#6 spark plug (driver side)
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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#6 spark plug (driver side)
How is the best way to change the last plug on driver side, is there a special tool/trick? Everything is in the way. Previous person that changed the plugs didn't get it tight enough, and it has worked loose. 1997 3.0 aerostar
Thanks, Bill
Thanks, Bill
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
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From: SoCal
I usually use a spark plug socket, which usually has a hex head, with an open end wrench, since there is not enough room for a ratchet. I can't remember if that's one of the plugs that I had to access from underneath, but you might try that.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
in my 4.0 liter, I just attack it it head on from the front. If you can reach the last plug with your hand, remove the wire plug, and insert a spark plug socket over the spark plug,
then use a wrench to loosen it, but if it is already loose, then just turn the socket with your hand or using one of those "thumb ratchets".
then use a wrench to loosen it, but if it is already loose, then just turn the socket with your hand or using one of those "thumb ratchets".
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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With the throttle assy out of the way, there may be room to get to it from the front, I just went out and looked, don't see any way to get to it with DS tire off(gonna look again tomorrow)may be able to do it from the inside.
Changed the plugs & wires on an 89, V6 that one is a pain, but doable, back PS is a royal PITB, not as much stuff in the way.
Thanks for the input...Bill
It's cold, and windy, working outside for just a short time before I have to come in and warm up, maybe tomorrow will be better, I'll let you know how it goes.
Changed the plugs & wires on an 89, V6 that one is a pain, but doable, back PS is a royal PITB, not as much stuff in the way.
Thanks for the input...Bill
It's cold, and windy, working outside for just a short time before I have to come in and warm up, maybe tomorrow will be better, I'll let you know how it goes.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
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I believe I did the drivers' side all from the top, and with a small flex head ratchet. Pass side through the wheel well. I've heard of folks using a holesaw through the floor for #6, and just putting a rubber plug in the hole.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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OK... Got it, removed the throttle bracket, worked around the EGR system, did the long extension/flex joint thing, a royal PITB. I would like to watch a "certified" Ford tech change plugs on an Areostar. The previous owner had already did the hole for the PS one, just needed to finish his job so the plug will stay in place.
Thanks for all the tips/comments....Bill Ford .....(no not that Bill Ford)
Thanks for all the tips/comments....Bill Ford .....(no not that Bill Ford)
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
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A certified Ford mechanic would do NOTHING different than any of us. He would just have more tools at his disposal. And he would just find what worked best,,, just like us.
I've done mine twice, it was a pain, but I remember doing it from the top, and getting one click of the ratchet at a time to tighten it. Alot of hand and body contorting also.
The PS plug I remember doing with the wheel removed through the fender well.
I think people who drill holes in the floor are lazy.
I've done mine twice, it was a pain, but I remember doing it from the top, and getting one click of the ratchet at a time to tighten it. Alot of hand and body contorting also.
The PS plug I remember doing with the wheel removed through the fender well.
I think people who drill holes in the floor are lazy.
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2007
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OK... Got it, removed the throttle bracket, worked around the EGR system, did the long extension/flex joint thing, a royal PITB. I would like to watch a "certified" Ford tech change plugs on an Areostar. The previous owner had already did the hole for the PS one, just needed to finish his job so the plug will stay in place.
Thanks for all the tips/comments....Bill Ford .....(no not that Bill Ford)
Thanks for all the tips/comments....Bill Ford .....(no not that Bill Ford)
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lupton, Mi
in my 4.0 liter, I just attack it it head on from the front. If you can reach the last plug with your hand, remove the wire plug, and insert a spark plug socket over the spark plug,
then use a wrench to loosen it, but if it is already loose, then just turn the socket with your hand or using one of those "thumb ratchets".
then use a wrench to loosen it, but if it is already loose, then just turn the socket with your hand or using one of those "thumb ratchets".
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
This is the easiest thing I have found to do any work on the drivers side.
#1 Remove Battery
#2 remove intake tube
#3 remove belt
#4 unbolt A/C compressor (4 bolts)
#5 Place A/C compressor in battery location
This gives you plenty of room to get to all spark plugs/wires on the drivers side without too much cussing.
#1 Remove Battery
#2 remove intake tube
#3 remove belt
#4 unbolt A/C compressor (4 bolts)
#5 Place A/C compressor in battery location
This gives you plenty of room to get to all spark plugs/wires on the drivers side without too much cussing.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I have never removed any of those parts to change any of the plugs.
The worse one for me in my 1997 4.0 is the rear plug of the passenger side, for which I remove the transmission cover (doghouse??).
I would never cut a hole to access spark plugs.
The worse one for me in my 1997 4.0 is the rear plug of the passenger side, for which I remove the transmission cover (doghouse??).
I would never cut a hole to access spark plugs.
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