How do you replace spark plug number 6 on an 2003 Nissan Xterra you have a 10 extention and don't seem to be able to get to get to it Please help?

Answer 1

Answer:I just did this job on a 2002 Nissan Xterra. First of all you should consider yourself very mechanically inclined before attempting to replace this spark plug. Remember, if you destroy the cylinder head threads your in for a $2500.00 plus bill to have it repaired or an enormous amount of labor for yourself. You can mess up a spark plug taking it out just as easily as installing it. Many spark plugs remain in cars these days for 80,000 plus miles or more before being removed which can make them that much more difficult to remove if you don't know what you're doing. Step one is to lay several blankets over the engine so you'll be comfortable while doing this job. Wear two layers of rubber surgical gloves to protect your hands. Unclip and move whatever lines you can above the spark plug boot to give you as much room as possible. Next using a very small plastic squirt bottle of break free oil drip around 40 drops or so of oil over the top of the plug after you remove the spark plug boot of course. Use a mechanics round inspection mirror and small flashlight to ensure that you have a small puddle of oil around the base of the plug. Let the oil sit for an hour. Next take a six point 5/8 inch swivel spark plug socket and insert over the plug. You should be able to barley slide the socket over the top of the plug. Ensure that the socket has grabbed the plug. Next snap a 2" extension on the swivel socket, now snap a 3/8" swivel adapter on top of the 2" extension. Finally, snap an 8 inch extension on to the swivel adapter. Now using a 3/8 ratchet very slowly break the torque on the spark plug. Make sure your going in right direction. After breaking the torque on the plug turn ratchet 1/2 turn and let sit for 10 minutes so oil can seep through the spark plug threads. Next snug plug back up and break free again and this time you should be able to tell that the plug will unscrew very easily. Before removing plug take a blow gun with a long neck and try your best to blast out the oil and any debree near the bottom of the plug. Cleanliness is key with spark plugs. After you have the plug out be sure that the old crush washer came out with the plug. In most cases it will. Now take the new plug and lube the threads with a small amount of anti-seize lubricant. Insert the new plug into just the 5/8 inch spark plug swivel socket and be sure the rubber gasket within the swivel socket is holding the plug in place. Next using just your left hand screw the new plug into the cylinder head. This may take a while until you are able to achieve the right angle so the threads with mate. You should be able to almost bottom out the plug with just the torque from your hand. ONLY use your hand so you don't cross thread the plug. To help you can first put some tape on top of the swivel socket to give your fingers some friction while installing the plug. This is a very long answer, but this job is a MAJOR pain in the neck that can turn into a disaster if you aren't careful. I've been a licensed aircraft mechanic for 20 years and this was the hardest plug I've EVER changed.

I've found an easier way to remove the #4 plug and maybe all of them for that matter...

Do this:

Instead of all the small extensions and swivels... Use a 3/8's in. ratchet attached directly to a flexible 8" extension (and another 8" solid extension if needed) connected to a spark plug socket w/o a swivel. Use Duct Tape in the same manner... You can really feel the plug moving and reduce any problems with broken plugs or crossed threads. It worked like a charm... Surprised the hell out of me because the flexible extensions usually cannot take the torque, but the spark plug cavity keeps the extension from distorting. Less force needed on removal and I got an honest 18 ft lbs easily when tightening!!