Changing spark plugs looks too difficult

[dderolph]

My son just bought a 2002 Montero Sport. I've always thought of changing spark plugs as a fairly easy do-it-yourself project but this vehicle is another story. What appears to be the intake manifold basically hovers over most of the spark plugs. Amazing! Looks like changing plugs in this vehicle is simply not a do-it-yourself project. In fact, some major disassembly seems necessary to get access to the plugs. Am I right?

[dderolph]

Come on folks, surely someone out there is familiar with this vehicle and can comment on this.

[MonteroNewbie]

Yes. It's not easy at all. You basically have to take the entire manifold off to get to all the plugs and wires. You will also need to change a few gaskets of the manifold parts. If you do change them yourself, you might want to change wires, and use platinum plugs since you only want to take that off once every 40,000 miles.

[dderolph]

Thanks for that info. After such a long time lapse since I posted the question, getting a reply was a pleasant surprise.

I'd guess that, if we do this ourselves, we ought to try to get an automotive manual for some details about the procedure. For example, when reinstalling the manifold, should a torque wrench be used to tighten the bolts to a certain torque?

[BWWJR]

Here's a good Step-by-Step instructional for you. It does look like a pretty daunting task.

http://www.monterosportonline.com/diy-perf2.html