Random thoughts on changing plugs on a 4.2...
11-04-2006, 12:48 PM
#1
Random thoughts on changing plugs on a 4.2...
1. Decided to go with NGK Iridiums based on all the oohing and aaahing on the board. Funny thing is you need to gap these as they are not the 4 prong style. .0032 is what I was told. Could not find a gap in the Bentley. Was I looking in the wrong place?
2. I found a breaker bar (actually a piece of pipe) helpful in easing the plugs out. Whoever had done them previously had obviously not used anti sieze.
3. Used an old clean tooth brush to apply the anti sieze paste to the threads of the plugs and the threads of the bolts that hold the coil packs to the cylinder head.
4. Anti sieze paste gets very thick when it is cold out...ergo it is more difficult to apply.
5. When removing the plugs that attach to the top of the coil packs, when it says to GENTLY pry the tab until you hear a 'click' and then to pull the plug off...GENTLY is the operative word. Do NOT ask how I know this.
6. I tried spraying a little PB Blaster around the coil pack plugs before GENTLY GENTLY prying the tab. Seemed to help as the first two I did not use the PB Blaster and it was not fun.
7. The writeup on Stoney's links is very helpful. Major thanks to whoever did the 4.2 writeup.
8. It REALLY REALLY SUCKS when you drop a 10mm socket down into the engine bay when you are just about done.
9. It REALLY REALLY SUCKS when you finish doing this project, button everything back up and then have to put the car up on ramps, drop the belly pan and retrieve the 10mm socket from number 8 above.
10. Use a torque wrench when tightening the plugs down. It makes you kind of feel like a real mechanic!!!
11. I did the air filter and cabin filter while I was in there.
12. You absolutely have to move the coolant resevoir.
13. Last but certainly not least celebrate a job well done, and some money savings in your pocket with a beverage of your choice.
2. I found a breaker bar (actually a piece of pipe) helpful in easing the plugs out. Whoever had done them previously had obviously not used anti sieze.
3. Used an old clean tooth brush to apply the anti sieze paste to the threads of the plugs and the threads of the bolts that hold the coil packs to the cylinder head.
4. Anti sieze paste gets very thick when it is cold out...ergo it is more difficult to apply.
5. When removing the plugs that attach to the top of the coil packs, when it says to GENTLY pry the tab until you hear a 'click' and then to pull the plug off...GENTLY is the operative word. Do NOT ask how I know this.
6. I tried spraying a little PB Blaster around the coil pack plugs before GENTLY GENTLY prying the tab. Seemed to help as the first two I did not use the PB Blaster and it was not fun.
7. The writeup on Stoney's links is very helpful. Major thanks to whoever did the 4.2 writeup.
8. It REALLY REALLY SUCKS when you drop a 10mm socket down into the engine bay when you are just about done.
9. It REALLY REALLY SUCKS when you finish doing this project, button everything back up and then have to put the car up on ramps, drop the belly pan and retrieve the 10mm socket from number 8 above.
10. Use a torque wrench when tightening the plugs down. It makes you kind of feel like a real mechanic!!!
11. I did the air filter and cabin filter while I was in there.
12. You absolutely have to move the coolant resevoir.
13. Last but certainly not least celebrate a job well done, and some money savings in your pocket with a beverage of your choice.
11-04-2006, 01:46 PM
#2
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Good job...I raise a glass of Burgundy White to you....
(didn't know there was such a thing until I checked the wine cabinet...kind of low on white today..can't tell you much more than that...label is in French...
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