Plug Replacement?

[XJay]

Hi all,

Got a 99' V6, fuel economy's shot, gonna replace some filters and the plugs this weekend. Amateur mechanic here.

Purchased and read through a Haynes Repair Manual for the year/model, but it doesn't mention if I have to remove anything to get to the spark plugs on a 3.8L. Can anyone give me a heads up on what all I have to do?

 

[53BigDog]

Most engines are pretty straight foward when it comes to plugs. Its a V6 so you should have 3 on the left and 3 on the right. You will need a spark plug socket, a ratchet, and probally a universal and extention. Make sure you check the gaps on the outs and set the gaps to the manual on the ins. DO NOT overtighten the new ones, you can strip the heads if you do. Best thing to do is tighten them snug and then check in a week or two and tighten again if loose.

hope that helps a bit.

 

[JflexW]

You might also want to invest in some antisieze to avoid issues removing your plugs later on. When I replaced my plugs I unhooked my air intake to give me some more room to work.

Good luck!

 

[Skymarshal]

Access to the plugs is a little tight, but you don't have to remove anything (although removing the air intake assembly makes it a little easier). It really helps if you have a 12" socket extention and a flex-joint.

Before you pull the plugs, blow away dirt that has probably accumulated around the plugs in the plug wells. You don't want that stuff falling into your cylinders! You can use an air compressor, or if you don't have one, a turkey baster with a short length of tubing will let you puff away the dirt.

Also, you probably already know this, but when you install the new plugs, thread them in by hand. It's too easy to cross-thread them if you use the socket. Make sure to use anti-seize compound, too.

Having plugs in good shape is critical for maximizing fuel economy and power. I recently pulled the original Motorcraft platinum plugs after 70,000 miles and replaced them with Bosch 2 platinums. What a difference! The car feels like it has a little more power, and I got 2 MPG more out of the last tank in city driving (22 up from 20). The plugs are supposed to be replaced every 30k or 40k miles, so after 70k, they were truly shot.