MontrealCL

I decided to change spark plugs on my 1997 3.0CL, although the original spark plugs are supposed to last for a very very long time, I was a bit sceptical...

Anyways, everything went well for the front row of plugs (easily accessible), but for the rear I had a bit of a problem... My socket extender was way too long (12 inch about), so I was forced to go out and buy a 6 inch extension, and after that all went well... so be forewarned, if you want to change your plugs, you'll need a 6 inch extension (I believe anything over 3 will be fine though). I also used a torque wrench, just to do a clean job. I didn't change the cables though, should I? I have about 59,000KMs on it (umm, something like 35-40,000 miles I would say)

MontrealCL

rmstoico

yeah change the wires.

you dont need to torque plugs. plugs only need to be snug. i hope you didnt make them tight. the heat in there expands everything so you dont have to make them tight. plus they are ceramic and will crack if you tighten them too hard.

hope you gapped them!

MontrealCL

About the torquing, I followed what a lot of people say on the net, that they should be torqued... I usually never torqued my plugs when I used to install them on my previous cars, and never had any problems, but I did this time...

I'll get a set of new wires tomorrow, might as well...

KingsFanPaul1

never changed the sparks, what do you mean by gap them? what else would I need to know when i decided to change mine.

RidinLow

There should be a 1mm gap between the 2 spark contacts. They sell a little tool that lets you adjust this for less than a dollar.

For aluminum heads, the recommended torque is only about 12 ft lbs. If you can't fit a torque wrench in there, it's only a quarter turn from hand tight.