Posted by roadrage (IP: 152.163.195.194) on August 06, 2000 at 11:14:34:
In Reply to: spark plug access on V8 models posted by roadrage on August 05, 2000 at 17:03:28:
it wasnt easy, but i did it. one fellow said he could have done them all in 15 minutes, so i took that as a challenge for myself.
it took me considerably longer, but determination prevails.
apparently though, i am not the only person who has encounterd this problem. just like my last maverick, the previous owner would only change 6 plugs at a time.
the 2 hard ones to get to, on the left side were champion plugs, (and they had a lot of buildup, as they had obviously been in there a long time) the other 6 were motorcraft plugs.
there is no way a human (man) arm or hands was meant to fit in the small space. i had to remove the vacuum canister, and then loosen the 2 exhaust bolts that also hold the engine-hoist hooks, (and block reasonable access to plugs)
i installed used "NGK" plugs, that came off a buddy's mustang.
man, what a difference! i took her out for a test drive and she is purring. although not a hotrod, i got her to bark 2nd gear twice.
gonna do some more fine tuning today. i really like the potential of this ride, and cannot wait to give her a 4 barrel and dual exhaust.
that it for now.
later
rr