OMFG, FWD + V6 + Spark plug change =

[Raduque]

Do not want! D:

What a pain in the ass. But, at least the car is running right, though it did throw another code p0403, EGR circuit problem, likely dead solenoid.

Need a new radiator, too. FFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU

02 Eclipse GT 5spd.

 

[lavaheadache]

it really is stupid how "they" don't take into consideration of spark plugs when designing the intake manifold. I've changed plugs on nearly a dozen cars like that. The worst offender was my moms Mazda 6 wagon. Not only was the manifold an issue but there was plastic coolant lines that broke because they were in the way.

It would be easy enough to split the intake runners allowing for easy access to the plugs if they wanted too.

*edit*

My GTi VR6 was very hard on spark plugs but was one such car where VW was smart enough to split the intake runners to allow very easy access to the spark plugs.

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

Should try it on a 98 Dodge Caravan AWD. Its got everything that sucks to change, and then a rear drive shaft right in the only spot you can normally access the rear plugs. I spent two days on that... Nearly stuffed a rag down the fill neck and lit it on fire.

 

[wirednuts]

even my 4 liter 99 ranger is a bit tricky to get to on the left side... but its still pretty easy. ive done those types of changes though where you can barely feel them, let alone see them or anything.

sucks because i like to buy cheap spark plugs and change them every 30k or so. it doesnt effect performance and you dont risk letting your plugs seize into the block because theyve been in there for 100k miles

 

[Doppel]

It's not like this on all of them, thankfully; some FWD V6 are as easy as simply popping the ignition coil out after a single bolt and then removing plug. No need to remove the intake manifold! Unfortunately, the last minivan I did this too was not part of that category (of course, made worse by being a van and everything is in there like a can of sardines).

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

You 'youts' have it easy. You had to loosen the motor mounts and drop the front of the engine to change the rear spark plugs on a '68 Chrysler.

 

[Rifter]

the caravans are the worst for this

 

[jlee]

I looked at my roommate's Eclipse and I would not want to change those plugs.

Subarus are fun too.

 

[Raduque]

I looked at my roommate's Eclipse and I would not want to change those plugs.

Subarus are fun too.

It's all the little shit that needs to come off. 4 or 5 different brackets that hold electrical connectors, 3 that hold the vacuum lines, the throttle cable, EGR tube, EGR valve and the throttle body. A lot of forums will tell you to disconnect all the vacuum lines from the TB as well as the throttle cable, but F that.

We got it done in about an hour and a half. Surprising, because I've read on forums where people took 3-6 hours to do this job.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

My fiancee's dad just bought an older Pontiac Montana and while I was looking under the hood all I could think was "I don't even see the rear spark plugs, how on earth do you change those?"

That being said, I wouldn't even try it on my Intrigue either..

 

[foghorn67]

Yeah, it's a sobering experience. You know some grease monkeys can make quick work of it because they have done it a thousand times. Just thank yourself they make plugs that will last until the next ice age. That is of course, if nothing goes wrong elsewhere causing it to foul perfectly good plugs.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Funny. In my 1998 Acura 3.5rl, all 6 spark plugs are easily accessible. Same goes for my Jaguar.

 

[T2urtle]

my 98 maxima was CAKE walk. only one bracket blocking a coilpack.

the VR6 24v motors are VERY easy. the old 12v are simple as well just not as easy with the wires.

My g35 looks like it should be easy without pulling the plenum off.

I have a couple friends with v6 toyota's, they only did the front 3 and told me to come by one day to do their rear 3 for them.

I dont see why they should really worry about making plugs easy to reach anymore. Back in the 90's we didn't have platinum, iridum and w/e else plugs. Now almost all OEM recommendations are like at 105k for plugs, i know the 04+ acura and hondas as well as my 05 g35. 105k is the recommended interval. Assuming most people drive to about 200k now, thats only 2 sets of plugs. Yea use car guys will most likely change them near 60k or so. But still thats only 4 times. For the average joe who doesn't care, its just not important to the engineers either.

Subarus boxers, well those are just a pain for almost everything.

 

[Throckmorton]

Glad we're transitioning to turbocharged 4 cylinder engines. Thanks, stringent CAFE requirements!

 

[wirednuts]

my 98 maxima was CAKE walk. only one bracket blocking a coilpack.

the VR6 24v motors are VERY easy. the old 12v are simple as well just not as easy with the wires.

My g35 looks like it should be easy without pulling the plenum off.

I have a couple friends with v6 toyota's, they only did the front 3 and told me to come by one day to do their rear 3 for them.

I dont see why they should really worry about making plugs easy to reach anymore. Back in the 90's we didn't have platinum, iridum and w/e else plugs. Now almost all OEM recommendations are like at 105k for plugs, i know the 04+ acura and hondas as well as my 05 g35. 105k is the recommended interval. Assuming most people drive to about 200k now, thats only 2 sets of plugs. Yea use car guys will most likely change them near 60k or so. But still thats only 4 times. For the average joe who doesn't care, its just not important to the engineers either.

Subarus boxers, well those are just a pain for almost everything.

if the plugs are extremely hard to replace, i would use the platinum plugs that last 100k (because they really do last that long). however, based on horrible experiences, those plugs that you think are hard to get to are IMPOSSIBLE to take out if theyre seized into the block. turns a hard job into a suicide run. so much better to put in cheap 30k plugs and change them every couple years! (also, $10 a set too, compared to $100 for the good plugs)

 

[MovingTarget]

I used to own a '92 Cavalier RS Wagon with the 3.1L v6. Those back plugs caused many a bruised knuckle.

Overall v6 engines aren't that bad to work on. Its when you mount them for FWD that they cause problems.

 

[slag]

it really is stupid how "they" don't take into consideration of spark plugs when designing the intake manifold. I've changed plugs on nearly a dozen cars like that. The worst offender was my moms Mazda 6 wagon. Not only was the manifold an issue but there was plastic coolant lines that broke because they were in the way.

It would be easy enough to split the intake runners allowing for easy access to the plugs if they wanted too.

*edit*

My GTi VR6 was very hard on spark plugs but was one such car where VW was smart enough to split the intake runners to allow very easy access to the spark plugs.

Weird. My Jetta Vr6 has no plug issues whatsoever. Just went from NGK to Bosche plugs @ 125k miles when I did the timing chains and the old ones looked fine.

 

[Viperoni]

On the altima/maxima 3.5L V6, you need to take off the lower part of the windshield cowl and upper intake manifold. Yay.

 

[lavaheadache]

Weird. My Jetta Vr6 has no plug issues whatsoever. Just went from NGK to Bosche plugs @ 125k miles when I did the timing chains and the old ones looked fine.

I left out the part where I had a vortec stage 2 blower kit

 

[PhoenixEnigma]

I used to own a '92 Cavalier RS Wagon with the 3.1L v6. Those back plugs caused many a bruised knuckle.

Overall v6 engines aren't that bad to work on. Its when you mount them for FWD that they cause problems.

I had that 3.1L in my Grand Am. Plugs were just about due to be replaced, and I'd made a quick go of it when I was changing the oil. Big pile of "not happening" there - neither myself, my dad (who's a bit handier with a wrench than I am), or a friend who's an apprentice mechanic could figure out how to do it short of an engine lift or tentacle.

Luckily (for some values of lucky), it got written off in a hit and run a couple weeks later, before it really needed to be done anyways.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Try some plugs on an older Econoline with the 5.8 engine with Dual Thermactors.

Or a Thunderbird Super Coupe.

 

[wirednuts]

caprice wagon i remember was a bitch too....

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I distinctly remember changing the plugs for the first time in my 4cyl ranger. I was all excited, to finally have a vehicle that has super simple to change plugs.

I go to buy plugs and... I need 8 of them what? It's a 4cyl.... yeah the clerk kinda grins and is like so you haven't looked at where they are yet, have you?... My heart sinks as I recognize that is the "grin of knowing it is a HUGE pain in the ass"

I get back to the house and open the hood to see the driver's side 'bank' of plugs is literally underneath the intake manifold. The manual says the entire intake mani has to be removed to access...

3 hours later I was able to change them without removing the intake, but what an epic fail on behalf of whoever designed it that way.

 

[Evadman]

All you people complaining about a v6 have never tried to change the plugs on a Northstar. Transverse mounted V8's are fun.

 

[IGemini]

Not all V6s are that bad. Helped a friend change plugs for a V6 '02 Cougar, took less than a couple hours including gaping the plugs. The rear ones were only mildly annoying. Everything else about that car sucks, though.