. I also use a swivel head ratchet and a standard plug socket.

 

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