MJH78

One thing I'd mention that might be common sense to some - be sure and start threading the new plug in with your fingers and the socket only - do not use the wrench until you've tightened it as far as you can with your fingers only. Just grab the extension with your fingers and lightly turn in with your fingers - it should thread easily. This will prevent you stripping any threads. Some people will drop the plug in there and just start wrenching away and end up cross threading it.

cliffyk

^+1, good advice that holds true for any threaded fastener...

FXDWG11bm

Not having done this on a 4.6 before and just looking at it, for the life of me I cant see how you do these without removing the fuel rail, anyone have a picture showing them coming out under the fuel rail? (the link to directions is great but a couple of the pictures are noted to no longer be posted on photobucket). Thanks for the help!!

cliffyk

No picture is needed, you are making the process much more complicated than it is--just remove the mounting screw and you will find that the boot and conducting spring are plenty flexible to get the COP out.

Here's what it looks like when disassembled, might help you better understand why it is so flexible:



I have done it so many times now that I can pull the intake tube, swap out all 8 COPs, and have it back together in less than 10 minutes...

FXDWG11bm

Perfect! that pic covers it (showing whats under the COP). Thanks! (sure wich I would have had the forums for reference when I started messing with cars many moons ago ;-))

ZeroTX

What is the actual correct and safe torque for a 2001 4.6L 2v? I have heard a variety of numbers. So far I've been afraid to even touch the plugs out of fear that I'll only mess up and not have the right torque. On every other car I've ever done I did it "snug" and I imagine that's much more than the 11-13lbs I saw you mention in another post... Is 11-13ft/lbs correct? Because that seems like not much.

Repzard

13ft/lbs according to FSM

cliffyk

The factory manuals I have all show 11 lb-ft:



However I set my wrench for an easy to remember 150 lb-in = 12.5 lb-ft...

ZeroTX

Thanks! I need a small torque wrench, then. Have you had any blow-outs at that torque level? I imagine my 90k 4.6L has original factory plugs. The previous owner told me she had never changed them, though it runs good.

Thanks!