Two Spark Plugs i cant reach

[Jerzey]

Alrighty, ive owned my 00 explorer sport for a while now and im starting to put some money into it. First off, i went ahead and started with a tune up. Problem is all the drivers side spark plugs werent a problem. Then the passenger side first one wasnt either. Now im stuck on the last two closest to the firewall. I cant reach them or even get my hand in there to pull the boot? Any tips or tricks on how to access the last two would be helpful.
Love the site and thanks for the help.
Jerzey

 

[badge49]

On my '97 SOHC you have to remove the inner wheel well to get to those last two plugs. The entrire plastic wheel well comes off with a few screws. Good luck!:navajo:

 

[Walnut777]

***Deleted by Walnut777***

 

[aldive]

The last two plugs on the passenger side are not simple to access but they are very doable.

You DO NOT have to remove the entire wheel well liner all that is need to be removed is the inner flap. Nothing else needs to be removed.

 

[Jerzey]

I removed the flap for the first one on the passenger side, and i can see maybe with a swivel and a long extension getting the second, but the third one is in that tight spot behind the a/c crap. do i need to access it from underneath or from the top?

 

[daffy]

I went in through the wheel well, removed the rubber flap and tire, not horrible, but not comfortable either, no swivels, just the spark plug socket on a short handle ratchet.

 

[aldive]

I removed the flap for the first one on the passenger side, and i can see maybe with a swivel and a long extension getting the second, but the third one is in that tight spot behind the a/c crap. do i need to access it from underneath or from the top?

You are making it out to be much more difficult than it actually is. Just go through the flap.

Good luck ....

 

[ExploringNC]

I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND BREAKING OFF THE PLUG AS STATED ABOVE!!!!!!!!!!
You could very easily get a chunk of ceramic down in the piston and that would be very bad, why take the chance.

Changing plugs in a second gen is not at all difficult. You may want to take the tires off for more room but all you got to do is take the flap that is attached to the plastic wheel well that hangs down around the upper control arm off or partly off and all the plugs are reachable with extensions and swivals.

 

[aldive]

I I then took an object, well actually a small piece of 2x4, put one end on the tip of the spark plug hit the other end with a hammer, just hard enough to break the spark plug.

That has to be the most foolish advise I have ever heard about plugs.

Pay no attention to this technique; it is just wrong.

 

[gijoecam]

That has to be the most foolish advise I have ever heard about plugs.

Pay no attention to this technique; it is just wrong.

Agreed 100%. There is absolutely no need. Access is provided through the wheel well for both the OHV and SOHC. It's called out that way in teh service manual for both motors.

Also, there's about a snowball's chance in hell of getting a 2x4 anywhere near the two plugs the original poster is having issues with. There is no direct access from above, the wheel well, or below. If there was access to get in there with a 2x4, youcould get in there with a socket right from the start!

-Joe

 

[Jerzey]

Thanks guys, ill appreciate the info, ill try and tackle it again today and let you guys know what happens. Glad to part of this site. THANKS AGAIN.

 

[rocket22]

prior to removal

I soaked with anti seize, but mine were rusted in. I found it was easier to get the spark plug socket on the plug and then finding the right shortie,swivel, etc. to get to it. It was actually a pain to run the longest wire on the dirvers side. If you are doing the wires, follow the guideline of one at a time to make sure you dont mess up.

 

[daffy]

If you are doing the wires, follow the guideline of one at a time to make sure you dont mess up.

I second that!

Also, put some anti-seize on the new plugs, it'll make them easier next time.

 

[aldive]

I second that!

Also, put some anti-seize on the new plugs, it'll make them easier next time.

.... and use dielectric grease on the plug wire boots.

 

[Walnut777]

Sorry about my technique. I never thought of the ceramic on the inside of the plug coming loose. I'll delete my post so noone tries it. I guess I was blessed I didn't mess something up.

 

[Jerzey]

Well, after going through the flap and getting to the #2plug and getting it replaced i moved to the final plug in the back which turned into a nightmare. Ended up stripping out a few threads and after thread chasing them got the plug back in and replaced the wire that we had to shred to get it off. BIG jerking and stumble problem after that in the 1000-2000rpm area at a steady speed. ALso got a Check engine code.

Scanned it and said the #3 wire was misfiring. PULL THE TIRE (which i should of done from the get go) gave me great access to the plugs and pulled the plug to find out that the electrode was smashed all the way down having no gap on the plug, just replaced the plug and everything IS GREAT NOW. RUNS LIKE A CHAMP
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP FROM EVERYONE!!!

 

[ExploringNC]