Spark plugs/2001 Ford Escape

[Lisa7]

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to change spark plugs for a 2001 Escape. I was told the motor has to be moved to replace some of the plugs?
Is this true?

[danielsatur]

I only have a 4 cylinders in mine!
1) How many miles to you have on your escape?
2) Is the check Eng Light on?
3) Are you paying for serivce?

Technicans like to troubleshoot at customers expense!
If it works! ''Don't fix it''

If theres a misfire,the computer will tell you and it will generate a
check eng fault.

[danielsatur]

Keep up with the oil + filter,air filter,gas filter ,and she will go a long ways.

[Johnny Mullet]

If it is a V6 (3.0L) then the upper intake needs to be removed to change the plugs in the back. The gasket is re-useable and the job is not really that hard if you have someone with tech skills to do it cheaper for you.

[danielsatur]

Thanks for feedback Johnny:
I'am glad that mines a 4 cyclinder,it's 50% cheaper to work on than a V8!
Plus the gas savings.

[Blue Bowtie]

Lisa,

It'll look like this before you are finished:



While it's apart, clean, inspect, and thoroughly test the COP units, and install the best-testing three on the rear plugs.

Use extreme diligence in removing the old spark plugs. Remove the coil-on-plug units (COPs) and apply some penetrating oil right down the holes. Allow some time for the penetrant to work, then very carefully loosen the spark plugs. These engines (like all Ford Modulars) are prone to having the spark plug hole threads come out with the old plug, rendering the heads useless. The heads are very thin in the plug boss area and any seizing between the steel plug shell and aluminum head can rip the threads out of the head on removal. A little time, penetrating oil, patience, and caution can make the difference between a tune up and an engine replacement.

Use good double-platinum spark plugs, such as Champion RS12PYP. Motorcraft double platinums are acceptable, as well as NGK. Avoid any Autolite and Bosch spark plugs like the plague, especially for this critical installation, since you don't want to be doing this again any time soon. Coat the threads with anti-seize compound, and be very careful of limiting torque when installing them.

Good luck.