Caution: Replace spark plugs only when the engine is cold or warm to the touch. If the spark plugs are removed when the engine is hot, the spark plug thread in the light alloy cylinder head may be stripped.
Engines up to 8/94
Removal
To facilitate subsequent installation, mark the high voltage wires with tags in accordance with the order
cylinder operation.
Remove the spark plug caps.
In this case, pull only by the tips, never by the wires. To facilitate removal, it is recommended to use a special clamp, for example, HAZET 1B49-1.
If possible, blow out the spark plug recesses with compressed air to prevent dirt from getting into the cylinders when the spark plugs are removed.
Use a suitable wrench to remove the spark plugs. When removing, do not tilt the spark plug, as this may destroy its ceramic insulator. Use a suitable wrench, such as the HAZET 900KF, to remove.
Installation
Screw the spark plugs into the cylinder head using a socket wrench until they stop by hand.
Attention: Do not twist the spark plug when screwing it in.
Tighten the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench to a torque of 25 Nm (for a V6 engine - 40 Nm).
Note: Do not tilt the key, as this may damage the ceramic insulator of the spark plug.
Caution: If a torque wrench is not available, tighten new spark plugs an additional 90° (1/4 turn), used spark plugs approximately 15°. If spark plugs are tightened too much, the threads in the cylinder head may be stripped. In this case, the threads must be repaired using UTC or Heli-Coil inserts.
Install the spark plug caps according to the markings on the tags applied before removal. Rock them back and forth to ensure that the spark plug caps and high-voltage wires are firmly seated.
2.0L DOHC and V6 engines since 9/94
Note: Only differences in operations that need to be noted are outlined here.
Removal
Disconnect the ignition coil plugs.
Remove the spark plug caps.
Using a suitable key, such as HAZET 4766-1 or FORD 21-202, remove the spark plugs.
Installation
Apply FORD ESD-M1244-A to the spark plug threads before installation. Never-Seize or Bostic NSN 165 can also be used.
Screw the spark plugs into the cylinder head using a socket wrench until they stop by hand.
Caution: Do not twist the spark plug when screwing it in.
Tighten the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench to a torque of 20 Nm (for a V6 engine - 30 Nm).
Attention: Do not tilt the key, as this may lead to the destruction of the ceramic insulator of the spark plug.
Install the spark plug caps.
Connect the ignition coil plugs.
2.3L DOHC engine with 9/94
Note: This only highlights the differences in operations that need to be addressed.
Removal
Unscrew the ignition coil cover fastener.
Remove the spark plug caps and ignition coils.
Using a suitable wrench, such as HAZET 4766-1 or FORD 21-202, remove the spark plugs.
Installation
Before installation, apply FORD ESD-M1244-A grease to the spark plug threads. Never-Seize or Bostic MSN 165 grease can also be used.
Screw the spark plugs into the cylinder head using a socket wrench until they stop by hand.
Caution: Do not twist the spark plug when screwing it in.
Tighten the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench to a torque of 20 Nm.
Attention: Do not tilt the key, as this may lead to the destruction of the ceramic insulator of the spark plug.
Install the spark plug caps and ignition coils.
Screw on the ignition coil cover.