I have a 2002 Explorer Sport with a 4.0 liter engine and I changed 5 out of the 6 plugs. How do you get to the #6 plug? It is right up aganst the air conditioning housing up by the fire wall and there is a gap of about 1-1/2 inches between the valve cover and the a/c housing. I can't even get my hand down there.

any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken

 

No that is #3 - on the passenger side rear. It's loads of fun huh? I have never had a problem getting to it on my 93. I just go over the top with a regular socket and ratchet. You have to get down in there for sure but you can get it. Some folks have had better luck removing the right front wheel and the plastic wheel well and then there it is. Alos look at it from underneath the truck - might be easier.

 

On my sport trac, i removed the wheel, and the wheel well, and used some universal sockets, and it finally came out. And o yeah its so much fun i wish i could do it again soon, not.

 

The little U-jointed ratchets work great. =)

 

Just went through this a couple weeks ago... What a pain! My plug socket is a 3/8 drive but has 7/8" flats on it. I used a 1/2" drive 7/8" socket and was able to break the seat then switched to a stubby 3/8" ratchet. I did it through the wheel well. Only way to go IMHO.

 

You need rubber arms!!!!! It is possible without removing the tyre etc, however it took me approx 45 mins to achieve the first time I did min. Have Fun

 

I don't know what the big deal is. Maybe the later model ones have more AC crap in the way. My 93 is right there from the top. I just use a regular 6" long ratched with a regular plug puller. No swivels or extensions. I even have headers on mine. Now the hard part for me is getting the rubber plug wire boot off the plug. No room in there to grab it. So I use a long flat screwdriver and kind of pry off the head to work it off.

I guess soemthing change. Glad I have it easy.

 

I have a first gen Explorer and have a 3" body lift. Getting to the plugs is easy. The ones you can't get to from the engine compartment I can get to from inside the fenderwell. As for your year not sure what the best way would be.

 

the best thing i do is use a long extention and go from the wheel well out side of the truck . I have not had to remove the wheel or any thing .I also get this one first just to get it out of the way .

 

Here's a couple tips for changing plugs: First pick up one of those spark plug wire removal tools. They look like a long pair of pliers, and make it easy to access and remove the wires without damage. Cost is about 3-4 bucks.

Then get a short section of vacuum or fuel hose that will fit over the end of the plug. Use this to insert the new plugs and start the threads.

I like to use a dab of anti-seize compound on the threads, to make the job easier next time.....