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nlymer

How to gain access to the spark plugs

Anon

The Twin-Cam motor has a (normally) black plastic cover which bolts on to the top of the tappet cover (not the side) that conceals the spark plug leads. Remove this cover to gain access to the HT (high tension) spark plug leads. Remove the leads and the spark plugs sit at the bottom of the tubes. The spark plugs can be reached with a spark plug socket and long extension. The SOHC (single- overhead cam) engines spark plug leads sit just above the exhaust manifold and in front of the engines cylinder head. Remove the spark plug leads to access the spark plugs.

If you are unsure it might be a better idea to take the vehicle to a mechanic.

nlymer

Thanks for your response. However I am having difficulty in removing the HT coils frmo the plugs. I am not sure if they just pull off or are fastened in some way. Do not want to apply brute force and ignorance in case I break somthing. Once I have the coil removed access to the spark plugs is easy.

Anon

These HT leads like to sit tightly around the tip of the spark plug and in some cases they break off when trying to remove the HT lead from the tube - thus require replacement. Oil leaks around the HT leads also causing them to swell. Try moving the lead in a circular movement, left to right, around the spark plug to try loosen the grip. Do this while pulling upwards. This has worked for me a few times and saved me from having to replace the leads. But when they break off they normally leave the steel insert that sits on top of the plug from the HT lead on the spark plug - this will prevent you from removing the spark plug with the socket. You would need to use long-nose pliers to remove them from the top of the spark plug and then only can the spark plugs can be removed as per usual. It might be a good idea to ensure the local parts store has a set of new HT leads in stock before proceeding further.

I doubt this model it is the type that has the coil above the spark plug lead but if you are not sure get a mechanic to have a look for you. If it is the coil type there will be bolts/nuts securing them to the tappet cover which requires removing. If it is a coil type there will be an electrical connection on it.