Spark plug questions on V6

[Mitchs07explorer]

I'm getting ready to change the plugs and a few other tune up items. When reading previous threads about tune ups I thought I heard that there was a problem with part of the plug breaking off during romval and staying in the cylinder. I thought this was just the v8' but I want to know for sure before I start pulling anything out. Does anyone know if the V6 has this issue?

 

[Davidm53]

Plugs on the V6 do not have the issue like on the V8.
The Wires are easy to change on the drivers side.
Pix side you have to remove the Alternator for the wires to route behind it.

 

[Mitchs07explorer]

Plugs on the V6 do not have the issue like on the V8.
The Wires are easy to change on the drivers side.
Pix side you have to remove the Alternator for the wires to route behind it.

Cool, thanks for the info, I didn't realize I needed to remove the alternator. I have a Haynes manual but haven't looked at the details yet. Any recommendations on good plugs? I was going to go with the autolite platinum tips.

 

[tripplec]

Best to stick with the same brand and type originally used. They maybe irridium or equivalent as many engines are sensitive to different plugs and you don't want to do it twice as well as buy another set. Plug # is usually on the engine sticker spec under the hood.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I just had my 16 year old do it on his 07 4.0. I used OEM parts, it took him about an hour. He had to remove the air box and duct, but that was it.

Pretty straight forward. #2 and # 3 were the most PITA.

 

[tripplec]

I guess you should leave those two for last. Otherwise you may be really put off on going further.

I don't know about others but I always do one at a time. Old plug out, new one in and wire back unless its in the way of the next one. You don't want to cross wires to cylinders by pulling them all off. Murphy will love you for making his day if you do.

I am guessing the newer 4.0L are still wires off a coil pack and not COP as most newer engines are.

 

[Explorer_PL]

yes, I told him to do 1 at a time.
The 4.0 has a 6 pack (coil pack) and wires, completely different than v8.

 

[Mickalo]

my 2010 explorer w/4.0l wasn't that bad to do. The pass., side rear is the real bear. some people will pull the pass; side tire off and go through the fender well but I was able to get at over the top of the engine. being about 5'5" & 135#'s I can really snake around the engine compartment;

 

[tripplec]

yes, I told him to do 1 at a time.
The 4.0 has a 6 pack (coil pack) and wires, completely different than v8.

Yeap people think they'll remember and then 2nd & 3rd doubt themselves when the wires appear not routed correct.

Well done then on the instructions for him.

 

[Mitchs07explorer]

Best to stick with the same brand and type originally used. They maybe irridium or equivalent as many engines are sensitive to different plugs and you don't want to do it twice as well as buy another set. Plug # is usually on the engine sticker spec under the hood.

I ended up buying the same motorcraft spark plugs, they were less expensive too. At least that's what I assume is in my car now. I'm at 100k and I don't think the plugs have ever been done.

 

[Mitchs07explorer]

Yeap people think they'll remember and then 2nd & 3rd doubt themselves when the wires appear not routed correct.

Well done then on the instructions for him.

Haha, I've learned my lesson on that front with many other mechanical projects.