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

 

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.

 

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".

 

if you mean the back one on the drivers side i use a two foot extension after removing the tire.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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)

 

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.

 

just imagine trying to remove a cylinder head.

 

This is how I did mine.

 

it helps if you do it when the engine is cold, so you don't burn your arm and hand!!

 

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.

 

That's a lot of work, which is why I reach up from below.

 

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.