#6 spark plug (driver side)
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
#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: 7,010
Likes: 203
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".
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
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
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
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.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
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)
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 306
Likes: 15
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 455
Likes: 6
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post