How to Replace spark plugs...

[Bzz]

at 100,000 kms...I'm thinking it's about time to change the spark plugs...

....they seem a bit hard to reach..especially the ones near the firewall..do I have to remove any pieces to get to them?...or are all the plugs accessible from the top?

..also..any recommended types of plugs?.or should I just stick with OEM?

 

[retzkek]

Do a search...there are many threads here regarding changing plugs, and plug types. The best advice I have heard is to remove the passenger side wheel and the plastic wheel well cover to get to that plug near the firewall. I agree, it is rather tight in there. :frustrate

 

[BradE.]

Yep, going through the wheel well is your best bet. I would stick with Motorcraft plugs.

 

[Bzz]

Oooh..ok...never thought about going throught the wheel well!..thanks..I haven't taken a look at it closely..but the driver side one near the firewall is easily accssible from the engine bay?

..Also...do I have to change the wires as well?..or can I just change the plugs?

..man..maybe I should do some routine maintenance on this thing..I've only changed the oil on the recommended intervals..nothing else...=)

 

[retzkek]

I don't think I would say easily accesible, but in my '91 that is one of the easiest for me to get out. Your wires should be fine - I think the recommended interval is 100,000 miles (~180,000 km ??) Someone correct me if I'm wrong on that.

 

[Nonoy]

If you are changing the plugs you might as well replace the wires. I recommend Jacobs wires.

 

[aldive]

Just did mine, plugs and Jacobs wires. A pain in the arse but doable.

What a noticable difference with the new ( Motoecraft double plat ) and the Jacobs wires.

 

[Adam Foote]

i just got done with mine... i didnt go through the wheel well just kinda delt with it... but make sure you take off one wire at a time... wacky order....

 

[psychotic]

i changed all the plugs in mine with out moving anything. I just used one of those swivel socket connectors for the rachet. Maybe it could be that i have smaller hands. but they sure did get scratched up. Be sure to have at least 100 little band aids

 

[BradE.]

If you have a pair of mechanics gloves I strongly suggest you wear them, they will save your hands somewhat.

As for wires, if you go with stock Motorcraft you will either have to get them from the dealer or from www.fordpartsnetwork.com . Places like AutoZone and the like don't stock the Motorcraft wires.

Do you have the SOHC engine or the OHV? You need to know for the wires, they are different for each engine. The Motorcraft set for the OHV is about $20 more than the SOHC.

 

[Bzz]

wow..you guys are great..thanks for the advice..!

..I have the SOHC version...so I'll make sure I get the correct wires. Still haven't gone outside yet to take a close look at how hard it is to get to the plugs..but I guess it's doable.

...I also had a post about the front diff leaking some oil (2 drops on the garage floor...but it's definitely wet under the front diff.

I think it's coming from the front part of the diff..not the axels...is this a common thing?..

assuming it is from the front cover, do I just rip the front cover off and replace the gasket?...or is it more difficult than that?...

..thanks for the help again..I'm totally new to this..=D

 

[topo4u2]

Hey, has anyone purchased wires for their 4.0 litre and they did not come with those nice factory clips to hold them on to the DIS? I did but some how the wire boots were built in such a way that they just snaped in on top of the terminals at the coil towers.
Work great!
P.S.. I also use an old spark plug boot from an old set of wires to install my new plugs. It makes starting the thread a whole lot easier than risking stripping the threads.
My 2 cents.