Where are my spark plugs?

[1stdantkd]

OK, so it's been awhile sinse I worked on an engine. Years to be exact. Back when we actually had points. Remember those?
Anyway, my son bought a '99 GT. Started runnning a little rough, amd with over 125k showing on the odo, figured it was time for new plugs, fuel filter,etc. You know, a tune up. Bought the plugs, opened the hood, and guess what. No plug wires to follow to find the plugs.
Here's the question. Am I suppose to take off those plastic things to get to the plugs? We used to call them valve covers, except these are about the size for a big block. None of the books show anything like that, except the DOHC. I thought that was a Cobra only motor.
The other wierd thing, the engine code (8th character) is 'X'. According to my literature it can only be a 'W' or a 'V'. The year code (10th character) is correct as an 'X'
A little help here?
Time for all you young guys to show up the old dude.

 

[SXYXC]

OK on the plugs. In 99 ford put COP on which is coild over plug. If you look at the engine. you will see the fuel rails, then some black plasic things under then. that is the COP. to have to take that off to get to the plug.
I ahve a 97 gt so i still have the wires. But ppl with the New Edge will be able to tell you better, but i hope that this is helpfull

 

[Bluffing024]

The plugs are under the coilpacks. Make sure to blow out the plug holes before pulling the old ones. Then hand screw the new ones in with a socket and extension and torque them exactly to 13 ft lbs. Search for Spark Plug Blowout!


EDIT: Make sure you read up on changing them because the tolerances on these motors are MUCH less than that of the old motors you are used to working on.

 

[Bluffing024]

Here is a bad picture, kinda gives you the idea.

 

[Lookin4Stang]

Just to kind of add to the conversation, how long would it take the average guy/gal to change the plugs if they had never done it before? Also, are all 8 plugs easily accessible? I've seen some pretty tough to get to plugs in the back before which totally suck arse.

 

[streethorse]

Just to kind of add to the conversation, how long would it take the average guy/gal to change the plugs if they had never done it before? Also, are all 8 plugs easily accessible? I've seen some pretty tough to get to plugs in the back before which totally suck arse.

Well it takes me about 1 hour to do mine, but I have done countless sparkplug
changes on different cars, You have to be patient as each plug has different
removal issues most of them are quite easy to get to but a couple of them require finese and certain tools like extensions or swivel sockets, you will also need
a magnet to pull them out. and be sure to blow out the trash before removal.

 

[Lookin4Stang]

Well it takes me about 1 hour to do mine, but I have done countless sparkplug
changes on different cars, You have to be patient as each plug has different
removal issues most of them are quite easy to get to but a couple of them require finese and certain tools like extensions or swivel sockets, you will also need
a magnet to pull them out. and be sure to blow out the trash before removal.

Isn't it amazing the simple things you learn while wrenching? Of course you never know about stuff like that till its learned the hard way. Kinda like not cleaning your K&N in the bathtub.

 

[5spd GT]

Is it 13 ft. lbs for 98 Spark plugs as well? They are being torqued in 02 heads anyways...

So what is 02 spark plug head torque needed?

 

[streetstang03]

Just to kind of add to the conversation, how long would it take the average guy/gal to change the plugs if they had never done it before? Also, are all 8 plugs easily accessible? I've seen some pretty tough to get to plugs in the back before which totally suck arse.

it took me about an hour to do them the first time. Its not too bad if you work slow and take your time. before you remove the plugs, i'd highly suggest using an air compressor or can of air to spray the spark plug wells with to get dirt/leaves/crap out so it doesnt fall into the holes when you take the plugs out.

heres a great write up on chaning your sons spark plugs

http://www.bullittarchive.com/1017.htm

fuel filter change write up:

http://www.bullittarchive.com/1009.htm

 

[Bluffing024]

Is it 13 ft. lbs for 98 Spark plugs as well? They are being torqued in 02 heads anyways...

So what is 02 spark plug head torque needed?

Yes, it's the same.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Just to add, spark plug gap is 0.052-0.056"

There is no such thing as a pregapped plug. Manufacturers of platnium plugs state that because gapping the plug actually rubs off the platnium coating. Don't buy into the Bosch +4 hype either. Just stick with stock OEM replacement plugs

 

['01 Steed]

Just to add, spark plug gap is 0.052-0.056"

There is no such thing as a pregapped plug. Manufacturers of platnium plugs state that because gapping the plug actually rubs off the platnium coating. Don't buy into the Bosch +4 hype either. Just stick with stock OEM replacement plugs

This is GREAT advice!! Too many people are hung up on copper and that jazz. If it's better for power and efficiency, Ford already put it in there. Simply stated, the OEM plugs are the best plugs for your car.... unless you're running a p/a.

 

[1badsuv]

So, I have this friend with a 2004 gt, and he neglects it to the point i had to tell him to go get a fuel filter and spark plugs.I said,"trust me,don't worry--it's a 1/2 hour job max-" Well, he returned with the parts-you guys helped in the meantime with the filter location-so that was easy-
then-we popped the hood and WHOA! wait a minute--where are the spark plug wires? I could have sworn they were here a minute ago--WTF?

Sorry for the newbeeeeness but I was a virgin to these until today--

I typed "spark plug replacement" in the search, and voila! here I was--or am,

No, it was was--and I am back again to say this thread might be a good sticky--

Thanks for the pic--97stang guy--
I might add-the "blow the holes out before removing the plugs" was a very very good tip-especially on this car-I also went as far as moving the fuel rail over the injectors when blowing each hole-it was a methodical process to say the least. Without that tip though, I might not have even thought about all that crud going down into the combustion chamber---

Oh--
He bought Bosch platinum +4 plugs--
are these going to be a problem?

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Change them in the morning is completely cold. Don't even start the car to turn it around because you will have a chance at yanking the threads with the plugs.

 

[streethorse]

So, I have this friend with a 2004 gt, and he neglects it to the point i had to tell him to go get a fuel filter and spark plugs.I said,"trust me,don't worry--it's a 1/2 hour job max-" Well, he returned with the parts-you guys helped in the meantime with the filter location-so that was easy-
then-we popped the hood and WHOA! wait a minute--where are the spark plug wires? I could have sworn they were here a minute ago--WTF?

Sorry for the newbeeeeness but I was a virgin to these until today--

I typed "spark plug replacement" in the search, and voila! here I was--or am,

No, it was was--and I am back again to say this thread might be a good sticky--

Thanks for the pic--97stang guy--
I might add-the "blow the holes out before removing the plugs" was a very very good tip-especially on this car-I also went as far as moving the fuel rail over the injectors when blowing each hole-it was a methodical process to say the least. Without that tip though, I might not have even thought about all that crud going down into the combustion chamber---

Oh--
He bought Bosch platinum +4 plugs--
are these going to be a problem?

I ran the Bosch dual tip platinum when I had my 99 and loved them. I know
a lot of people here dont like Bosch for some reason.