[stwalke2]

This is my first post and I first want to say what a great forum and thanks in advance for any help. I've done a few quick searches but haven't really found an answer so I'm doing the easy thing and just asking.

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus @ 120k miles (v6 by the way). Apparently the spark plugs have never been replaced. My auto repairman quoted me $715 for changing the wires, plugs and (unrelated) 2 back tires. Judging from past experience that puts the spark plug and wire cost at around $400+.

I'm basically wondering how easy would it to do it myself. Parts seem to be sub $100. I've replaced wires before but never plugs. I've generally not done much in terms of engine repairs but have replace things such as bulbs, window motor, normal oil filters etc. So nothing really crazy.

Am I out of my league or is easy to do? Is there a book with detailed instructions on how to do this?

Thanks again.

 

[Chingon]

$715?! Damn I'll fly out there and do it for $700 flat!

It's super easy, just take your time and do one plug/wire at a time so you don't mix up the firing order. Buy a Chilton's manual and it'll cover everything.

As long as you know lefty-loosy, righty tighty you can do it...

 

[stwalke2]

Thanks, the $715 did include 2 tires. The place I go to is good but they have to pay city taxes which are insane and thus they charge more. Great little place though. $400 for sub $100 in parts does seem like a lot though. Even more in this economy!

I do know righty-loosy, lefty-tighty so I must be in good shape

 

[Jeff K]

You dont list the engine you have... Vulcan or Duratec. Vulcan plug / wire change is VERY easy.... one of the easiest FWD V6 engines aroubnd to work on. For a first timer, 2 hours max. For someone who has done it a few times before, 1/2 hour. Duratec is harder due to limited access, but doable by a first timer in an afternoon.

 

[dmeray1]

You dont list the engine you have... Vulcan or Duratec. Vulcan plug / wire change is VERY easy.... one of the easiest FWD V6 engines aroubnd to work on. For a first timer, 2 hours max. For someone who has done it a few times before, 1/2 hour. Duratec is harder due to limited access, but doable by a first timer in an afternoon.

I have changed plugs on my 2000 Taurus 3.0 DOHC with no problems. However, my 2006 with the 3.0 12 valve (Vulcan?) only got the front plugs changed. People say you can reach around and get the back plugs, but I cannot reach that far. It looks like the intake has to be removed. Can you confirm this? Is there a "how to" somewhere?

 

[Chingon]

How to:

Reach behind the engine and replace plugs.


But seriously, you might need a step-stool or something and you do have to do it blind, but I have pretty big arms/hands and had no problem...

 

[stwalke2]

You dont list the engine you have... Vulcan or Duratec. Vulcan plug / wire change is VERY easy.... one of the easiest FWD V6 engines aroubnd to work on. For a first timer, 2 hours max. For someone who has done it a few times before, 1/2 hour. Duratec is harder due to limited access, but doable by a first timer in an afternoon.

To be honest I'm not sure. it's pretty standard FWD car. It looks like this one though and the caption says "Vulcan" http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/181796/1998660c.jpg

I checked it out a few minutes ago and the front ones look ridiculously easy. The back plugs look hard to reach and you can't really see them. Are you sure those are easy? Do I need to take off the intake there?

 

[dmeray1]

To be honest I'm not sure. it's pretty standard FWD car. It looks like this one though and the caption says "Vulcan" http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/181796/1998660c.jpg

I checked it out a few minutes ago and the front ones look ridiculously easy. The back plugs look hard to reach and you can't really see them. Are you sure those are easy? Do I need to take off the intake there?

Yes, that looks like the 12v Vulcan motor. If it was the 24 valve motor there would be individual coils mounted on top of the spark plugs. I really think the intake needs to come off. That is why I only changed 3 plugs.

 

[Chingon]

I just recently changed the plugs myself, without taking the Intake Manifold off. Yes, you should take the air intake assembly off (thing between the air filter and throttle body), but that's easy as pie.

Roll up your sleeve and reach back there to see for yourself. If you're afraid of getting a little dirty or busting a knuckle, take it in to a shop.

 

[taglass]

I just did the plugs on my 2003 Vulcan. The front plugs are dead easy.

The back ones require some reaching but can be done without taking anything off if you have a few different length extensions.
The hardest part is getting the boots off. Someone (I think on this forum) recommended a good soaking with WD40 and wait an hour or so. This helps. It is a good idea to use some dielectric grease when you reconnect the boots.

 

[stwalke2]

I just recently changed the plugs myself, without taking the Intake Manifold off. Yes, you should take the air intake assembly off (thing between the air filter and throttle body), but that's easy as pie.

Roll up your sleeve and reach back there to see for yourself. If you're afraid of getting a little dirty or busting a knuckle, take it in to a shop.

Ha, injuring yourself is half the fun. You can't show how hard you worked to save $300 bucks if you don't get hurt

I'll give it a try this weekend..maybe even post some pictures of how nasty the 120k miles spark plugs are.

And if I break the car I'll just send you guys a bill..I know you're good for it

 

[toronut]

On Gen 4's there are about four diferent levels of dificulty for the rear sparkplugs depending on whether it's Vulcan/Duratec, cop/coil pack,year, etc. The argument of how to replace the rear plugs also depends on how much you are prepared to "risk" working "blind". I think most "Shops" play it safe and pull the UIM for Duratecs. I have a 2001 Duratec which is probably the worst for access to the rear bank. The darned coil pack is a PITA itself to remove it's bolts mounted right over the plugs # 2 and #3 the removal of the bolts for that is working blind. OOph!! The UIM has to be pulled unless you are Houdini with hands the size of a pygmy??? For educated fun--TCCA should set up a Mr Rear Plugs competition for Mr Champion Sparkplug Dude----how fast can it be done???? Mr Rear Sparkpug Remover of the Month-----King RSM---Might be a great small business?

 

[TA Griff]

1996 ford taurus 24v duratick

I never owned a Ford before Jan 2011.
I Did Not remove the UIM and I had the replugs and coil pack changed in about 50 min. And I don't have the smallest hands, so says my wife.
I liked the Taurus so much, and I have done quite a bit of work on it so far ( VSS, Trans fluid/ Filter, Oil sending unit, coolant change, heater core flush, rear disk brake job, Interior removal and cleaning/ replacement) I went out and bought another 97 duratec. This week end is a water pump, thermostat and because of the recient posts about power steering issues the PS fluid change and filter.
The Plugs can be done without removing the Intake Manifold, not too tough. Bring it over.

 

[stwalke2]

well, I'll give it a shot tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

I hope to only spend 70-80 bucks on this deal. Better than the $300 I'd get from the autorepair shop

 

[huntrm47]

since were on the topic of spark plugs and ignition wires... i was wondering, is it a bad if the spark plug wires are touching each other? or does it even matter?

 

[Chingon]

Since you're rather "green" at wrenching, be very careful when inserting the new sparkplugs and threading them in. Make sure to do this with you fingers and very carefully. The danger is that you'll put it in crooked and the threads will get crossed, making it a much bigger problem. Don't force them to screw in, they should easily turn a few revolutions by hand before getting tight...

Yes, the spark plug wire looms are there for a reason. For newer wires with good insulation, this shouldn't be a problem but you should avoid wires touching more than necessary.

 

[huntrm47]

thanks!

 

[bull geek]

W O R D to Chingon. That's how I blew 2 plugs out of my engine, due to crossthreading. beware. Don't change on a hot engine.

And be creative in your use of extensions, swivel sockets, etc. Remove the passenger side cowling (upper and lower), and you'll have more than enough room considering the size of the engine bay vs the engine.

 

[sheila]

^ After gapping and applying never-seize to the threads, on the deep spark plug well tecs, its best to install a scrap piece of 3/16 in. or 3/8 in. hose on the top of the plug to thread in. Dont forget to apply dielectric grease inside all boots.

 

[sheila]

^ Hose will slip as plug tightens or is cross-threaded.