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Topic: how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8? (Read 1618 times) previous topic - next topic

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Hey guys this is my first post, anyways im changing the sparkplugs in my 87 Cougar 3.8. how do i get to the passenger side plugs? any help would be greatly appreciated

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #1 –
Well for starters you have to take the airbox off of the car(the intake and hose). Its a realy pain in the butt to get at the 3rd one in, the one closest to the back of the engine on a 3.8l. To tighten it you may need a socket extention and a universal(the sockets that bend). Other than that its kinda trial and error to get it out,  but it is a pain in the butt.

Welcome aboard!

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #2 –
thank you, hours of google searches couldnt even come up with that information. your help is greatly appreciated

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #3 –
Funny, I never had a problem getting to the plugs. But I automaticly put a swivel on it and didn't give it much thought when you asked that question.

Now a 351 in a van that's a fun time. LOL
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #4 –
No problem. At 16 when I tried to tune it up, not knowing a whole lot I had a hell of a time.

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #5 –
this is completely unrelated to sparkplugs, but my ler blew up kuz it backfires like a bitch, any clue whats wrong? or how would i go about installing a new ler? or would a glasspack/ler (cherrybomb) work?

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #6 –
See my post in your other thread. Could be the anti-backfire valve in your smog pump system.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #7 –
If It's not that, your TFI could be cutting out. Does it lose power at all for a split second before it backfires?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #8 –
I just read the popped ler thread.
Probably not the TFI. although it will make a car backfire
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: jpc647;244958
Well for starters you have to take the airbox off of the car(the intake and hose). Its a realy pain in the butt to get at the 3rd one in, the one closest to the back of the engine on a 3.8l. To tighten it you may need a socket extention and a universal(the sockets that bend). Other than that its kinda trial and error to get it out,  but it is a pain in the butt.

Welcome aboard!


god!! what are people on nowadays:hick:

AIR BOX?

anyone who has an 87 v6 is probably wondering if your from mars:D just kidding but for real now,,,,, if you dont know ,, dont answer.


here is the answer.........
you've ran into a clearance problem alone the pass side because the smog pump pipes are in your way.

-its best to use a regular spark plug socket with the hex end.
-install your socket
-slip a box end wrench on the socket
-bend wrench if you have to
-loosen spark plug with wrench a turn or two
-finish it by hand reaching in there.

0r...........
remove your smog lines per my diy

0r..........
pry on the smog lines so they bend more towards the pass strut tower and you can get in there with a socket / universal. I personally never had good luck with anythng but using a box end wrench on the pass side.  once i deleted the smog, i felt as at ease on the pass side as i was on the driver.

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: HooptiCat;244992
this is completely unrelated to sparkplugs, but my ler blew up kuz it backfires like a bitch, any clue whats wrong? or how would i go about installing a new ler? or would a glasspack/ler (cherrybomb) work?


just under the console there abouts is the connection to your catalytic.  loosen those bolts and allow your intermediate pipe to lay down on the ground or off to the side.

get a pipe and start beating the hell out of the guts inside the catalytic.

start car,,, step on the gas and blow out your progress.  shut off car.

get under car and repeat gutting process, start car and blow out debris.

once you get to a wire woven mesh like material, you are either done or real close.

your new ler usually will require at the min,, a ler (lifetime one at advance:D ) and a tail pipe.  the tail pipe usually rusts right along the bend over the axle.  to get the old one out , I usually have to jack the body up on one side so the axle lowers just enough so the tailpipe clears and can be removed.  same goes for install, keep one side up and install.

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #11 –
PS----I picked up a flex head, short shaft ratchet from Harbor Freight tools (three size set--1/4; 3/8 and 1/2).  It was very handy for tight plug position spots where you need a slight angle to work well. I found that a universal joint or socket creates an overall length problem on a ratchet end and they may be impossible to use with a narrow working area like the passenger 3.8---or the 5.0.  Wish I had these 35 years ago!  Cheers.

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #12 –
awesome thank you for all your help, got my new plugs in now :), it was running very very shiznitty before, plug #1 was gapped at .024 :mad:

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #13 –
Glad to hear you got it done.
Still back firing?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

how do i change passenger side sparkplugs on a 3.8?

Reply #14 –
geez, this car has been sitting for 6 years, i think its coming back to life, the air filter was black so i changed it, sounds much better, i changed the plugs, sounds even better, now i just seafoamed it, it deffinatly feels better too. any suggestions on what else to do to it?