changing 4.6 spark plugs
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changing 4.6 spark plugs
I just bought a 97 f-150 4.6L about a month ago. I've been in the process of changing all the oils and such because i dont know the last time they were changed. I want to change the spark plugs but i cant get the wires off the plugs. Can anyone give me some advice?
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From: St. Pete
the 4.6 wires have a really deep socket end that goes deep into the top of the head and a flange to seal the cavity. Sounds like they didn't use any dielectric grease on them and they are stuck to the porcine plug though . Try twisting the socket prior to trying to pull straight off. Be aware if they are really stuck you could hurt the wires. If wires are old then maybe replacement is not bad idea anyhow.
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From: WY
Just grab the boot and pull HARD! If they are the original wires, don't be surprised if they come apart; they are rather old. If you plan on installing new wires anyway, you can grab the boot on the old wires with some pliers and pry them off. Of course, using pliers will damage the boots.
I like to keep one of the old boots on hand to help remove the old plugs. The plugs on the 4.6L are buried rather deep and are hard to get out if they won't stay in your socket on the trip out of the block. You can grab the loose plug with an old boot and pull the plug right out.
The passenger side, rear plug, is a pain to get to. You will probably need an elbo (two elbo's work even better) to get to it.
The '97 OEM plugs were not completely platinum plated, and they tend to rust horribly in the boot. Be prepared to break up some rust with a screw driver and blow out the crud before you can get to the plug.
I like to keep one of the old boots on hand to help remove the old plugs. The plugs on the 4.6L are buried rather deep and are hard to get out if they won't stay in your socket on the trip out of the block. You can grab the loose plug with an old boot and pull the plug right out.
The passenger side, rear plug, is a pain to get to. You will probably need an elbo (two elbo's work even better) to get to it.
The '97 OEM plugs were not completely platinum plated, and they tend to rust horribly in the boot. Be prepared to break up some rust with a screw driver and blow out the crud before you can get to the plug.
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From: VA
I have a spare rubber insert in my toolbox that came out of an old spark plug wrench. When I pull the plugs I loosen them or just unscrew them all of the way, insert the rubber insert about 1/2 way into the socket and then use it to pull the plug. It's fairly easy once you do it once or twice. To reinstall the plugs I use a section of rubber hose to get the plugs in the threads correctly. it's not hard to tell when one's crossthreading them with the hose! I generally use 1 10" extension for all plugs, on the #4 or rear passenger side plug I use a 6" and 3" extension together.