Tune-up to commence........

[elwesso]

After perusing through my service manual, I think I am going to try and replace the spark plugs. This doesnt seem like something that is too entirely difficult, but since it is tight space it looks time consuming.

Anyway, I would also like to clean the TB, and I think i can remove that, but im not so sure about removing the plenum. With all that stuff to connect and disconnect, I dont think im up to the challenge. So, what are some plenum cleaning alternatives to removing it. I know it is the best way to clean it, but id rather have a semi dirty plenum than having it a million pieces.

So what needs to be done when removing the TB? Any pages in the service manual that would be helpful??

[DAEDALUS]

Replacing the plugs might take 4 hours or more. The ornamental covers have 4mm Allen heads. I think the most time-consuming part, aside from removing the intake, is removing all those damn little screws holding the coils down. 8mm heads. I got a flex-head 8mm socket and a locking 1/4" driver just to do those, cause I had access problems and my socket kept getting stuck. The hardest part of TB removal is disconnecting (and reconnecting) the 2 coolant lines at the bottom rear of the TB. If you can get those you should be OK. The bolts are Allen-heads, 6mm I think. A hex-driver set is handy every now and then. Careful, I've broken 2 Allen tools on Q's so far...versus no other kind of hand tool that I can think of. But the TB ones are large enough I doubt it'll be a concern.

[greg_atlanta]

How far inside the block are the spark plugs? Last time I saw a Q engine sitting around it looked like the plugs were 6-8" inside the block.

It was enough to scare me away from trying.....

[DAEDALUS]

With a deep socket and a 3" extension, you can get a wrench on them. Once undone, the plugs come out with the socket or on a magnet.

[elwesso]

How many screws on coils are there to undo?

[DAEDALUS]

4 per coil, 8 coils = 32 screws. Blow out the plug wells before removing the plugs. Use a compressor or dusting air in a can.

[elwesso]

Im sure I'll have more questions once I actually start, but do you remove all the coils together, or one at a time?

[DAEDALUS]

Doesn't really matter. I like doing them one at a time to minimize the number or parts lying around. BUT if you're curious, this is also a great time to do a compression check on the motor, in which case you'd pull all 8 plugs before doing anything else.