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Greeno
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
10:52:44
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 Subject: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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I have a 2000 SLT Sport Plus 4.7L with about 36K all highway miles. Truck runs the same as the day I bought it, turns over on first crank and mileage is the same. Do I really need to spend the time and money to have the dealer change out the plugs before at least 50K? I know the maintenance schedule says to but is it really needed? Thanks.
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Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
12:33:24
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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I changed mine at 3K miles and replaced them with Autolite 3923's. The truck idles much smoother and runs better IMHO. The job is really easy, but if you can't handle it, buy the plugs and go to a reputable shop, anywhere but the dealer. Unless you have money to blow, because their labor costs are outrageous and they bill you for twice the amount of time it takes to do the job.
Glenn
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sandman
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
16:56:59
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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YES!!!! Buy a set of Bosch Platnium Plus 4's and have a good shop put them in for you. The plus 4's will let you go 120,000 miles before you need to change them.
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Greeno
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
17:38:54
|  RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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How hard is the job? Doesn't it have 8 individual coils that can be damaged with this otherwise simple plug change?
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Jim
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
18:24:18
|  RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
Yes do it. I changed mine ak 30k and the stock plugs were hosed. I always used bosh platnium plugs because you can go 100k before next change.I used the plus 4's this time and don't think they are any better than the regular platniums.
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Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
20:02:13
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
An individual ignition coil is used for each spark plug. The coil fits into machined holes in the cylinder head. A mounting stud/nut secures each coil to the top of the intake manifold. The bottom of the coil is equipped with a rubber boot to seal the spark plug to the coil. Inside each rubber boot is a spring. The spring is used for a mechanical contact between the coil and the top of the spark plug. These rubber boots and springs are a permanent part of the coil and are not serviced separately. An O-ring is used to seal the coil at the opening into the cylinder head.
Depending on which coil is being removed, the throttle body air intake tube or intake box may need to be removed to gain access to coil.
Disconnect electrical connector from coil by pushing downward on release lock on top of connector and pull connector from coil.
Clean area at base of coil with compressed air before removal.
Remove coil mounting nut from mounting stud.
Carefully pull up coil from cylinder head opening with a slight twisting action.
Remove coil from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Using compressed air, blow out any dirt or contaminants from around top of spark plug.
Check condition of coil O-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to coil O-ring.
Position ignition coil into cylinder head opening and push on to spark plug. Do this while guiding coil base over mounting stud.
Install mounting stud nut and tighten to 8 Nm (70 in. lbs.) torque .
Connect electrical connector to coil by snapping into position.
If necessary, install throttle body air tube or box.
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Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
20:05:53
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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PLUG REMOVAL
Each individual spark plug is located under each ignition coil. Each individual ignition coil must be removed to gain access to each spark plug. Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
Prior to removing spark plug, spray compressed air around base of ignition coil at cylinder head. This will help prevent foreign material from entering combustion chamber.
Remove spark plug from cylinder head using a quality socket with a rubber or foam insert. If equipped with this engine, also check condition of coil O-ring and replace as necessary.
Inspect spark plug condition. Refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge tool. If the gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground electrode. Never attempt to adjust the gap by bending the center electrode.
PLUG INSTALLATION
Special care should be taken when installing spark plugs into the cylinder head spark plug wells. Be sure the plugs do not drop into the plug wells as electrodes can be damaged.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque. Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change in the spark plug gap or a cracked porcelain insulator.
Start the spark plug into the cylinder head by hand to avoid cross threading.
Tighten spark plugs to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) torque .
Before installing coil(s), check condition of coil O-ring and replace as necessary. To aid in coil installation, apply silicone to coil O -ring.
Install ignition coil(s). Refer to Ignition Coil Removal/Installation.
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Izzy
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2002
12:20:42
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
Damn, I am scared to even try to service mine now. Couldn't be a simple spark plug wire with a plug under tha cap, pull cap, change plug push cap back on, fire it up.
This explains why my motor looked nothing like the Jeep Grand Cherokee manual I looked at.
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alex
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2002
12:48:34
| RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
It really is best to have a qualified spark plug installation center install the plugs on these motors. The coils and even the spark plugs can be verrry easily damaged. Even if you just tap the coil against soemthing, it will come unwound and won't work properly.
I would take the truck to a qualified professional to get this done. However, the Bosch Platinums +4's are the only plug that is worth putting into this truck. Don't waste your money on anything less expensive, as it will not run correctly.
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Glenn
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2002
13:25:46
|  RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
What a load of sh@t.
Get a socket set, take the airbox or air intake off. Unplug the connector from the plug coil. Remove the nut that holds the coil on. Pull up on the coil, it will pop right off. Set the coil aside. Use compressed air to blow dirt from around plug. This can be done with a can of compressed air that people use for computers and such if you don't have a compressor. Remove the old plug. Replace with Autolite 3923's at a total cost of less than $8.00. Make sure to gap the plugs to .40 and put some anti-seize on the threads. Screw the plugs in till they make contact and give it another 1/4 turn. Put some silicone on the O-ring on the coil and push it back onto the plug. Tighten the coil nut back on and plug in the connector. Replace air intake and you are done. The truck will idle and run smoother and you will save yourself a bunch of money. If you want pictures with illustrations, E-mail me at golfinglenn@attbi.com. If you know the difference between a socket and an open end wrench, then you can do this. If you don't, then take it to a shop, or have a friend do it.
Glenn
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alex
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2002
13:53:14
|  RE: 36K Spark plug change...really needed?
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Message:
Hahahahhaaaa.....
I was just patronizing the guy who was going to pay his dealer $50 to change his plugs. And the guy who was scared to work on his Dodge after looking at a Jeep manual.
Hahahahahahahaaa....
It was DEFINITELY a load of sh@t.
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