Today I did the plugs on my 2.4 and my pals 2.8.
Read all the spark plug threads before setting out to get all the info and now I'm done I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone attempting this..
The 2.4 is now on 122k, the plugs last done at 43k !!!
The 2.8 is on 110k, plugs done at 55k.
The 2.4 now running noticably better!!
The 2.4 was the hardest as they had been in longer and it was the 'practice car'. Took about 4hrs with tea & scone breaks. The 2.8 took just 2 hours.
Tools used:
NGK platinum plugs PFR5G-11 (from Camskill, £170 for 24)
17mm spanner
Torx drivers + torx socket
5/8" spark plug socket (better fit than 16mm)
Assortment of 3/8" extensions and rachets
16" long 1/2" drive breaker bar with adapters to 3/8 (the 2.4 was difficult!)
Torque wrench
What did we learn (other than the stuff listed in other threads).
- When levering the leads off don't use loads of force. Instead, spanner on the top side, put your hand underneath. Alternate force between your hand and the spanner to wiggle the lead out, was very easy. Using the spanner alone was very difficult and in some cases they didn't come out.
- Copper grease on new plugs, on all bar one of the old ones (on the 2.4) I had to use the 16" bar (I could have used the shorter one but with the force being applied my knuckles could have suffered, 16" bar eased them out)
- Put vaseline on the electrodes of the new plugs before re-fitting leads, got this advice from the local MB garage as the leads weren't going on too easy (I think someone else suggested silicone grease but we didn't have any)
- Remove the screen washer bottle, makes loads more room
I think thats it, thanks to everyone who wrote the previous posts as they have proved invaluable. Saving in labour at the stealership for 2 cars is approx £700. All in all a good days work.
Related threads I used for reference:
Good pics & method here
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/41040-spark-plug-replacement-v6.html
Choose your plugs
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/10947-service-gearbox-oil-spark-plugs.html
Cheers, Chris
Read all the spark plug threads before setting out to get all the info and now I'm done I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone attempting this..
The 2.4 is now on 122k, the plugs last done at 43k !!!
The 2.8 is on 110k, plugs done at 55k.
The 2.4 now running noticably better!!
The 2.4 was the hardest as they had been in longer and it was the 'practice car'. Took about 4hrs with tea & scone breaks. The 2.8 took just 2 hours.
Tools used:
NGK platinum plugs PFR5G-11 (from Camskill, £170 for 24)
17mm spanner
Torx drivers + torx socket
5/8" spark plug socket (better fit than 16mm)
Assortment of 3/8" extensions and rachets
16" long 1/2" drive breaker bar with adapters to 3/8 (the 2.4 was difficult!)
Torque wrench
What did we learn (other than the stuff listed in other threads).
- When levering the leads off don't use loads of force. Instead, spanner on the top side, put your hand underneath. Alternate force between your hand and the spanner to wiggle the lead out, was very easy. Using the spanner alone was very difficult and in some cases they didn't come out.
- Copper grease on new plugs, on all bar one of the old ones (on the 2.4) I had to use the 16" bar (I could have used the shorter one but with the force being applied my knuckles could have suffered, 16" bar eased them out)
- Put vaseline on the electrodes of the new plugs before re-fitting leads, got this advice from the local MB garage as the leads weren't going on too easy (I think someone else suggested silicone grease but we didn't have any)
- Remove the screen washer bottle, makes loads more room
I think thats it, thanks to everyone who wrote the previous posts as they have proved invaluable. Saving in labour at the stealership for 2 cars is approx £700. All in all a good days work.
Related threads I used for reference:
Good pics & method here
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/41040-spark-plug-replacement-v6.html
Choose your plugs
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/10947-service-gearbox-oil-spark-plugs.html
Cheers, Chris
