Lifting the engine to change plugs?

[Doug_RS6]

Do you seriously have to raise the engine to change the spark plugs?

[douglas96]

No! The service manual states that it has to be done - (if I remember correctly, it's due to A/C lines that run close to cylinder 10 that make access a little tricky) but in actual fact it's no problem at all to put the 5/8" spark plug socket and extension (can't remember the length) down first and then attach the torque wrench after the plug has been screwed in by hand using the extension. Just be sure that the spark plug is engaging with the threads properly and not crossthreading.

The hardest part of the job I thought was getting the oil separator on bank 1 located properly. That can be time consuming!

[Doug_RS6]

I did wonder. That would be rediculous to have to do that.

[Jim Haseltine]

I use a 3/8 drive magnetic plug socket with a 125mm extension. The only awkward plugs are the two at the rear - left bank you need to unbolt a clip that holds an A/C pipe to the suspension tower and still struggle to get the coil pack in and out, rotating it clockwise through a bit more than 90 degrees should help to clear the pipes. On the right you have to take the oil separator off, often the vent hose to the oil tank will disintegrate as soon as you touch it and rear most mounting screw on the separator is difficult to reach with a high risk of being dropped somewhere that you'll never get it back from.

[c3nturi0n]

phew... that sounds challenging to say the least.

Other than that i assume that 1-4 on both sides are relatively straight fwd to accomplish?

[Jim Haseltine]

Yes, once you've got the air boxes off the front 4 are easy.

[c3nturi0n]

Yes, once you've got the air boxes off the front 4 are easy.

Cheers Jim - off to diagnose the misfire first (sensing that either one of the plugs or coil packs is caput) and will give it a go at the w/end.

[Toady1]

Replacing the plugs is very easy. I've done it twice now, took about 2 hours the first time. Less the second.

[Jim Haseltine]

Releasing this clip from the LH suspension tower allows you to flex one of the aircon pipes to provide a little more access to the rear coil.

[Toady1]

I didn't even have to do that??