Spark plug replacement

[L8knight1980]

You are correct, it's the air temperature sensor, that's what I was trying to figure out the name of! So I replaced this (only because the brittle plastic clip broke on me). Waiting for the new part, I just used electrical tape cut in half the long way and wrapped the sensor to prevent movement. New one arrives, swapped it out.

Back to your "thoughts".... I used MAF sensor cleaner for the MAP sensor as well as the air temperature sensor. Any of those sensors will accept the MAF sensor cleaner (jeez, if I say sensor one more time, I think my third grade teacher would have a fit). Honestly, the air intake was the easiest to remove for the throttle body to clean. I finished everything off with a tank full of 93 she'll v*power mixed with barrymans b12 fuel system cleaner. Running this for a week, then off to Lincoln for routine maintenance including that fuel filter. I'm curious if that will make much of a difference, but I will absolutely report back here.

As far as the lawnmower goes, I bought it brand new 2 years ago (just a poulin pro 42 Riding mower) from HD. I replaced the spark plug, fuel filter, starter, battery, oil change, air filter....but I've now got it down to the valve guides out of spec which is an ongoing battle to tweak. However the more I mess around with it, the less I have to tackle the honey to do list that seemed to double this season.......build a porch, repaint the house, oh a deck.....yeah, I'll stick with my "busted" lawnmower first so we can cut the grass.

 

[bitterfitter]

Hi,
I recently changed the plugs on mine at 37k km/23k mi. I did it just because of the NGK Ruthenium HX plugs available for the 3.0 and couldn't wait to test them.
Already clocked 2-3k miles on the new plugs. Maybe better, maybe better idle. Can't decide. There is some difference, but can't swear on it. Anyway, peace of mind and joy of exploiting newest technology.
I follow the principle to read all family cars manuals and use the shortest interval of any car on all cars. Jetta 1.4tsi states 4 years or 40k km on plugs, fuel process and plugs technology being similar...
Also, a plug can be responsible for many interweaved failures, such as: COP internal discharge, catalists, cylinder bore wash, oil dilution and etc. At 7.50$ per plug and an hour job...

Did it with no special tools, no oil cooler or ECU removal. Just removed the cover, all air and vacuum hoses by hand and rear turbo intake just moved front or back a little after freeing it up from its bolt.
Special tools (lol): 16mm magnetic plug tool and extension allowing +/- 25-30° when partially inserted (didn't need it really) - helper pliers for hose clamps.
Everything is easily accessible. Spark wells were clinically clean.
Used torque wrench at ~35 NM or so (same as Mustang 4.6-3V) and that's it. On my responsibility I torqued additionally by feel just a tad (had a loose plug on the stang that sounded like a punctured exhaust, no consequences). NGK recommends tightening by hand by the extension only until it stops + 1/16 turn for washerless plugs, that's like 22.5°. But double check by degree tool (or eye-meter) and torque wrench to be sure that it reached at least 30-35 NM.
That's it.
It was so unremarkable and easy that I didn't document it.

Here are some photos for reference and plug diagnostics. All plugs are 100% equal, differences due to shades and lights.
View attachment 8174View attachment 8175View attachment 8176View attachment 8177View attachment 8178View attachment 8179View attachment 8180View attachment 8181View attachment 8182View attachment 8183

I am looking at changing my spark plugs on my 2019 Mkz 3.0. Can you tell me how easy the rear intake tube is to take off? I assume that there is a clamp behind the engine somewhere to remove it? I don’t want to break it. Everything else seems easy enough. I have the front 3 done and the #1 cylinder also. Just #2 and 3 left to go. Thanks

 

[mindshedd]

The 3.7 Duratec spark plug change procedures are attached. Note the post #1 contains the general procedures that may be required for this engine. The owner manual specifies an SP520 spark plug with a gap of 0.049" - 0.053" same as RockAuto.

The remarks on spark plug socket and extension apply to the 3.7 as well as 2.7 and 3.0.

You are a life saver. Thank you for this post!!