01 Duratec spark plugs change, what to pay attention to.

[procter]

Had a cylinder 3 misfire, and decided to diagnose/fix it from the easier source, a long over-due spark plugs change.

Can you guys point a good source of easier way of changing the duratec plugs, especially the 1-2-3? Many many posters said the upper intake manifold needed to be taken down to access those three plugs. Just want to know if there are other ways?

Also, I prepared Autolite AP104 plugs, the motorcraft spark plug wire set and ignition coil. Anything else I need to replace, i.e. the intake manifold gasket(can it be re-used?)

Thanks a lot.

[Breeves002]

You don't have to remove the intake manifold but it makes it vastly easier to reach the back 3 plugs. If you have small hands and remove the cowling around the windshield wipers I think you can reach behind it. It's a good idea to replace those gaskets though. The UIM isn't very hard to remove. Get a new gasket, as the originals like to get leaks after years.

[Jeff K]

Replace the intake gaskets. They are cheap. They also deteriorate with time and heat and cause vacuum leaks.

[procter]

And what type of tools are needed in addition to the basic wrenches and stuff? Do I need to loan some special tools, for example to extract spark plugs etc?

Thanks a lot.

[procter]

BTW I'm having some difficulty understanding the rationale behind removing the upper intake manifold just to access the spark plugs. Can you guys provide a picture of that too? I took down the cowlings and rain retainer before to change cabin air filter, I did not notice the rear spark plugs at all, and that's the only prep step listed in the shop manual for changing spark plugs and wires. So why do you need small hand or take off upper intake to do this? Thanks a lot.

[procter]

FEL-PRO Plenum Gasket Set | Product Details | Pep Boys

Is this the gaskets I'll need? The name is Plenum gasket. They do have another set called Intake manifold gasket, including more gaskets in addition to these. like this:http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...anifold+gasket

[behlinla]

The small hands are needed if you don't take off the upper intake manifold because you have to reach your hand down the back of the engine and partially under the intake manifold to reach the plugs. Obviously the intake manifold (big plastic thing on top of the engine) is in the way. If you go out and look at your engine and where your spark plugs live on the back side it should be really obvious.

[intimidator]

If you look at the back of the engine, below the intake manifold, at the head, you will see why.

[SoNic67]

I think he didn't realized that there are three more plugs "buried" in the back side of the engine
Below is my 1996, aluminium intake, but the plastic one is similar setup. If you want to do it just once, get the best plugs that you can - fine tip iridium. I got NGK Laser Iridum.

[intimidator]

I hope you cleaned that LIM after you took that pic...lol