Changing plugs on an '01 Windstar.

[Off_Timing]

My (wife's) van is a 2000 with 171,000km on the 3.8L engine. I want to change the spark plugs. Did you guys use any penetrating oil on the plugs before you removed them? Is this a good idea or bad idea?

Also, what do you think about using a little anti-sieze on the threads of the new spark plugs?

Thanks.

[garync1]

I did not use any oil on them.. They came out fairly easy.. Just was flying blind on the back ones. Went by feel.. I do use Anti-seize on the threads but just a little dab. When you turn the spark plugs in the threads will spread the anti-seize..Don't add the anti-seize to close to the lower part of the threads were the spark is generated or it will reduce the performance of the plug. I add mine closer to the top part of the threads. Just a little dab will do.

[Off_Timing]

Thanks Garync1. That's next on my list of things to do that van.

[Wa jang chang]

I am about to replace my 2000 SEL spark plugs. This thread kind of encourages me to venture this task. My SEL has about 95K miles but I am getting 16 mpg lately. I used to get 18 to 20 mpg driving around city. Hope I can do this under 1 hr like some of you guys.

[Jerry Irons]

Yep I agree, to change the plugs, get under than van for the back set. I used ramps which seemed to work ok.

To change the wires, I took the cowl off. What I wish I had done at the time was also inspect the coil pack...

-Jerry

01 3.8L

[Wa jang chang]

One Saturday morning I decided to change out the plugs from my wife's 00 windstar SEL. Reading thru some of posts on this thread really encouraged me to do it myself. I jacked up the van and got under it and was able to remove and replace the aft three spark plugs (no broken knuckle). The front three were relatively easy. Total time consumed: 1.5 hrs including prep. Thanks guys!

Wa jang chang

[Fulcrum]

I changed the spark plugs on my wife's 2000 Windstar SEL at 156,000 the gap in the plugs were easily double what they should have been. I replaced using double plats Auto lite. I changed the wires too (two months later).

I tried to get to those plugs from underneath, but my I could not get my arm up... too tight. I removed the cowl and did the back 3 blind from the top while I carefully laid on top of the engine. Took me about an hour to switch out all 6.

I had already taken off the cowl for the 174 fix, so it was convenient.

Cheers!

Fulcrum