How do you change the plugs on a 2001 Kia Optima v-6?

Answer 1

The front three are easy because you can get to them simply by removing the big plastic engine cover. The back three have the intake plenium blocking access to them. It is not that big of a job to do, but you must be patient and not snap off any of the sensors you will be working around. The plenium-to-intake manifold gasket is a one use steel type. I almost tried reusing it, but was very glad I didn't, when side-by-side with the new one I could see the old one was much flatter. This is a dealer only gasket, and I found that this part interchanges with the 2.5 V6 in the Hyundai Sonata. Where I live the Hyundai dealers parts department is open on Saturday, but Kia's is closed. Price was about $21.00. No special tools are needed, but the sparkplugs are deeply recessed, and the rest of the job is removing hoses and hardware right up next to the firewall. Don't be surprised if the fronts still look pretty good, but the backs look quite worn - it gets hotter in back. Good luck! S. McDonald