Saturday, I finally got around to changing sparkplugs and wires on my 99 OBW. I did this many years ago, and remembered it to be a difficult job. Well this time around, it hasn't gotten any easier. It is still about as much fun as having to go to a dentist for a root canal. On the driver's side, I knew the battery and windshiled fluid reservoir had to be removed to have work space. The PROBLEM, is there is so little space to insert a plug socket, 3/8" small drive extensions, and the drive handle. If I loosened the sparkplug too much, then there was not enough room to remove the dive extension. The solution was to tighten down the sparkplug somewhat, then install a shorter drive extender. It was still a difficult job, and after working 3 hours, I have only the driver's side plugs swapped out.

 

Is there an easier way? Should the motor mounts be loosened, so the engine can be tipped up to allow more working room?? I am also thinking maybe holes drilled large enough in the fender well to permit the insertion of a sparkplug socket to reach the sparkplug would work nicely.

 

I still have the passenger side plugs to swap out. Any advise...........Thanks

The passenger side is no problem. I've taken to removing the driver side engine mount and just leaving  a few threads on the passenger side and jacking the driver side up. Also makes it easier to get that lower vc bolt.

 

O.

Make it easier next time:

 

https://store.snapon.com/Ball-Joint-Swivel-Socket-Spark-Plug-Ball-Joint-Swivel-5-8-6-Point-P647550.aspx

 

:-)

Yeah the 25d is kinda tricky. With the right combination of tools it can be done with the motor mounts still attached, but it will make the job a whole lot easier to loosen the lower mounts and jack the engine up. Once it's jacked up stick a wood block between the mount and the crossmember so the engine can't fall if the jack slips.

I bought this s.k set for this reason http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U025VM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00. The spark plugs are at a weird angle on my hatch being lifted 6 inches with a ej22. On one side i had to use the 5/8" swivel plus a flex joint and 2 extensions just to get to it without having to take a bunch of stuff apart.

for part of the 'process' on my H6, I found these thumbwheel ratchets useful;

 

Thanks guys for the good advise. Now to find a cool day to get the passenger side plugs swapped out. I haven't looked under the car to check out the motor mounts. Are they easy to loosen, so the motor can be jacked up to give better access to the plugs??

 

for part of the 'process' on my H6, I found these thumbwheel ratchets useful;

 

I can see where the thumb wheels would be helpful. Where can they be purchased??

Thanks guys for the good advise. Now to find a cool day to get the passenger side plugs swapped out. I haven't looked under the car to check out the motor mounts. Are they easy to loosen, so the motor can be jacked up to give better access to the plugs??

 

I can see where the thumb wheels would be helpful. Where can they be purchased??

 

pretty sure I got my set from Amazon - they are like the ones pictured.

 

I don't think they are 'necessary' but for a lot of those threads on the sparkplug just after loosening, or just before tightening - they give you the extra leverage to spin by finger - the ratcheting is very 'fine' in that there are a lot of clicks in a revolution if that makes sense. I used the 3/8 drive the most I think.so, maybe just buy that one ?

pretty sure I got my set from Amazon - they are like the ones pictured.

 

I don't think they are 'necessary' but for a lot of those threads on the sparkplug just after loosening, or just before tightening - they give you the extra leverage to spin by finger - the ratcheting is very 'fine' in that there are a lot of clicks in a revolution if that makes sense. I used the 3/8 drive the most I think.so, maybe just buy that one ?

Wonder if available at Harbor Freight tool?? What do you think??

do a search at their site? I've seen other styles - might try thumbwheel and thumb wheel as 2 words.

The H6 engines are crazy too - same thing.  I do valve cover gaskets and plugs at the same time and they're easy.   That extra inch or two helps a lot.

 

So if you have a 10mm ratcheting wrench for that rear most valve cover bolt and you can remove the valve cover itself for an easy job.  And replace the gasket if you have one handy.

Wonder if available at Harbor Freight tool?? What do you think??

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-thumbwheel-ratchet-set-94011.html

do a search at their site? I've seen other styles - might try thumbwheel and thumb wheel as 2 words.

Good idea, searched their site, and they sell them as a three pack, one fits 1/4 " drive, one fits 3/8" drive, the last looks like fits 1/2" drive. Thanks for the tip, Texan.

after I got mine, they seemed a little - dunno, 'crunchy' inside - I dribbled a drop of oil into them and they are fine once you get used to them.

 

hope it helps a little

Edited August 31, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Pay someone else?  To the tune of $150 or so for a "tune-up" you wonder why--but I had the same problem, driver's side, let alone pulling them from time to time if you want to see if you are getting any fouling, blow by, etc..  As for special tools, that gets to be a problem, why not borrow from the friendly neighborhood mechanic?