4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 21, 2001 | 10:09 AM

tooch

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

Help! How in God's green acres do you change the plugs on a 98 4.6L? Especially the back four! I got #1 and #2 out. It only took 45 minutes... Is this the reason that the dealer wants $600.00 for a tune up?

Mar 23, 2001 | 12:57 AM

knuckles

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 230

Likes: 0

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

It helps to have a swivel spark plug socket & some swivel extensions.

$600 is a little steep. The rear plugs are kinda hard to get to, but they're not that hard to reach!

Sep 9, 2002 | 11:48 AM

RHODCO

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 63

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

I've heard it's easier if you jack up the front end first.

Sep 10, 2002 | 07:56 PM

geoaigel

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 543

Likes: 0

From: LA

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

You need a swivel spark plug socket. You can find them in your local tool warehouse or off the tool truck. No way around it. Also get a locking extension for it along with a U-joint and another extension.

Be very careful, you have aluminum heads. If you crossthread the plugs, you are screwed.

If you have the above tools, changing the plugs takes only about 45 minutes.

Hope this helps. Be careful.

George (20k miles to go on current plugs!)

Sep 19, 2002 | 09:06 PM

dtilden

New User

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: Miami USA

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

Aren't the plugs different for 4 of the cylinders than tey are for the other 4? Check it out!

Re-elect Al Gore!

Sep 19, 2002 | 09:30 PM

PaulC

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 2,297

Likes: 0

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

I believe Ford spec'd different plug numbers for each cylinder bank as installed by the factory. However I seem to recall the owners manual indicating just one number for replacement plugs on either bank. Check your manual.

Sep 20, 2002 | 07:34 AM

ummduh

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 248

Likes: 2

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

The reason for spec'ing different plugs on each side is from the DS system, Ford used single platinum plugs, one bank has the platinum on the elctrode, the other bank has it on the ground.. When replacing these, replace with double platinum plugs. Thats what you'd get by going to Ford and asking for replacment plugs.

Trending Topics

Odd knock/rattle at idle only after fully warmed up

27

414
This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.3k

6M
Another Crank no start -- sorry

21

334
Automatic and Manaul TPS the Same?

20

300
My 1976 F-250

3.9k

263.3k

Sep 20, 2002 | 12:26 PM

RHODCO

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 63

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

4.6L modular engine spark plug replacement.

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Sep-02 AT 01:28 PM (EST)]I was wrong. It doesn't help to jack up the front end.

It does help to smear Vasoline all over your arms and elbows when going after the #4 and #8 plugs. You feel like a snake trying to slither back in there. Vasoline just makes cleanup easier afterwards.
It's a very dirty job, especially if you're replacing the wires at the same time.

I had to remove the air cleaner assembly and the cruise control cable bracket in order to get to the plugs on the driver side.

Also, do it with the engine COLD. Much easier on your forearms.

I used Autolite Double Platinum APP104, NOT the APP764.(long story)