Replacing the #3 (and maybe 2) spark plug, 01 explorer sport.

[lsufan]

Gentleman,

After having my flashing check engine light read by autozone, they found that my #3 and 5 cylinders were misfiring. I manage to do 4-6 yesterday and before work and now Im on 1-3. 3 is located closest to the cabin of the car and is where I am currently stuck. (4 hours)

Ive removed the wheel and can barely fit my hand in the compartment. I have a 16 mm socket. The 6in flex hose wasnt long enough to get good leverage on so I purchased a sold extension set.

plug -> 16mm socket -> 6" flex -> 10" solid -> wrench.

PICTURES

The flex warped under pressure and now I am at a road block.

Has anyone addressed this before? Maybe reference some tools for me to use?

It's getting tiresome because I am winding up spending 3x the amount of $ on a $6 plug.

Thanks

 

[koda2000]

you might try removing the plastic inner fender (pretty easy to do) that might give you more room.

 

[swshawaii]

R&R plug #3 from UNDER the vehicle. Extension not needed, use only the ratchet and long socket. Hardest part is
breaking it free, very little "swing" room. Use a thin coating of anti seize on the plug threads and lot's of patience.

http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/SparkPlugs/SparkPlugsProject.pdf

 

[Bill MacLeod]

The best tool I have for plug removal is a flex head 3/8" drive ratchet. Actually use it anytime and everywhere I can. Second is a plug socket with the rubber insert and one without the insert. Break the plugs loose with the socket without insert, then change over to the other socket. Start new plugs with socket with insert, then complete installation with the other socket. I also have a 1" extension, several 3", several 6" and a 12" extension. And a set of wobbly extensions like swshawaii shows in his link. (Nice write-up)
Short handle (stubby) ratchet and even a palm ratchet can be very usefull.
Use a little antiseize on new plug threads and dielectric grease on the plug wire boots. Don't forget to check/gap the new plugs.
To remove #3 , I jack the front end up, remove tire, remove splash shield, remove bolt from trans dipstick tube bracket, then reach in with socket only on flex ratchet. You can apply more force without any extensions.

 

[deweyville65]

On my 96 4.0 OHV, when I changed plugs,I bought a long spark plug socket. I found it to be better than a socket with short extension. Using a long handle flex head ratchet, I removed the #3plug from the top. I found it easier than going through the wheel well. The socket is 3/8" drive and 5" overall length, with a hex on top if you want/need to use a wrench.I THINK I got it at Advanced Auto Parts.