Are there any tricks or special tools needed to change the plugs on this van. I just took the cover off and was in for quite a shock. It is even hard to see the plugs. The van has 100,000 miles and this is the first time with the cover off.
Thanks, Lee

 

I have the 6.8 liter and it took me 2 hours to change #5 plug. I gave up and took it to the local mechanic. I was stunned.

There is a guy on the net with a 1,000,000 mile van on the net (5.4) that never changed anything for most of those miles. ( millionmilevan.net, I believe) If I was you , I would wait till you are having symptoms of missing or stuttering before going thru all the hassle. My van was 8 years old and had 135k on it when it started to stutter.

John

 

I have heard a number of horror stories about changing these plugs. I did it in a few (maybe 4) hours taking my time. Was it easy, no. But it certainly wasn't bad. Pull the air cleaner assembly and the fuel rails. Once they're off it isn't too bad. Remove the coils and find the right combo of extensions and a long spark plug socket like from harborfreight. There are some brackets on the rear of the engine which when moved provide more room. I used anti-seize on the plugs, gapped em right and installed them until tight. No torque wrench just snug and maybe 1/8 a turn. You know, just tight. This has worked for me for 10000 plus miles. Hopefully I do not have to deal with a spark plug blowout, and so far so good. When reinstalling the fuel rail be sure to lube the o rings. I learned that the hard way. I would say it is certainly doable. Take your time and look things over. It's just a bunch of nuts and bolts. The mechanic would use the same tools that you would. Good luck.

Oh yeah, you really can't see most of the plugs. Just stick the spark plug socket in the hole and turn the wrench until it's ready to come out. Alot of the job was done by feel. Still not that bad though. I'd rather do this job than a trans or rear.

Brian