How do you change the Number 6 spark plug on a 2000 Nissan Xterra V - 6?

Answer 1

Be prepared to bust your knuckles. You'll need patience, a flashlight and a tool retriever. Basically, if you look at the firewall, there is a notch which gives you some space to work with. I actally took ratche two extensions and put them together on a ratchet with a traditional sparkplug socket on the end. Make sure it has the rubber piece inside to hold the sparkplug. I used either a 6" and 3" extension together. you can try other combos. the reason this helps is because it allows some flex while trying to position your socket. Next, I found it easier to work from the direct front of the engine, almost siting on the block. The rest will mostly be done by feel....that is, finding the sparkplug and then replacing it. Be PATIENT and prepared to drop your sockets or extensions.....good luck..

Also, two things that will help is a flashlight and an Inspection Mirror ($7 at your local auto parts store). The plug is located around 5-1/2" down dead center, so using a 5/8 spark plug socket with a 6" extension and a swivel will serve you best. If you lay on the engine, use the flashlight and mirror and angle the mirror about 12-20 degrees downward when you remove the boot. After locating, keep the mirror and light in place and use the 3 piece tool and sink the socket down.

Connect another 6-10" extension (into the swivel) and your wrench on the end and turn carefully, since it is real easy to pop the socket off because of the angle.

Be forewarned ... getting the plug out is the easy part. Getting the new plug in and getting the socket out took me much longer than getting the old plug out.

I also found some relief when I loosened up the airconditioner pipe that goes above the sixth spark plug which gave me some space to work on it

Use a piece of rubber hose to get the plug back there and started as to not cross the threads. Once you have the plug hand tight use a 5/8" long socket with OUT the rubber to reinstall the plug. The socket with the rubber is great to pull out the old plugs but will stay on the plug when you put the new ones in making it difficult to remove the socket from the plug.