Spark plugs DIY

[kkamakasi]

First of all, the "Search" function is absolutely USELESS on this forum...

Is there a detailed spark plugs DIY on this forum? It seems pretty straightforward but just wanted to know if there was one I can use as a reference. If not, I was thinking about putting one up with pictures and everything..

Second, what is the OEM spark plug for a 2001 QX4? Is it "NGK PLFR5A-11"?

TIA

[ARKQX33V6]

Go for it, I think a lot of members could use a detailed list of things to do when changing spark plugs. I will start you off.
When taking plugs out identify each plug as to where it came from.
Brand new plugs can be gaped with a flat feeler gauge, but use a wire gauge with all used plugs.
Clean the plugs and remove carbon dirt from electrodes.
Use anti-seize compound with aluminum heads.
When inserting plugs turn them counter clockwise first, to align them, to feel for start of thread, then turn them clockwise to squeeze the washer, torque them do not over tighten them.
If too lazy to remove plugs at least crack them to prevent galling every 2 years
Even if a new plug check for the correct gap

Happy writing

[Chuck Tribolet]

That's the correct part number for the standard plug on an '01 PF. QX4 should be the same.

What ARK said, plus:

With the platinum plugs on the '01, you shouldn't ever have to clean or regap If you do, there's a problem.

Change interval is 105,000 miles. I did mine a little early because I had a problem that I thought might be plugs. It wasn't.

Be careful pulling the coils off the plugs. I've seen a report or two about them breaking that way.

After you pull the coil off, blow the hole out with compressed air. Some time some dirt gets in there. There is is a real problem with '99 and earlier with
the single coil and plug wires.

#6 is a bear. You have to partially remove the throttle body to get at it.

I do them one at a time. Last time I think I did 1-5 one day, #6 the next.

The genuine Nissan plugs will be gapped correctly, but check them.

Chuck

[kkamakasi]

Thanks for your comments but I was looking more of a step by step with what brackets/wire bundles to remove and whatnot..

Well, I guess there is no useful DIY on here. I'll be posting one shortly as long as my girlfriend is willing to take pictures for me as my hands will be dirty and I'm not touching my DSLR with greasy hands

[jpedderson]

Platinum NGK's - PLFR5A-11

Iridiums - LFR5AIX-11

Here was an earlier post I made...

spark-plug-wires-t509937.html?hilit=spark plug wires#p5811697

Here's a good info link I found when doing mine:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_ta ... Pathfinder

I just changed my plugs yesterday, and this is from memory: Be sure the engine is cool.

Remove silver engine cover (3 10mm nuts/bolts)

Passenger side: 1)Disconnect wire harnesses (2) that are held to a bracket at the rear side of intake runners. These harness are disconnected by pushing the colored tab inward (there is an arrow show that). 2)Disconnect harness plugs (2) from bracket 3)Remove bracket bolts(2 10mm bolts) 4)Remove similar bracket near the front side of intake runners 5)You should now have access to the three coil packs mounted in the middle the valve cover. Each is a small grey block with a connector attached to it, with the block held to the valve cover with a 10mm bolt. The front coil is different thant the other two. 6)Remove the 10mm bolts holdin the coils to the valve cover. 7)Lift the coil straight out,and disconnect the cable attached too the coil. The connector disconnects by squeezing a locking tab on the side of the connector. 8)The spark plugs are now accessible.

Driver side: 1)Remove black plastic air tube that goes from engine (throttle body) to air filter housing (6 clamps) 2)On the middle coil pack, you should see that there is an electrical piece on the throttle body that will prevent the coil pack from being removed. Remove the two screws that hold the part to the throttle body, and move the part out of the way (no need to disconnect it electrically) 3)There is also a wire harness bracket below the middle coil pack that has to be moved out of the way. It is held to the valve cover with one 10mm bolt 4)You should now have access to all three coils packs. Remove as explain in the passenger side section. 5)The spark plugs are now accessible.

Here's a picture of that electrical sensor in the way of the middle coil. You just need to unscrew and move out of the way... I found that a short phillips head screwdriver helps to reach in there. And since the throttle body is right there (silver tube center of pic) you can give that a quick wipe clean too...

[kkamakasi]

Go for it, I think a lot of members could use a detailed list of things to do when changing spark plugs. I will start you off.
When taking plugs out identify each plug as to where it came from.
Brand new plugs can be gaped with a flat feeler gauge, but use a wire gauge with all used plugs.
Clean the plugs and remove carbon dirt from electrodes.
Use anti-seize compound with aluminum heads.
When inserting plugs turn them counter clockwise first, to align them, to feel for start of thread, then turn them clockwise to squeeze the washer, torque them do not over tighten them.
If too lazy to remove plugs at least crack them to prevent galling every 2 years
Even if a new plug check for the correct gap

Happy writing

Well, I've posted the DIY. Here is the link to it.
diy-2001-qx4-spark-plugs-with-pictures-t512719.html