Is there an easy way to change spark plugs on a Mercury Sable - Ford Taurus Duratec 24 valve engine?

Answer 1

For the 3.0 DOHC v6 engine, there is no easy way. Just did it and it took 3 hours.

The 3 front forward plugs take 10 minutes.

The rear 3 are a real bear. Had to take the manifold and other hoses off to get at the back 3. Even then, there's not a lot of visible access, so you'll be working by touch.

It's not a horrible task, just takes time and buckets of patience!.

More comments and advice:

My experience has been the same. It's not a horrible task, just takes time.

I agree. The intake manifold has to be removed. I did do it once without doing so, but I nearly cut my hand off trying to press it in there to get at everything. Using the old wires to "grab" the plugs once you loosen them with a 16mm deep socket is handy to know.

TIPS

Take this opportunity to do some other maintenance:

1. PCV valve - it's a real pain when the throttle body is in place!
2. Spark plug wires - do them at the same time! For an extra $30 it is well worth it to "never" have to do it again.

General instructions for replacing spark plug wires

To Remove:

1. Label each spark plug wire and make a note of its routing.
2. Starting with the longest wire, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and then from the coil pack.
3. Disconnect the ignition wire from the coil pack by squeezing the locking tabs and twisting while pulling upward.

To install:

1. If replacing the spark plug wires, match the old wire with an appropriately sized wire in the new set.
2. Lubricate the boots and terminals with dielectric grease and install the wire on the coil pack. Make sure the wire snaps into place.
3. Route the wire in the exact path as the original and connect the wire to the spark plug.
4. Repeat the process for each remaining wire, working from the longest wire to the shortest.

On DOHC model, 3 are on the front and easy to replace. Other 3 are on the back under the air intake manifold system. You need to take out air intake manifold system to access them.

do you have a 3.0, 24 valve DOHC or a 3.0, 12 valve?

Each plug has its own ignition coil (at least on my 2000). there should be one screw holding each one down. after that's removed, disconnect the electrical connector and pull the coil pack out. you will probably need a deep well spark plug socket to get at them. after they're out put your new ones in. just be sure to hand thread them at first... you don't want to cross thread. inspect your plugs to see how your engine is doing.

it really almost requires a third joint in your arm. its really hard to do, and unless youre adamant about doing it yourself, i would have it done by a mechanic

If you have the dual over-head cam engine, you need to remove the intake manifold. You should follow the advise of taking it to the mechanic.

Being cheap and DIY adventurous I tackled this job the other day. Here are some FYI and helpful tips:

1) Plan on removing the upper intake manifold. This is NOT as bad as you might think. (Autozone.com has the step-by-step repair guide for this!)

2) I did NOT replace the gasket - just put the manifold back in place and all is well.

3) I found the rubber hose connected to the PCV valve to have totally collapsed! Plan on replacing *both* the valve and hose. The PCV valve is normally very hard to get at, so replace them now.

4) Replace the spark plug wires too! For the extra $29, you'll never find an easier time to replace them.

5) Tools: 5/16th socket with extensions - pliers for hose clamps - small spark plug socket - 10mm socket - torque wrench, especially for the manifold bolts as they're pretty small gauge.

By the way, I've heard the car experts talking about an induction system cleaning - you'll know what they're referring to when you see the accumulation of carbon build-up inside the intake manifold. I was leery of spraying this area down with cleaner and intend to research options.

This is a toughy. the rear wireset is behind the intake manifold and in a very tough to reach spot this can however be done. in this case someone with some thin arms would be your best choice. I'm doing the job my self and me have my gf give me a hand on removing the back ones. if anyone has some better advice on this feel free to add but doing this with out removing the manifold is the preferred way to go. ie save 230 on labor

Each plug is located under its own coil. You will see 3 circular "caps" on the front of the engine, 3 on the back. They say motocraft on them, you can't miss 'em. There's one screw that mounts each to the engine. Unscrew and pull. You will need a deep-well socket to get the plugs out (and flexibility to get the rear ones out- but it's not that bad.

What size engine???

For the 3.0 DOHC v6 engine, there is no easy way. Just did it and it took 3 hours.

The 3 frontside / forward plugs take 10 minutes.

The rear 3 are a real bear. Had to take the manifold and other hoses off to get at the back 3. Even then, there's not a lot of visible access, so you'll be working by touch.

It's not a horrible task, just takes time and buckets of patience!.

Take this opportunity to do some other maintenance:

1) PCV valve - it's a real pain when the throttle body is in place!

2) Spark plug wires - do them at the same time! Save yourself hours of work in the future.

See "Related Questions" below for much more information & instruction regarding spark plugs, wires, firing order, cylinder numbers, etc.

See "Related Questions" below for more information about removing the intake manifold