Tip on Changing Spark Plugs

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

well most of you probably know this already, but i just found this out today when i changed the spark plugs on my Explorer,

now when your looking at the motor and on the left side the farthest plug back, (can't remember which number cylinder it is), the one underneath the heater core and a/c crap, you can actually reach that last plug through the wheel well.

just tip for those who are changing spark plugs who have big hands and can't reach down there to turn the wrench, or even get the socket and wrench on the damn plug.

like i said most of you probably knew this already

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Good tip. These are always appreciated.

 

[Tony H]

Through the wheel well with..Deep socket, Universal joint, long extension, Ratchet.

That worked for me. You're still going to cut up your wrist on the sharp brackets.

 

[EliteConcept]

i'd rather spend the 50 bucks and have another person cut their hands up

 

[Tony H]

Unfortunately for $50 bucks you usually get 5 plugs changed. And as a bonus the Mechanic will bend or break something else in the process.

 

[Rhett]

It's easy once you've done it a few times..
I always put the swivel socket on the back pass. plug thru the wheel well, then fish the extension down thru the top while holding the socket on bottom..you must have long arms to do this though....works fer me.

 

[ipozestu]

Changing the plugs is an absolute nightmare. Especially with the headers on. All of the plugs can be reached through the wheel wells but, be ready for some uncomfortable positions. I've heard of guys that put there chit on jack stands and remove the tire to make it more bearable.

 

[Tony H]

Oh yeah, I pulled the tire off the Passenger side.

 

[ipozestu]

See I knew one would chime in.LOL

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

on my X i replaced 5 right in the engine bay,
and i went through the wheel well on the passenger side just to get the last plug

 

[bobs 93 x]

I've changed plugs and wires on both mine (the 93) and my wifes (92)explorer from the topside. the #3 plug was not to bad on the 93, harder on the 92 but not impossible. The # 1 plug was the hardest to change on the 93. took about an hour for each vehicle. and no scraped knuckles.

 

[sodjer6]

I just get my smaller friend to get the hard to reach ones for me I was also told never to use a swivel socket or anything like it b/c it applies shear force to the plug and it could break it off in the engine. That's how I used to get the last one on my Bronco II, a swivel and a 9" extension, but nothing bad ever happened.

 

[nserafini]

I was shocked, I have " ham " sized hands and was able to do all 6 in the bay. I have to say the alternator made that last one tough, but I was expecting to have the car on jacks. It can be done, but next time I will remove the tire to make it go faster. It took about an hour 1/2 ( Remove old plug, gap new plug, anti-seize plug, install plug and remove/install wire ). With the wheel off, could cut it down to 1 hr or 45 minutes on a good day.