Spark plugs 3.0
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 181
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
Spark plugs 3.0
I have a '97 shorty 3.0 74,000 miles. The previous owner had the spark plugs changed but I don't know when. Any guide lines for regular spark plug changes and what brand of plugs?
Great site,
Thanks,
Beaned
Great site,
Thanks,
Beaned
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 181
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm gearing up to change the plugs. I read in somebody's manual that you change at 100,000 miles. Then some have said 60,000. This seems more resonable.
Beaned
Beaned
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Having done this last summer I have a few tips. For reference right side means looking forward (passenger side), left side is drivers side.
Get a spark plug wire puller, I wasted a lot of time just trying to get the wires off.
Start on the right side, jack up the wheel and remove. Right rear plug is best attacked from below. Middle and front plug attack through the wheel well.
Remove left side tire, attack rear plug through the wheel well. It is a very tight fit. Put the socket on the plug first then fit the handle. Middle and front left side can be attacked from in front through the hood.
Pick a nice day when you have lots of time (and beer).
Get a spark plug wire puller, I wasted a lot of time just trying to get the wires off.
Start on the right side, jack up the wheel and remove. Right rear plug is best attacked from below. Middle and front plug attack through the wheel well.
Remove left side tire, attack rear plug through the wheel well. It is a very tight fit. Put the socket on the plug first then fit the handle. Middle and front left side can be attacked from in front through the hood.
Pick a nice day when you have lots of time (and beer).
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
Good tips from "ha38349".
I found it useful to use a deep offset box end wrench that fits the outside hex on the spark plug socket (3/4" IIRC). It really helps on the rear plugs on each side. This type of wrench has the box end dropped about 1.5" below the level of the handle - it looks like a "Z" from the side. The 1.5" depth is needed so the handle clears the exhaust manifold. I picked one up at the local cheapo-tool house for less than 10 bucks & save it for just this occasion.
Cheers,
Eric
I found it useful to use a deep offset box end wrench that fits the outside hex on the spark plug socket (3/4" IIRC). It really helps on the rear plugs on each side. This type of wrench has the box end dropped about 1.5" below the level of the handle - it looks like a "Z" from the side. The 1.5" depth is needed so the handle clears the exhaust manifold. I picked one up at the local cheapo-tool house for less than 10 bucks & save it for just this occasion.
Cheers,
Eric
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Orland USA
Also you can remove the Air Filter box. Just 3 nuts holding it on. and you can then reach the Spark Plugs on the passenger side
(1,2,3) from the front of the van.
With the Box out you can reach in between the Fan, Alt, & Air Cond.
(1,2,3) from the front of the van.
With the Box out you can reach in between the Fan, Alt, & Air Cond.
When I did mine at 100,000 after paying someone at 60,000 I found only 4 of the 6 had been replaced. The two worst ones to get at were the originals.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 63
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From: Vancouver
the easiest and fastest way to change the plugs is to remove the top half of the intake manifold, only 6 bolts and the throttle cable( no gasket required).Now you can reach right down the side of the motor and reach the rear plugs..45 minutes max.....