4.6L spark plug replacement

[SnookMan]

Hmmmmmmmmmm, well by looking under the hood of my new 02 XLt I have already noticed that there are no spark plug wires. I'm assuming that the plugs are under the individual coil packs mounted on the top of the engine.
Now as far as getting to them, I have searched the site and haven't come up with an results for a how to or a decriptive narrative, etc. I just bought replacement plugs, but hesitant to just start ripping things out.
Can anyone give me some direction on this?
From looking at it I'm assuming that you remove the little srew holding the coil pack down and then what..........pull it off? I don't want to break anything if you know what I mean. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

 

[Donner]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190771&highlight=spark+plug+replacement

Check this out... it's some reading, but it's a start.

 

[SnookMan]

I read this thread already..........relates to the v6's for the most part. Not once does it mention a 4.6L v8. Totally different set up. I had a 98' SOHC and changed the plugs twice while I owned it...start to finish maybe an hour and a half and that was with removing the passenger wheel.
This 4.6L is totally different, no spark plug wires. Suprised there isn't a "how to" on this motor......the other motors are pretty straight forward.

 

[SnookMan]

Well, after removing the little 9/32 screw that holds the coil pack down, you just pull up and entire thing comes out. Spark plugs are down a few inches in the head so you need a good length extension to get to them. I just replaced all 8 plugs, start to finish with removing the intake, in about 1.5 hours. Pretty easy process, and my plugs weren't in that bad of shape..........but I'd just rather replace them and see where I stand from there.

 

[ard103]

recalled. found the info.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Just a couple pages back, I walked another user thru the plug replacement procedure on the 4.6 engine. They're not hard at all. Just make sure none of the plugs fight you on the way out...If they do, get out the penetrating oil, and ever so slowly, turn them out a little bit at a time. If you reef them out, you'll weaken the threads in the head or even possibly break one or more off in the head. The modular V8s had issues with plugs blowing out of the heads in certain years. They've since re-engineered the threads to be stronger, but now they're too good and plugs are breaking off upon removal!

Just be careful and use common sense, and you'll get it done just fine.

 

[DavidS]

I was told by two mechanics that on an '02 Explorer EB 4.6L, that the fuel rails for the fuel injection had to be removed to access the plugs. If anyone can verify this, please respond. One wanted $150, another $80 for the labor only. The local Ford dealer charge $260 for a plug changeout on this model.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

You may have to unbolt the fuel rail from the intake plenum and wiggle it out of the way a little bit, but I've never had to completely remove one to access the plugs.

Some members here with 4.6 engines have mentioned that they didn't have to mess with the fuel rails...All 8 were easy to get at without touching it.

My only experience with plugs in a 4.6 have been in F-series trucks, never in an Explorer. We really don't have too many customers with them, and the ones that do come in have 4.0 engines.

 

[cyress]

Just to let you guys know, I am buying spark plugs tomorrow and will be doing this process. I will be taking pics of the process for my FORD EXPLORER family and FORD extended family . Does anyone know what kind of plugs to recommend?

 

[Swamp Fox]

Try Autolite XP Iridium plugs. I think you will be very pleased. Just make sure you use a quality gap tool.

 

[cyress]

They dont come gapped?

 

[Swamp Fox]

They're supposed to come gapped but always check to be sure. Mine needed adjustment so keep that in mind. Otherwise a great plug and my XLT sings with them installled.

 

[cyress]

I just bought the NGK Iridium IX........anything on those plugs? They were expensive enough.

 

[dlibson]

Yeah, you don't want to gap an iridium plug. It wrecks the diode and basically cuts the spark in half.

NGK or Autolite is fine.

 

[cyress]

Awesome....I am going to have fun putting them on...I will be taking pics for the room

 

[FourXFred]

I was told by two mechanics that on an '02 Explorer EB 4.6L, that the fuel rails for the fuel injection had to be removed to access the plugs.

Nope. You need a universal joint and a 6 inch extension. I did them on my 02 4.6 in about 45 minutes total.

 

[cyress]

Very good to know......I thought you would need to remove them as well. Do you have to loosen them at all or just not even touch them?

 

[FourXFred]

i didnt even touch them. just get a universal and a couple of extensions. youll be fine.