Spark Plugs on a 4.0 OHC in a 2000 Explorer

[BillRod]

Hi All

How tough is it to swap spark plugs on a 4.0 OHC in a 2000 Explorer?

Hope it does not sound like a stupid question but my sons truck really needs them but it's very tough for us to coordinate our schedules so I was hoping for any advice before we started.

I would like to be able to just knock them out in an hour or so like on my F150 but it seems like the explorer's small engine compartment is packed full.

Any advice on how to make it quicker/easier/less painfull/etc?

Thanks
Bill

 

[bodkin1]

A hell of a lot easier than a SOHC! You have to get those one from down below, by the fender wells. Even then, it's still a PITA. The OHV ones can be done from the top thankfully. Only one that should give you trouble is the one on the passenger side, towards the firewall that is somewhat blocked by the heating box.

 

[BillRod]

Actually it is the SOHC, I missed the 'S' in my original post which stated OHC.

Bummer, they are accessed from the Fender wells?
Any other info or advice?

Thanks
Bill

 

[adsm08]

You don't HAVE to do cylinder 3 through the wheel well, it is just easier. What I ususally do is cut the wheels all the way over to the left, then you can just reach around the tire (kinda like giving it a hug) and get that last plug out with just a socket and ratchet.

It's actually harder to put that plug back in. I ususally have to start it two or three times before it doesn't try to go in sideways because of the screwy angle the hole it at.

If you are doing wires you have to take all the stupid brackets for the heater hoses off to get the wire clamsp out. I haven't found any way around it yet.