Dilemma
#1
Dilemma
Well today I went ahead and ordered the girlfriend some spark plugs for a stocking stuffer, got some Bosch 4012s on a closeout for really cheap. What I didn't know, however, was that having bought the car last year, she's not sure if the spark plugs have been changed at all before, and thinks they haven't...her 2006 V6 has 70K miles on it currently.
I've been reading up all around about the wonderful spark plug issues that plague the 05-09 models and wanted to ask you guys for advice. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Try out replacing the plugs yourself? Or have the dealership do it with the plugs I got and hope they won't charge extra if they snap a plug? I'm nervous as hell to break a plug on her since she relies on the car for school and work, but at the same time I know she doesn't have the money to foot a spark plug/tune up bill of $200+ which means I'd have to help out quite a bit.
Help! Advice please!
I've been reading up all around about the wonderful spark plug issues that plague the 05-09 models and wanted to ask you guys for advice. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Try out replacing the plugs yourself? Or have the dealership do it with the plugs I got and hope they won't charge extra if they snap a plug? I'm nervous as hell to break a plug on her since she relies on the car for school and work, but at the same time I know she doesn't have the money to foot a spark plug/tune up bill of $200+ which means I'd have to help out quite a bit.
Help! Advice please!
#5
Are there any other major things I should pay attention to while changing out the plugs? Do I put any anti-seize on the threads or should i apply some penetrating lubricant to soak in before pulling the old ones out?
Anything you guys have to add would be great!
#6
6th Gear Member
All I usually do is vacuum out any grit in the plug area to limit what may fall thru the opening as I remove the plug. I've yet to replace the plugs on either Stang so I can't speak on them. But of all my other vehicles, it was always a no-brainer (except for that '81 Buick Regal that was designed by monkeys; you had to unbolt the motor mounts and jack the engine a few inches to get to the rear driver side plug).
#7
The back one on the passenger side is the most difficult one. It angles back toward the firewall so not a lot of room to work, and of course you can't see anything. I found using an extension that has a small wobble to it helps on some of the plugs. You don't need to use the articulating extension joint.
Be sure to ease the plugs into place with your fingers and get them turned a couple of times before you put the wrench to them. You want to be sure it is threaded properly first.
Be sure to ease the plugs into place with your fingers and get them turned a couple of times before you put the wrench to them. You want to be sure it is threaded properly first.
#10