1999 Explorer Sport...SPARK PLUG CHANGE!

[chuckwagon101]

Can I change these myself???? I am an "average" shade tree" mechanic but this job looks difficult!

The plugs have not been changed since it was bought.....has over 140k miles.

The right side rear spark plug looks to be IMPOSSIBLE to get to!!

Any suggestions, advice will be APPRECIATED!!

Thanks! Chuckwagon

 

[scucci]

Jack up and support the Explorer. Remove right front wheel. Remove splash shield. I use a 3/8" bent handle ratchet, a 1" 3/8" drive extension and a spark plug flex socket.

 

[chuckwagon101]

Where can I buy the bent handle rachet and the flex spark plug socket?

 

[scucci]

Where can I buy the bent handle ratchet and the flex spark plug socket?

You can get them both at Sears or auto zone. Sears also sells the 1 inch long extension. It would be good to have a regular spark plug socket and 3/8" drive ratchet just in case your xpy has something in the way that mine doesn't.
It is a good idea to change the plug wires if they are old, as many times the boots get ripped when trying to remove them. I like the magnetic suppression wire sold by Oreilly's auto parts-lifetime warranty and I use Autolite double platinum plugs. Make sure to use dielectric grease on the plug boots. Anti seize on the plug threads helps to prevent thread galling. Change only one wire at a time so you don't get the firing order wrong.

 

[Elessar65]

Change only one wire at a time so you don't get the firing order wrong.

X2! Don't get all excited and take them all off at once. It sucks to have to try and look up all the firing order stuff to get them back in the right places. Don't ask me how I know, lol.

 

[chuckwagon101]

Thanks for the info! I think I can do it now!

 

[scucci]

Thanks for the info! I think I can do it now!

Good for you! Do check the new spark plugs for the proper gap using a wire type spark plug gage. Go slow and be careful.

plug gap -1.3 to 1.4mm or .052 to .056 in.

Spark plug installation torque 20nm or 15 lb/ft.

 

[swshawaii]

These Craftsman (47315) boot pliers are indespensable for a couple plugs, if you reuse your wires.
Don't forget to get a "ketchup packet" of anti seize and dielectric grease, very cheap and no waste.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947315000P?

 

[ranger7ltr]

I will be doing my spark plugs Sunday...

Unlike others I don't go through the wheelwells... On the passenger side I remove the air intake tube and simply go along the area next to the head and remove each plug with a 3/8" ratchet and a spak plug socket...

On the drivers side it is easier to get the plugs out to me... I use various extensions to get to the plugs to remove them and retighten them... I do use a piece of tubing to insert and hand tighten them first before I put my socket back on them...

Remember to pre gap them or check the gap and use anti-seize on the threads first...I think it takes me about an hour once I get started...