Easier Way to Change Rear Spark Plugs...
09-30-2017, 07:56 PM
#1
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Easier Way to Change Rear Spark Plugs...
For VQ35 Only
I think I might have figured out a way to change the rear plugs much quicker and easily than the normal way.
As many of you know, you have to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the rear valve cover/spark plugs. However, I think I have figured out a way to get easier access to JUST the spark plugs.
I have not seen any discussion of this before, but after a quick glance, it appears you can get access to all 3 spark plugs by just removing the elbow. It is possible to remove the 4 bolts holding it onto the intake without removing any additional parts, so then you're left with some electrical connectors and vacuum/coolant lines.
Getting the coil pack out would be the trickiest part, but with the angle they're inserted, it should be enough to slide past the back of the intake. Clearly this won't let you remove the valve cover, but if you're just doing spark plugs, the elbow to manifold gasket is 5x cheaper than the plenum gasket, and requires less work to remove.
I changed my plugs last year, and I recently pulled the front 3 out to inspect them, and found they were very loose. A 1/4" ratchet could have removed them with little effort. This is obviously my bad as I didn't torque them down and was in a rush. They felt tight enough when I originally installed them, but they must have loosened up over time. I will report back once I figure out if it's possible or not, but it won't be for a month or so.
Just thought I'd share so people can try themselves and possibly save time and money.
I think I might have figured out a way to change the rear plugs much quicker and easily than the normal way.
As many of you know, you have to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the rear valve cover/spark plugs. However, I think I have figured out a way to get easier access to JUST the spark plugs.
I have not seen any discussion of this before, but after a quick glance, it appears you can get access to all 3 spark plugs by just removing the elbow. It is possible to remove the 4 bolts holding it onto the intake without removing any additional parts, so then you're left with some electrical connectors and vacuum/coolant lines.
Getting the coil pack out would be the trickiest part, but with the angle they're inserted, it should be enough to slide past the back of the intake. Clearly this won't let you remove the valve cover, but if you're just doing spark plugs, the elbow to manifold gasket is 5x cheaper than the plenum gasket, and requires less work to remove.
I changed my plugs last year, and I recently pulled the front 3 out to inspect them, and found they were very loose. A 1/4" ratchet could have removed them with little effort. This is obviously my bad as I didn't torque them down and was in a rush. They felt tight enough when I originally installed them, but they must have loosened up over time. I will report back once I figure out if it's possible or not, but it won't be for a month or so.
Just thought I'd share so people can try themselves and possibly save time and money.
10-01-2017, 07:56 AM
#2
You still wont be able to get the two coils out with the plenum in place. It's very close but it wont work.
I wouldn't worry about the plugs. They're not supposed to be torqued hard the 1st time they're put in. As long as you flattened the round crush gasket it will be fine. They're not torqued like a bolt.
I know the feeling of removing one and being surprised at how easy they come out.
As long as it takes SOME effort they're fine.
I wouldn't worry about the plugs. They're not supposed to be torqued hard the 1st time they're put in. As long as you flattened the round crush gasket it will be fine. They're not torqued like a bolt.
I know the feeling of removing one and being surprised at how easy they come out.
As long as it takes SOME effort they're fine.
10-01-2017, 09:47 AM
#3
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Unfortunately you’re right. I took another look more in depth, and the plug closest to the passenger side, the bolt holding the coil pack down is covered halfway by the intake. That bummed me out lol. Thought I may have found an easier way, but guess not. It was worth a shot though.
They had resistance, but less than I’d like. I don’t think it’s possible for them to back out anymore though because it has a coil pack on top of it that’s bolted down. I’ll retorque them when I have more free time though.
They had resistance, but less than I’d like. I don’t think it’s possible for them to back out anymore though because it has a coil pack on top of it that’s bolted down. I’ll retorque them when I have more free time though.
10-02-2017, 06:33 AM
#4
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Location: Columbia SC
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yah I think its easier to just remove the plenum but keep the coolant lines attached and the throttle plugged in. I never remove everything when im just doing coils or plugs, I still leave the coolant lines attached and the throttle plugged in, I just lift the manifold out of the way and reuse the gasket.
10-11-2017, 05:59 PM
#6
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: NYC
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With all of the work involved to get to those three plugs I would strongly suggest that you invest in a good torque wrench. It gets rid of the guess work. According to my Hanes manual the torque specification for the plugs on the VQ35DE would be 14-22 ft-lbs.
10-12-2017, 03:55 PM
#7
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Personally, I do not believe in torque wrenches unless it’s for critical engine parts. It was my fault cause I was in a rush and wanted to get done. It should’nt be a huge issue since I won’t need to buy a new intake gasket or any other parts.
10-13-2017, 09:56 PM
#12
Nissan loves their brackets. It seems like they have a heavy duty bracket for every section of wire and hose on the car. I have a box of them I've replaced with zip-ties over the years.
10-14-2017, 04:20 AM
#13
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I’m not sure why everyone griefs over those 2 rear bolts. First time I removed the intake, I had no trouble accessing them or removing them. All the videos I watched said it was the hardest part of the job and I found it to be one of the easier things. I’m gonna keep them on.
10-14-2017, 08:03 AM
#14
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Location: NYC
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I have a breaker bar with a swivel that gives me just the right angle to get access to the bolt. A regular ratchet back there is frustrating. I put mine back in place.
10-14-2017, 01:45 PM
#16
I’m not sure why everyone griefs over those 2 rear bolts. First time I removed the intake, I had no trouble accessing them or removing them. All the videos I watched said it was the hardest part of the job and I found it to be one of the easier things. I’m gonna keep them on.
10-17-2017, 08:15 AM
#17
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Location: Hudson, NH
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I’m not sure why everyone griefs over those 2 rear bolts. First time I removed the intake, I had no trouble accessing them or removing them. All the videos I watched said it was the hardest part of the job and I found it to be one of the easier things. I’m gonna keep them on.
10-18-2017, 04:40 AM
#20
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Location: Hudson, NH
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May depend what year. My 03 had no intake related coolant lines other than the TB.
Last edited by rodent_infested_03; 10-18-2017 at 04:48 AM.