I feel silly asking, but.....

My son has a 99 Explorer Sport with the 4.0 SOHC motor. How do I get to the 3 spark plugs on the passenger side of the motor? I was able to get the three on the left, but I either don't have the right combination of extensions or I'm going at the other side wrong. I did a search here, but didn't see where anyone else had discussed this. It's got me worried that I'm missing something obvious.

Thanks for any help.

 

My apologies. After posting, I realized that this should have been on the 4.0 engine forum. Did the same search there and found info that says to go through the splash guard in the passenger wheel well. I'll try that tonight.

 

Go at those 3 through the wheel well. Remove the splash guard and the wheel if you want to and you will be amazed at how easy they are to reach.

 

Yes, removing the wheel is about the only way....but the one in the back is still pretty tough...due to having virtually no clearance for removal. Also...due to the clearance...I've found it very difficult to get enough leverage to press the new plug wire boot down onto the new plug.

I'm in the process of changing the plugs now and just am just hoping that one got reconnected.

 

I have found it much easier to get #3, from under the truck, I run her up on ramps and slide under.....

I change my fluids while it is off the ground... Philip

 

I have a near mint 2000 EXPLORER SPORT 4.0 V6. What I've done is removed both front tires, and secured the vehicle safely so I can get underneath it. I've accessed all passenger side plugs via through the splash shield cover. Which, by the way, if you occasionally keep the spash shield clean and use a protectant like Armor All / silicone spray, it keeps it like new and pliable. Otherwise they get brittle and crack easy due to age and engine heat.
Also, once you use a dab of anti-seize on the plugs, and dialetric grease on the plug boots, it makes spark plug replacement MUCH MUCH MUCH easier the next time you do it.
I use MOTORCRAFT Double Platinum Plugs (Made by Autolite)
I use MOTORCRAFT Plug Wires. I changed the OEM plugs at 45,000 miles, then 83,000 MI. Currently, my Explorer Sport just turned 90,ooo miles and is running like new. Just installed a set of KYB Gas-Adjust Shocks (white in color) a very good replacement shock.
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Also, with changing plugs, I like to have a very bright work light shining in the work area. Sometimes two. With my 53 year old eyes, seeing what needs to be done makes the job a bit easier. Yes, my wife jokes that it looked like a movie crew was filming a movie in the garage, but I simply like a bright work area! ;>)