changing spark plugs- Tips

[OHmike]

I have a 94 3.8L taurus that is due for new spark plugs. Since this is the first time i have done this on a Taurus i was wondering if anybody had any tips. The front ones i am not worried about it is the back that has me putting this off.
Thanks in advance.

[hughw]

Originally Posted by OHmike

I have a 94 3.8L taurus that is due for new spark plugs. Since this is the first time i have done this on a Taurus i was wondering if anybody had any tips. The front ones i am not worried about it is the back that has me putting this off.
Thanks in advance.

Get a step stool and prepare to get on top of the engine...cause
the only way to reach the back plugs is on the top drivers side of the fire wall...pain in the ass, but can be done....While you're doing the plugs I would suggest getting a set of wires too because youre in such a tight position you may and probably will damage the old wires while getting them off....You will be working with one hand... g'luck

[hag]

I have a 2' square piece of plywood that I lay on the radiator support/ upper intake plenum, then I put a seat cover (blanket) on that. That way you'll have something comfortable to lay on while reaching behind the engine to get at the rear plugs. You might as well get comfortable, because you're going to be there awhile. Getting the wires off without breaking them is really tough, and sometimes it's best to just let them break, and replace them. I always use Platinum plugs on my customer's 3.8s, because they're such a pain to replace, and for what I'm charging they don't want to do it too often. I find the straight 5/8 non swivel plug socket and a 3" extension gets the one near the A/C accumulator. The other two are tough, but not as bad. Relax, and take your time. The sure way to get frustrated is to go in thinking it's a 10 minute job. It takes the time that it takes, but you'll be done before you know it.

Hag

[lectraplayer]

Here's what I bet they designed it for: take it to a Ford dealership! It seems now that most of the regular maintanence stuff they design the car so that you can't do it without it being a real PITA. They want those maintanence bucks.