Replace spark plugs

[tigervig]

Hi,

Any idea how to access the spark plugs as I seem to have a slightly different engine compare to most online DIY guidence. Mine don't have to top cover access but from a side. Please see the attached photos.

How do I remove the shield like cover as wrench seem to get stuck to the metal shield or tray

 

[Duncodin]

The ones with the top cover are 16v. Your's is the 8v? So plugs in the side of the head.

In that first picture there's that oblong thing to the left of the picture. Little gold coloured label and 5 long lines molded into the flat top. That's the ignition coil. Two nuts holding it to the top of the strut. Undo those nuts and move the coil out of the way to get access to the spark plugs.

EDIT. Oh. Just re-looked at your pics. You've moved the coil in the second pic. Sorry. In that case I'm lost. No idea wby your plug wrench is getting stuck on that heatshield thing. Sorry.

 

[tigervig]

Just found a tool that kind of long but slim. Will give it a try tomorrow morning and see.

 

[Stevo7682]

You need a slimline small size plug socket for the m43 shield does not need to be removed.
Also correct spark plugs are iridium and about £50 -60 a set ( if you don't have iridium go and change standard plugs will not perform right.
Iridium have a 60k miles change so once done you won't have to do for ages
Stephen.

 

[colb]

Plug spanner and tommy bar should be in the tool kit in the boot. Just pull the leads off the plugs and use the plug spanner on the plug(s) to remove. Be very careful when refitting plugs, ensure you dont cross thread them.

 

[t-tony]

If you're not confident in not cross threading spark plugs use a short length of rubber hose to fit them. It's impossible to damage threads using this method as the rubber hose will slip on the porcelain first.
I don't like plug sockets which have magnets in them as the magnets can, and do, break up and you risk it getting into the cylinder. Ones with a rubber insert are much safer for holding the plug but the hex will turn the plug where the hose won't.

Tony.

 

[AntStark]

Top tip @t-tony thanks !

 

[tigervig]

Thank you all. I managed with the tools in photos. Didn't have to remove the heat shield as said. Only removed the distribution unit and there was enough space. Tool was slim enough to get through to the spark plug. Used NGK BKR6EOUP. So far seems very smooth and runs great.