HELP - changing plugs in Taurus/Sable 3.0 DOHC
#1
HELP - changing plugs in Taurus/Sable 3.0 DOHC
I've got a '96 Mercury Sable with the 3.0 liter DOHC V6 (the 200+ hp 24 valve one, not the "Vulcan" OHV V6). It has 90,000 miles on it, and still has the original plugs and wires -- well, half of them, anyway.
It's been getting hard to start in cold or wet weather, lately, and it's 30,000 miles past the recommended plug change interval, so I finally got around to doing a tune up on Saturday. Of course, the first three plugs were easy -- they're accessible through the valve covers right there in front (and the old ones were indeed toast). I spent the next five hours trying to get to the back three, however, and eventually gave up. Does anyone know how it is supposed to be done?
As near as I can tell, you need to remove the upper intake manifold in order to expose the rear cylinder bank. I got as far as removing the entire throttle body and air cleaner assembly, unplugging a half dozen electrical connectors and vaccuum lines, removing a few other obvious things, and removing all six of the bolts that hold the manifold on. It would move a half inch or so, but something underneath was still holding it firmly onto the engine. I tried for hours to get the damn thing off before I gave up and put it all back together. So now it has three new plugs and wires, and three ancient worn out ones.
Anyone know how to do this, or am I stuck paying someone else several hundred bucks to install $20 worth of parts?
It's been getting hard to start in cold or wet weather, lately, and it's 30,000 miles past the recommended plug change interval, so I finally got around to doing a tune up on Saturday. Of course, the first three plugs were easy -- they're accessible through the valve covers right there in front (and the old ones were indeed toast). I spent the next five hours trying to get to the back three, however, and eventually gave up. Does anyone know how it is supposed to be done?
As near as I can tell, you need to remove the upper intake manifold in order to expose the rear cylinder bank. I got as far as removing the entire throttle body and air cleaner assembly, unplugging a half dozen electrical connectors and vaccuum lines, removing a few other obvious things, and removing all six of the bolts that hold the manifold on. It would move a half inch or so, but something underneath was still holding it firmly onto the engine. I tried for hours to get the damn thing off before I gave up and put it all back together. So now it has three new plugs and wires, and three ancient worn out ones.
Anyone know how to do this, or am I stuck paying someone else several hundred bucks to install $20 worth of parts?
#2
#3
HELP - changing plugs in Taurus/Sable 3.0 DOHC
Truly spoken:
"The S.O.B. that designed the Taurus transverse V-6's was ON acid, and into S&M..."
(I have a 3.8 1989 wagon)
I recommend one of two options -
Get the best manual you can find. From FORD if you plan on keeping it, and they are great cars when they are not busy being a major pain in the backside...
Option two, check around the service bays of a ford shop and have a look at a few dis-assembled engines. If you have to, buy one of the mechs a 6-pack. (A little "grease" goes a long way)
Or you can try the ancient line: "I was thinking of buying one of these, but I wondered how hard it is to replace the plugs in..."
(Which sometimes earns you a full-blown guided tour)
~Wolf
"The S.O.B. that designed the Taurus transverse V-6's was ON acid, and into S&M..."
(I have a 3.8 1989 wagon)
I recommend one of two options -
Get the best manual you can find. From FORD if you plan on keeping it, and they are great cars when they are not busy being a major pain in the backside...
Option two, check around the service bays of a ford shop and have a look at a few dis-assembled engines. If you have to, buy one of the mechs a 6-pack. (A little "grease" goes a long way)
Or you can try the ancient line: "I was thinking of buying one of these, but I wondered how hard it is to replace the plugs in..."
(Which sometimes earns you a full-blown guided tour)
~Wolf
#4
HELP - changing plugs in Taurus/Sable 3.0 DOHC
Although not familar with the taurus i have had to tune up some FWD chebys,just a thought here but have you tried to access the plugs from underneath the car?
Wiz
An Equal Opportunity Truck Lover!
http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html
Wiz
An Equal Opportunity Truck Lover!
http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html
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