Checking your spark plugs?

[Dan@AWD]

The following took me about 30 mins. I already had my under tray off, so add about 5 mins or less for that.

Tools needed to check/change plugs:

• 3/8 Drive Ratchet
• 3/8 Swivel
• 2" Extenstion
• 14mm Deep Socket
• 12mm socket
• 10mm Socket
• 8mm Socket (for FA20Club Kit Clamps)
• Flat head Screwdriver
• Jack
• Block of wood
• Car lift or Jack stands
• Depending on what is installed on your car you might need other sockets or screwdrivers.
• Anti-seize for plugs threads.

Steps:

1. Put the car on a lift or jackstands.
2. Remove the metal engine under tray using the 12mm socket and flat head screwdriver for the plastic clips. (There might also be some 10mm bolts. I can't remember.)
3. Remove the (2) 14mm engine mount bolts.
4. Disconnect intake and any other turbo charge pipes that might be kinked if you jack up the motor. (8mm socket used on clamp to remove charge pipe from TB only)
5. Use a jack with a block of would on the head of the jack so you don't damage anything.
6. Jack up the side of the motor you want to work on first till the coils clear the frame rail. I jacked up from right under the exhaust manifold where it bolts to the head.
7. Remove (2) 10mm Coil bolts and disconnect the 2 coil pack harness and pull them out.
8. Remove spark plugs with 14mm socket.
9. Check your plugs or replace them at this point. Don't forget to use a small amount of anti-seize on the threads and not to over tighten the plugs.
10. Follow the steps in reverse and doing them in the opposite of what they state to do.
11. Repeat all steps on the other side.

[killercl0wnfish]

Originally Posted by hmong337

Yes. Hopefully they'll be a DIY tutorial on changing the plugs. I'd really like to know how these magician mechanics are gettng to the plugs without lifting the engine. I just can't get my head around it. Seems like the only way is lifting the engine and that procedure blows ass loads!

There you go buddy... Maybe I was a few states off or it was reposted and that's what I seen lol idk

[j122987]

This thread is old but i just read all this and lololololol
People these days
Lololololol

[j122987]

Damn drain bolt geeeeeeee
Drain and bolt
Drain
Must mean something coming out of something?
Bolt? Hmmm if you dont know what a bolt is
God damn it take a bus or walk
Lmao
Ppl
L O FUCKIN L

[Carlitoz3]

Any pictures yet?
More curious to see how high the motor was lifted and where exactly the spark plugs are located.


Thanks.

[F1fletch]

Plus 1 on that

[R L Newb]

Only need to raise a couple inches. I loosened both motor mounts but only fully removed one at a time. That way as the engine lifter it rotates in one direction to help show you the plugs.
Plugs are located behind the coil packs you can see on your heads when you look down each side. Hopefully you find four, if you find more or less then re-evaluate your assumption about which engine you own.

[Whatabouteggs]

Remember the anti-seize. Also, putting dielectric grease on the wires helps tremendously. It might not seem like a big deal now, but if someone has to do all this in 10 years, you will get tens of thousands of karma points.

[Gopherboy6956]

Originally Posted by R L Newb

Only need to raise a couple inches. I loosened both motor mounts but only fully removed one at a time. That way as the engine lifter it rotates in one direction to help show you the plugs.
Plugs are located behind the coil packs you can see on your heads when you look down each side. Hopefully you find four, if you find more or less then re-evaluate your assumption about which engine you own.

I got a good chuckle out of this.

I've got some smoke in my exhaust, (at 11k, 5k of it S/C'd) and i was going to check my plugs. Got front driver out from under the car, not jacking up anything. It was difficult. I do not have small hands.

I might just do that jack up deal for the other three.

I ASSUME you do it from the top when you jack the motor. How do you get past all the AC (i think) hard lines that are in the way? Or do you still do it from the bottom?

Thanks,

[R L Newb]

Originally Posted by Gopherboy6956

I got a good chuckle out of this.

I've got some smoke in my exhaust, (at 11k, 5k of it S/C'd) and i was going to check my plugs. Got front driver out from under the car, not jacking up anything. It was difficult. I do not have small hands.

I might just do that jack up deal for the other three.

I ASSUME you do it from the top when you jack the motor. How do you get past all the AC (i think) hard lines that are in the way? Or do you still do it from the bottom?

Thanks,

I taped a thick section of cardboard onto my jack for padding then slowly lifted from the oil pan. I was planning to use my engine lift but the hydraulics decided it was best to leak all over my floor instead.

[JimmyMac]

Sorry I have not done the video yet, but I have done it from the top. I've been busy troubleshooting other things and doing installs. Once it's all done I can finally take the time for a video. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85644

[Gopherboy6956]

Originally Posted by JimmyMac

Sorry I have not done the video yet, but I have done it from the top. I've been busy troubleshooting other things and doing installs. Once it's all done I can finally take the time for a video. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85644

That's good info for sure. I did the same thing last night, but started on my #1 plug (seemed the easiest). The threads on the spark plug go on forever lol. i stuck the socket assembly back in twice before it was actually out.

I'll have to try #4 (Assuming you mean Passenger, firewall side) because i had a misfire DTC and have smoke out the exhaust

This should be a sticky contender, because it is a useful process with those tools to not jack up the engine.

[JimmyMac]

Originally Posted by Gopherboy6956

That's good info for sure. I did the same thing last night, but started on my #1 plug (seemed the easiest). The threads on the spark plug go on forever lol. i stuck the socket assembly back in twice before it was actually out.

I'll have to try #4 (Assuming you mean Passenger, firewall side) because i had a misfire DTC and have smoke out the exhaust

This should be a sticky contender, because it is a useful process with those tools to not jack up the engine.

#4 is drivers side firewall USDM. You can refer to the cylinder number/order here... http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=219

[Gopherboy6956]

Originally Posted by JimmyMac

#4 is drivers side firewall USDM. You can refer to the cylinder number/order here... http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=219

F. That looks like the hardest one to do too.