Hello, my car now has 122000 miles. The car has the same spark plugs, but I have not been able to determine if they need to be replaced. The car idles and runs smooth.

Should I have the plugs replaced anyway? if so, I see the Front right side plugs seem pretty straight forward, but the left side seems to be a heavy job in itself. is there an instructional sheet showing how to replace the spark plugs?

Thanks for any advice and/or replies.

 

Ummm to answer your question YES as fast as you can!

It may seem like it's running good, but trust me change them real soon for tragedy strikes!

 

Tragedy? Like what?

chrome- change them if you like. There's recent post featuring a video how to do it. Not a bad job at all. 122K miles out of the plugs is commendable, some wouldn't believe it possible.

 

pieces breaking off a badly worn plug and landing on top of a piston. Not Good.

 

Change em chap. Not to cliche achyslik...Though she seems to run smoothly; undetectable power and economy loss may be inherent with 100k+ plugs. The average recommended swap time is close to 100k anyway...it's time.

 

Mikey the OP has the 6 banger sooooo, 4 are easily changed the other 2 are located under the intake manifold which WILL have to come off!!!!

JTIS or alldatadiy.com will give you the correct procedure.

 

Never heard of that or seen it in my life- as a result of high mileage. Engine abuse yes, but that's apples and oranges.

Oops, missed that! My apologies, thought somehow it was the 8 cyl.

 

Ok, so what type plugs did you use? I am not asking what your dealer or mechanic put in. What did you use? What difficulties, if any did you have?

 

I used Autolite XP's from Auto Zone. If you go forward in replacing sparkies you will need the Fel-Pro upper intake gaskets as well, and since you have a high mileage vehicle I would pop a set lower intake gaskets in as well, only takes another few minutes. Also available at the Zone.

What part of SC are you in?

 

I live in Aiken, SC

 

joycesjag,

I do not find upper and lower intake gaskets on Autozone's website. Do they have another name?

 

upper plenum, there are 6 pieces and lower plenum gaskets 6 pieces different shape than upper plenum gaskets. NOTE--get these gaskets for a 2004 or newer 3.0 Duratec! The 2003 Auto Zone lowers WILL NOT FIT!

chromedragon you need 3 more posts to receive Personal Messages, I can elaborate more when you have "PM" access.

While you have the intake off, change out the IMT O-rings, 2 pieces, dealer only less than $4.00 ea.

 

joycesjag,

Thank you very much! Very useful information. I could just see myself buying the 2003 Auto Zone lowers and finding out they don't fit. Living in the country has its ups, but being 35 minutes away with no car to get a replacement would suck!