Everything that you all say about this car is spot-on (big surprise
) but sparks plugs are a royal PITA. IF you're good, budget about 2 hours. If you're like me, budget more like 3-4. I think the WIS recommends 4.
1- pull the air intake snorkels - these just pop off. There are 4 screws that hold that air intake on - one is just in front of the star on the smaller cover, one is under that small cover, and the other two are near the windshield. These are Torx T30 screws. Once the screws are undone, you need to pull the air cleaner forward, towards you about 2", then it'll pop off.
2- Start on the passenger's side. The Ignition coils are like nothing you have seen - there are two, one on each side. They are long, and have a connector on the front side (towards the nose of the car). Each of these is held in by 6 screws, which have a star-like head. You can use an 8mm hexagonal screw head to remove them. Five of these screws aren't bad - they're easily accessed. The last is underneath the black air intake hose by the false wall. Don't forget about this one. Disconnect the molex from the coil pack using a small screwdriver. you have to pry the lock-release up, and then it just pulls off.
3- here's the fun part: grab either end of the ignition coils, and pull HARD. Pull evenly, but you'll need to put your back into it. When it does pop off, the spark plug boots are likely around the plugs themselves. Use a pair of needlenose pliers to pull them out and reinsert them into the ignition coil.
4- replace the spark plugs as with any other car.
5- in mine, I had some oil around the boots on the cylinders near the false wall. I simply cleaned them up.
6- reverse the process to get the whole thing together.
The driver's side is done the same way. Only additional step is to disconnect the small lead to what looks like a plug in the cylinder head: that's the cylinder cut-off valve. Now, there is a major complicating factor: the shape of the false wall is different to accommodate the braking system on that side. There is a small pneumatic motor, and there is a fuel line that obstruct your ability to get enough leverage to pull the ignition coils off. The fuel line is held together with two screws, so that is easily removed, but I am at a loss about the vacuum motor.
I got about 50%, Someone help me out with this?
thanks!
-dan
2001 CL
1997 S500 w/ 4-place