Quote:
Originally Posted by mxu63  I noticed that 3 of spark plugs locate deep behind engine. I read the following Spark Plug Change For A Duratech - Taurus Car Club of America
I took out passenger side cowling to take a peek. But still I did not see how it is impossible to safely do plug replacement without intake manifold removed? Any idea?
Is there a big risk of stripping thread when taking plug out due to it has been there for too long(100k miles)?
If UIM has to be removed, should holes be covered by something while working on plugs in case something falling into engine?
Also, where is PCV? I could not find it anywhere and book?
I plan to do the easest 3 in front first to gain some feeling before get to hard rear 3. But If for some reason I can not finish the rear 3 up and decide to try it again later, then should I put original front 3 back to make sparks balanced?
Is a new UIM gasket must? I heard that it is reusable. |
To address your other questions:
1. the duratec has aluminum heads which are not as forgiving as cast iron so remove the plugs only when the engine is cold. If the plugs are tight, take your time and alternately unscrew a little and screw them back in a little. The purpose being to loosen any corrosion in small steps. Patience is key and you can put small amount of penetrating oil into the hole to lubricate the threads. When you put the new plugs in use antiseize on the threads and dielectric silicone on plug electrical connector and the porcelin and in the plug boot. This special silicone will prevent corrosion. Be carefull to twist the boot on the old plug to remove and only hold the boot, never the plug lead, that will just pull out of boot.
2. I doubt that a combination of new and old plugs would make much difference, but it is a good question. You may want to practice on the front plugs: removal, checking the gap, cleaning, putting on the dielectric silicone and antiseize and re-installing. This will give you some easy practice for doing the back 3. Then you can replace the front 3 afterward. Just a thought.
3. Yes you should cover any opening when working on anything on the engine. There is always a risk of dropping something down into the engine.
4. The PCV on the Duratec is located in an oil separator tube attached to the lower part of the intake manifold.
5. Opinion appears divided on the need for a new upper intake manifold gasket. Everyone suggests getting the new gasket ahead of time, then suggesting that it can be re-used. I would definitely replace it with a new one because of all the expensive problems that a leak in the intake can cause. It is not worth the risk, do it right the first time.
Hope this helps.
