V-3, can't even find the other 3.

[jhreed]

Hey gang, I made this wonderful to-do list which had me changing the old spark plugs on my 3.8 liter (1994) Ford V6. I changed the front three cylinders but I can't even figure out how to get to the rear three... any ideas? Do they change them from the bottom of the car? I'm dazzled..... I have decided to use platinum plugs so that I won't have to do this again..ever.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

Hi Jim,<br /><br />Those spark plugs are either replaced from below or in some extreme cases, the motor mounts are loosened or unbolted and the engine jacked to provide access to those rear plugs.<br /><br />I really hate those transversly mounted engines. They must have been designed by someone with very small hands.<br /><br />Platinum plugs are definitly the way to go, but they don't last forever, usually 75000 to 90000 miles.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

Jim, you might be able to get to them from underneath the car.<br /><br />Try a swivel on the spark plug socket and see if you can't get them that way.<br /><br />Sideway engines and electronic ignition.<br />Hate them.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

From underneath... If you have a plug socket with a 3/4" six point hex top, slide the socket on the plug and use an open end/box wrench to turn the socket...

 

[JHOLE]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

I know this is not exactly the same, but hope it helps. I had a Gran Prix with the same situation. The rear plugs were so close to the firewall that you couldn't even get the wires off much less think about changing the plugs. I about lost it when I was told by a tech that the procedure was to pull motor mounts. We hunkered in for a long fight one evening - 10 minutes later we were done. It was designed to be done that way, we followed the prescribed procedure and the motor just rolled forward and the plugs were right on top. I'm not 100% about your specific situation but if someone tells you to do something similar - go for it - it ended up being the easiest three plugs I ever changed.

 

[jhreed]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

Thank you gang, I appreciate the combined thinking that makes this forum a neat place to go. Does getting in from the bottom require a pit or can one wiggle in if the body is jacked up high enough? I'm also assuming that the motor mount approach needs to get in from the bottom also? By the way, the front plugs measured 70 thousandths plus when I got them out... and they still ran well! I was quite surprised... Jim Reed.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: V-3, can't even find the other 3.

Hi jim reed, I have a 93 with the 3.8, same problem, I scoped it out and checked the Ford shop manual which provided some great advice by saying "remove the spark plugs", so I decided <br />there are times in my life where paying someone is the better choice, took a mechanic about an hour to change all 6 and he didn't have to jack up the engine, I don't know how he did it, but obviously it can be done. When he finished his hands looked like he lost a knife fight , best $45 for labor I ever spent. I provided the double platinum plugs.