My spark plugs need to be replaced. Are they hard to put on? Any directions online on how to do it? I apologize in advance if this is a repost.

 

Look at my post right next to this thread, I just changed my plugs and included pics and everything. Check the FAQ also as it includes another thread with pics.

 

jagzrule, changing the plugs in these cars isn't hard. The front 3 are really easy. Just have to remove the air box from the car. Now the back three. That is where the fun starts. In short, you have to remove the upper half of the intake from the car. To do this, you will need to unbolt the throttlebody from the intake, remove the brake booster vacuum line, unplug the IMT valves (might be a good time to change those o-rings if you haven't in the last 30K miles), remove the bolt on the backside of the intake (between the firewall and the intake, near the throttlebody), and then remove the 8(?) bolts holding the intake to the motor. From there you can rotate the intake out of the way (make sure to put rags or something in the intake holes so you don't drop something in to the motor). From there you can access the back 3 plugs.

When it comes to spark plugs, get a good quality double platinum plug. Going with the fancy multi-spark spark plugs (ie, Bosch +4's, Bosch +2's, Splitfires, etc) will not gain you anything with your motor. Iridium plugs are going to last a long time, but again will not net anything when it comes to power.

 

03 Xtype 2.5- I replaced the plugs at 114k. new "O" rings on intake. At 130k all hell broke loose. It started misfiring. mil lite, ( misfire on #2). I had put in Motorcraft platinum plus. I tore it down again slowly checking the compression, the value of each coil pack ( to compare) and injectors. So I decided to put in a set of Bosch platinum and a full can of injector cleaner on a 1/8th tank of gas,Bingo runs like new. Everything had checked out normal,the compression didn't vary by 7 Lbs and the coil packs by 50 Ohms,so I blame a bad plug on #2. Reset the mil lite and I'm good to go. Now my water pump is leaking after only 50k,(It's a OReily after market). Good thing it only a 45 min. job.

 

Ok thanks everyone. Thermo, what exactly do I gain from using the double platinum plugs?

 

The double platinum in essence gives you longer plug life. Since it's not a quick job to go in and change them, this is the best option. The original plugs in the X-type are typically double platinums from what I understand, and they still work after 8-9 years but should be changed if you are around 100k miles.

 

jagrulez, like blayes says, the double platinum pugs will ensure you don't have to do the plugs for another 100K miles. Sure, you can go with single platinum plugs, but they will not last as long as double platinums. They may still last 100K miles, but it starts to get a little iffy.

 

After the E3s wouldn't work for me, I followed your advice and used the Dble Plat plugs and what a change it made. Car runs BEAUTIFUL. Ill use these from now on. Thanks for the tip