Gday all!

From what I understand the 100k service involves:
- Spark plug change
- Transmission service & oil change
- Oil & filter changes - air,fuel etc
- Coolant Flush
- Timing belt
- Brake flush

Now I'm wondering if there's any parts of that a noobie could do?

I have had the transmission flushed, timing belt replaced, all the filters and the oils replaced as well as a brake flush and associated repairs and still have the spark plugs to be changed and the coolant to be flushed out.

My 1st question is - how hard is it to change the spark plugs on the 6G74? I know on the rear plugs, the entire intake manifold, throttle body and parts of the air filter need to be removed to get to the plugs, but how easy is it to do this? How easy is it break or stuff up the plug changes? I have a mitsu mechanic mate thats willing to do the entire work for about $100 labour (plus grog :P) and it'd be about $80 for platnium plugs all round. [The problem is that he's leaving the country for a 2 month holiday in about 2 weeks.]

Also what needs to be done for the coolant flush? How easy is it do, or how easy is to stuff up?

Cheers for the help and advice!

Mate, removing the intake plenum to change the rear bank spark plugs is easy, I did it three times on my old TE v6 (and once on my 380) and never had a problem and I'm pretty average with the tools. The bolts on the back of the plenum can be a slight PITA to get at (IIRC there are three of them, all 12 or 14mm).
Just take it slow and careful, remember the order you removed nuts, bolts etc and where they came from, and make sure the gasket lines up properly when you replace the plenum. You don't need a new gasket, the OEM one is reusable. Also remember to tighten the plenum bolts a bit at a time from the centre to the outside, and then recheck them for correct tension after a couple of days and tighten if necessary. Don't overtighten them, a torque wrench may help, but I just used a socket and 'feel'. You may need a breaker bar to loosen the old plugs (but again go easy), I never did. The new plugs are a snap to put in, but again don't overtighten them. Once they are fully seated about a quarter of a turn is all that is needed. You don't really need platinums for the front bank as they are a 5 minute job to replace.

Cheers for the writeup.....looking in the bay and around the plenum it seemed there was alot fidly work and the last thing I wanted was to break a plug or not be able to put back all the bits and bobs....

Doesn't seem too hard infact.....might have a crack at it if I can't get my mate round to my place before his massive trip.....

Also found this guide - it is based on the DOHC versions but they don't differ too much do they? http://www.team3s.com/FAQplugs2.htm

Hi mate, like kj380 said, its not brain surgery. defo give it a go. if you have a good socket set you should be right. you will need a 16mm or 5/8 sparkplug socket and an extension bar for the sparkplug exchange. maybe take a pic on your phone before hand to ensure all the plumbing/wiring goes back in the right spot to make it look professional. again like kj380 said dont overtighten the sparkplugs and if they seem to be tight when you start to screw them in, dont force them, unscrew them and try again... a torque wrench is a great idea, i have the tightening torques here if you need them. but defo a wrench is a good investment if you cant borrow one. with the coolant exchange, well thats pretty straight forward aswell, is easy just to pull your bottom rad hose off and drain the old coolant in a suitable area, make sure the hose is reconnected before you refill and make sure you use distilled water to get the best life out of your coolant and cooling system.

i used platinum plugs in the rear and iridium in the front to get a mix of power and fuel consumtion

Cheers for the advise The Mitch! (btw welcome to the forums - great to have ya onboard!) - will look into getting a torque wrench actually - I have like 3 socket sets with the normal socket wrench but they are quite annoying to use... I'll probs just buy the 16mm or 5/8 torque wrench for now and slowly build up my collection :D

I will take it nice and slow, being gentle on the plugs to not break them........


i used platinum plugs in the rear and iridium in the front to get a mix of power and fuel consumtion

The plantinum plugs will increase fuel consumption? ... thats the last thing I want to do! I wanted to change the plugs in hope that it will reduce fuel and was thinking platinums all round because I've heard they're good to put in (not sure why though!)....

i used platinum plugs in the rear and iridium in the front to get a mix of power and fuel consumtion

lulwut?
Iridiums are only places in the rear as they last 100K. They have been proven to be less "powerful" then normal Copper plugs. I only run standard NGK's in both my cars as time and time again (if you read performance forums) these are the plugs they attain the most power with.

Kovac - how much mechanical work have you done yourself?
And no they wont "increase" your consumption :roll: that's based soley on your right foot.

Some use platinum, some use iridium, some say iridium give a better spark, some say they dont

Personally I use copper plugs right around my car, lets face it, I know someone who can change them quite easily, I generally change mine every 20k

Kovac, you mean a 3/8 torque wrench I assume, will be pretty much useless for doing anything larger than the inlet manifold bolts,

I remember when platinum plugs first came out - mid 80's - Bosch I think - anyway I bought 6 for my Hemi Valiant at great expense however they only lasted about 5000km and the electrodes were burnt completely away. Turns out they were not designed to run with leaded fuel - no money back then and all they offered as compensation was a set of standard plugs.

Alright to mine this thread again...... I'm going to give this a shot this weekend as I may have a potential buyer for the car....

Now where can I get the plugs from? I'll probably do the standard platnium at the back and the normal ones at the front..... should I stop by Repco, Bursons etc or does someone know a cheaper place?

Also does the rocket cover needs to be removed to get the spark plugs or should I just use a large extension piece and a socket set? ..

Cheers for the help fellas!

just use an extension for the plugs. Use a plug spanner with a rubber insert in it so it grips the plug when you lift it out.

just use an extension for the plugs. Use a plug spanner with a rubber insert in it so it grips the plug when you lift it out.

Most of my plug sets are the typical metal ones.....should I buy the rubber ones? Thinking of maybe lining the inside with some tape to get a better hold.....

If you can not grip the plugs, undo them and use a plug lead to lift them out

The rocker cover (while magna's may be a fast car, they do not come equipped with a missile anywhere) does not have to come off however the rear bank will need to accessed by removing the upper manifold

If you can not grip the plugs, undo them and use a plug lead to lift them out

The rocker cover (while magna's may be a fast car, they do not come equipped with a missile anywhere) does not have to come off however the rear bank will need to accessed by removing the upper manifold

:bowrofl: 'rocket' cover....Yes correct I was talking about the Rocker cover - somehow I always get them mixed up.....glad I can avoid taking that off as I don't have the proper paste to reseal it and if it isn't done right I'll have oil leaks everywhere.....

Thats a good idea - didn't think of using the plug lead.....although I think I will need to disconnect them first as they don't seem to pull straight up......

Taking off the manifold doesn't seem too daunting - I will have to remember to keep an eye on each of the bolts and putting things back in the order I took them off.....

Thanks alot everyone for all the advise! Really appreciate it....

Now - who knows where I can get some magna plugs - I'll probs need some help with the part numbers as well....thinking burson's, repco? (Prefer staying away from supershit auto)....