Help! I can't get at my last spark plug out.

[TRB2003]

I have a 2003 Explorer Sport with a 4 liter SOHC engine. After much time I finally got five of the sparkplugs out. I can't figure a way to not only get the number 3 sparkplug out but how get the new one in. It's the one on the passenger side way to the back. My hands are apparently too big to get in the small spaces. I took the front wheel off for the other 2 but it doesn't help with this one. Can I get any help?

 

[Exproblems]

I have a 2003 Explorer Sport with a 4 liter SOHC engine. After much time I finally got five of the sparkplugs out. I can't figure a way to not only get the number 3 sparkplug out but how get the new one in. It's the one on the passenger side way to the back. My hands are apparently too big to get in the small spaces. I took the front wheel off for the other 2 but it doesn't help with this one. Can I get any help?

If you haven't done this yet, disconnect the air tubing at the air filter box and at the other end at the Throttle Body inlet and roll the tubing up on to the valve cover for more room to work. Just be careful around the MAF wire harness. Use a swivel spark plug socket for the tough angle to remove the old plugs and use long socket extensions so you can work comfortably along the passenger side fender well. When inserting the new plug, you can use a section of rubbing tubing (ex: vacuum line tubing) that fits snuggly over the ceramic tip of the new plug to hand start the plug threads into the cylinder head. Hold on to the rubber hose as you thread the new plug into the cylinder head. Always thread the plugs by hand first to make sure they seat properly and do not cross thread, then you can torque them down with a torque wrench. You can also seat the new plug using a straight plug socket and a short extension, working it in by hand. Once threaded, switch to the angle plug socket and long extensions to work more comfortably as you torque it down. I'm a big guy and have large hands and have changed the plugs on my 4.0L V-6 (2) times already without any major problems. Just have patience. I didn't have to remove any tires to change mine as well. Hope this helps.

 

[TRB2003]

Thanks! The tube trick might be just what I need to start the plug. The plugs apparently have never been changed (I just got her a couple months ago.) and every one has been really tough breaking loose. The electrodes on the driver's side plugs were all burned away. I really have no idea how the vehicle ever ran in the first place!