hi
Trying to save some money and want to change my own spark plugs as local garages want over £130 to do this job

any advise on what the procedure is and any tips to watch out for and what spark plugs to purchase in the uk

do ford plugs match jag spec ?

any help would be great

thanks

Carl

 

while searching for a set for my xj, ive seen numerous buy it now auctions for NGK IX iridiums for the x type. prices was around $50 shipped USD. check out the uk ebay wedsite for good deals.

 

Beyond, stick with a brand name plug that is either a double platinum plug or iridium plugs. You can use a lower grade plug, but you will be going in after the plugs after say 50,000 KM, vice over 150,000 KM with the double platinums/iridiums. After doing the plug change, you will appreciate spending the little bit extra on the higher quality plugs. As for brand X being better than brand Y, it is mainly a personal preference. Just don't go too wild. The Splitfire, Bosch +4's, or any other plug designed for multiple spark points is a complete waste of money. The newer engines don't benefit from a plug of this type. Stick with a conventional design plug.

As for doing the plug change, you will end up unbolting the throttlebody both upstream and downstream so you won't have to drain the coolant system. You will then end up pulling the top half of the intake off so you can access the back 3 plugs. You will need to pull the entire air box out so you can access all 3 of the front plugs. There are O-rings between the two halves of the intake and it will be a good idea to replace the o-rings. Is it mandatory to replace them, not as long as they are in good condition. But, if this is your only vehicle, having the new o-rings on hand before tearing the intake apart will be advisable. Then you might as well put them in at that point to ensure no leaks upon reassembly.

Replacing the plugs is pretty straight forward. Just make sure not to over torque the plugs.