2002 Windstar Spark plug replacement

[jbarto883]

Any tricks to changing rear spark plugs and getting to coil pack. Does the cowl panel come off to get to this stuff?

[catvents]

Originally Posted by jbarto883

Any tricks to changing rear spark plugs and getting to coil pack. Does the cowl panel come off to get to this stuff?

If you remove the cowl panel you will have an easy acces to the coil pack which is located on the top rear of the engine (passenger side). For the spark plug you can also remove them by the top ( if the cowl vent is removed). you will not see them but will be able to reach them with the socket to remove them. Some people did the job by the underneath too and if you can lift the van you can go that way too. I have ever done the job by the top, and if you have to remove the cowl vent it may be a good idea to work from the top

[northern piper]

taking the cowl off is a really easy job. Maybe 20 min or so. Don't try and do it from underneath. Been there, done that. Take the cowl off and you'll never do it another way.

Piper

[jbarto883]

Pulled cowl off to get to pcm. maybe number 1 will be tough but everything else is right there!! Thanks!

[Ed_Strong]

I agree on the cowl removal deal... thats the way I always do it. I do recommend you get a Spark Plug Wire removal tool as there's not much room to wrestle with the plug wires if you have big arms.

Them suckers tend to suck their way in and twisting them not always breaks the seal making it very dificult to turn them loose.

[catvents]

And I would add: buy a tube of antiseize grease ( Permatex has good one) and apply lightly to your new spark plug thread. If you keep your van for a while you will appreciate that your spark plug will be easy to remove the next time you will have to do the job maybe in a few years.

[northern piper]

x2 on the permatex

[12Ounce]

Ditto and Ditto ... plus don't overtorque the plugs ... 20 ftlbs is usually TOO much for any plug! 8 - 10 ftlbs is recommended for this engine, IIRC.

[northern piper]

yep, according to all data, 15 Nm which is ~11Ft-lbs

[jbarto883]

Just got done with them. Absolutly remove the cowl and HVAC fresh air box to do this job. Simple s a 1974 f100 with a 302 then!!opcorn: