How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE)

Another successful change using the info in this thread (109 pages, really? maybe my post will make it 110 - ha!) 65k on the 2013 4.0, Denso and NGK mix, so first change. Noticed all the Denso on the passenger side stayed in the socket when removing, then all 3 of the NGK on the driver side slid out of the socket and required a magnetic stickum to remove. Didn't measure the diameter of the ceramic. The driver side back cylinder was darker on the thread and had a bit more buildup on the electrode than the other 5.

This is where supply chain overruled engineering - they wanted to keep 2 suppliers competing on price, lowering the risk of outages during manufacture. Somebody somewhere thought it would be just great to use both! The work instruction for the assembly line worker said install NGK driver side, Denso passenger side. The bean counter mess things up for sure, but they do make sure you are able to do your thing in the years to come. Or the more cynical side of me says, NGK had a lower cost, but somebody further up the food chain had a friend at Denso and wanted to make sure they got some business too. Or vice versa. Or I could be totally projecting what happens at my workplace onto someone else's. FWIW, I'm in engineering - and get beaten regularly with the dull cudgel of supply chain logic.

 

I have one plug that can't be grabbed by the socket. It's the driver side plug closest to the dip stick. I can't grab it to loosen it or tighten it. So I have one last new plug waiting to go in. I suppose there's some dirt sitting on the nut that's blocking the socket, but I can't tell.

Anybody else have this problem who found a way to fix it? For now I'm going to put everything back and close the hood before I wind up breaking something, but please holler at me if you have any advice. Thanks.

Fwiw, this cylinder also had a good amount of suction, it was harder to pull this cap out than any of the other ones.

Sorry if this was already addressed, I can't flip through 109 pages right now.

 

subbed

 

The write up is excellent, Thanks!!

 

Awesome and informative tutorial, thanks! I probably wouldn't have tackled the job without this. Just changed plugs in my recently acquired 2011 4.0 with 61K mi.

The truck obviously had the original plugs. Looked to be in decent shape for their age. Threaded out fairly easily. Driver's side was much more difficult to do because of the obstructions. Gaps of original plugs were all about 10 thousandths higher than spec.

Replaced with all OEM Denso, and did NOT apply anti-sieze (after much reading). Gapped to about 0.042. Interested to see if I notice any difference after the change.

 

Subd

 

Do oily spark plugs mean something bass going on? Sorry for the noob question lol
Just changed my passenger side and they looked like this after 50k miles next to brand new ones. (I know supposed to be every 30k lol).

 

Originals changed at 50k.

 

Does anyone know why the 2 sizes of Rachets, 3/8" and 1/4"?

 

Updated link, you slumlord.
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resources/read-spark-plug

 

Go to the first page of this thread and read. I just added an updated link on reading plugs. Yours look normal.

 

#driversideprobs

 

Thanks Chris, great directions

 

Well, I got it done in 2:45 on a Sunday afternoon. Worst problem I had was dropping a bolt for the manifold support bracket and the couldn't find it. But, I had a spare.

 

So, at 101,000mi I had the half and half spark plugs so I am guessing they have been in there since 2013. They were burned open to about .070 so, I'm figuring the coil packs deliver a pretty good jolt. I put in NGK platinum before I read this write-up so, if I detect any issues with that move I'll try to report back here. It was running fine with the old plugs and they we definitely worn out. But, insulator color was fine.

 

I never found the loose bolt but I did get a loud clack on the first left turn. So, I suppose it isn't still rattling loose under there anymore.

 

Well just did mine with my 11 year old, it took us less than an hour. I was still getting about 18mpg with these.

 

Not looking forward to doing Plugs with the SCer on there... Going to be a bear on the Capt's side.

 

It'll be time for me to replace my plugs in a few months... first change since SC. Let us know how you do it!