That last spark plug...

[Triton46]

Well, here I am 99, 826 miles on the clock so I have begun the task of checking all systems, components and beginning maintenance.

Tonight I changed the plugs and wires to all but the last one...I think we all know which one I'm talking about. Its the one closest to the firewall on the passenger side. It doesn't look like there is even enough room to get the boot off.

I know the tried and true method is to remove the wheel well, but I'd rather not. I heard a guy was able to remove/replace pretty easily without going that route so I'd like to hear alternatives. I have long skinny fingers, so there's no problem reaching around. Thanks!

 

[Turner55]

it's not that hard...me and my dad did it...i cut the wheel all the way to the left and while my dad stuck the socket with one of those universal heads in it (the kind that allows the thing to move...i cant describe it very well) while i got in the wheel well (with the wheel turned all the way to the left) and directed the socket 'til it caught on the plug....it didnt take that long...

 

[Triton46]

Did you remove the wheel well splash guard or just go in under it?

 

[Turner55]

i didnt remove anything...there's a little hole that you can stick your hand in so you can direct the socket on the plug...i think you can see the plug from the hole...it's been awhile

 

[Triton46]

Very easy, just turned the wheel to the left and the plug was right there. Very easy to remove and replace. Thanks!

 

[CADDYBILL]

And to think this weekend I went thru the top to get it out.
Cut my hand all up and threw my back out

 

[Triton46]

The first one I took off (near radiator on driver side) was tough. I kept pushing and pushing the wrench until it broke loose...subsequently smashing my hand into a metal pleneum.....ouch doesnt quite cover it.

 

[Rhett]

You are right, ouch doesn't quite cover it...

One thing I do now when I need to break a bolt loose and don't want to bust my hand on something is to cover my hand with a big rag, and then when the bolt/plug breaks loose, the rag absorbs the impact. I still got a scar from the alternator pulley when I was replacing my plastic radiator fan...live and learn I guess...

 

[Triton46]

I used a hammer for the rest...just hooked the wrench up and lightly tapped until it broke, then did the rest by hand. Only problem is that if the mechanic did not put anti-seize on them years ago, I could have broken the porcelain. A little luck and a few hours later and I am in business.

My next project is switching to R-406A...this should be fun because I will be messing with a pressurized system and the equivalent of liquid nitrogen.

Has anyone seen the Paul Timberland Show on Mad TV?

 

[Rhett]

I busted the porcelin on two of the old plugs trying to get them out (the pass side back two) but I did. Whoever changed them before did not use anti-seize and did not gap the plugs properly, either. Sheesh.