Ok I'm going to go with some anti-seize compound when I install my plugs tomorrow but what about cleaning the tops of the heads? Is it really necessary since my car isn't that old?

 

I have had those same NGK's since March and I have had nothing but good luck with them, and yes they are pregapped.

 

I just did the plugs in my car yesterday. Took about a 1 1/2 from start to finish. I used compressed air to clean around the COPs. When I took the COP out I used the air again to clean out the sparg plug hole. Removed the plug took the new plug, a dab of anti-seize. Thread it in by hand and tightned a 1/16th of a turn.

The drivers side is easy. The passenger side is easy but the plugs lean towards the back of the car.

You will need a 5/8 plug socket, 8" 3/8 drive extension and a few 3", 7mm socket and a short extension for that. You don't need a swivel but you will have to alter the extension placement for the #5 cylinder and the #6 cylinder (2nd ones from the back) to clear the fuel rail sensors.

Make sure you peer down in the plug hole before you remove the plug to make sure it is fairly clean. And shake the extension and socket to remove it. You won't be able to get at the socket if it seperates. I had it happen. I was ablt to loosen the spark plug and remove the socket and plug using a magnet and then reinstall.

It is also a good idea to use a little dielectric grease on the tip of the COP when reinstalling them. And just snug them down when you reinstall them. They are suppose to be able to turn a bit.

 

Thanks a lot for the post man, I really appreciate it, and what is COP?

 

COP = Coil On Plug

 

It looks like on my '02 GT that the fuel rail passes right over the COP's.. wtf is up with that?

Do I have to re&re the fuel rail just to change plugs? [:@]

 

You do not need to remove the fuel rail.

You will be able to remove the COP without any issues.

Make sure you have different length extensions some of the plugs are difficult to get at because of the fuel rail sensors. I ended up switching the order to give myself the room I needed.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I got my plugs changed today with no problems with the engine afterwards so I guess I didn't screw anything up . The new NGKs really helped the car run so much smoother. The original motorcraft plugs were still on the car after 90k miles and they looked like crap. I really noticed a difference though after the plug change.