accessing spark plugs to replace

[continental]

I have a 1990 continental, and am getting very poor gas mileage (about 14 city and 17~18 highway). I am going to replace the oxygen sensors and the spark plugs. My question is about accessing the spark plugs. I can see the 3 spark plugs across the front 3 cylinders, and believe I can replace them with the proper tools. However, I was wondering about the 3 plugs across the back. Does accessing these require removing the air manifold on top of the engine? If so, is this a lengthy process (lots of disconnections, draining the coolant, etc.)? Any tips would be appreciated.

[Steve Moran]

Hi Continental.
Welcome to Lincolns Online.
All you need to do is remove the tube from the throttle body to the Mass Air Flow Sensor and the rear plugs are easy to get to.
I have found that removing the fan cover makes getting the front out fairly easy too.
The easyest to do for the front is to remove the radiator cooling fan all to gether.

[MichiganTeddyBear]

I agree with steve, the back side of the engine looks a lot tougher than it really is. there is a surprising amount of room back there once the air intake tube (the rubber one from the air filter) is removed.

[continental]

Thanks for the quick responses. I worked on the spark plugs for a couple of hours, did the three front and the rear closest to the driver, but ran into a bit of trouble. It looks as though a couple of the wires were replaced more recently than the other four. The older ones were very difficult to pull off (maybe they forgot to apply silicone grease, or they've just been on way too long), and the boot actually broke on one of them. No big deal since I'm replacing the wires as well, but hoped you might have some tips on pulling the boots off the last two so I don't end up stuck with a broken wire on one of the plugs that I cant pull off or fit the spark plug socket over.. Thanks again.

[Steve Moran]

Just grab as much of the boot as posable and twist before you remove it.

[towncar95]

i was scared when i did my 1989 , but it wasnt as bad as they say , in fact i found it quite easy. i did what steve and mcihigan said remoive the cooling fan. i also took off that back cover of black plastic that runs along the rear fire wall windsheild edge.

[continental]

I was able to twist the wires that appear not to be as old, but the older ones don't want to budge. I grabbed the boot and twisted, the rubber flexed without freeing until the boot finally broke. I had to slice the remainder of the boot with a blade to finally remove it and get at the plug. I just got the car a few months ago, and don't know when the plugs and wires were last changed, but they sure are stubborn now.

[98TC-Cartier]

If those were back plugs, probably have never been changed.

[Steve Moran]

It is very likely, I have seen mechanics that will refuse to change them just because of the fact it appears to take more time.
I'd say I can change all 6 on any of my cars in about 45 min give or take a few.
that time includes removing and installing the fan and tube from throttle body to Air Box/MAF (depending on the year)

[continental]

Well I'm happy to say I got the job done. I ended up having to cut the last to boots, and from there it was easier than I had expected, as you all said. Thanks a lot for the tips. I feel when the time rolls around again to replace them again it will take me half as much time!!!

[towncar95]

steve
after i did mine i was like i should open a shop just for changing the plugs on the continentals :) like i said not as bad as they say. THEM CRY BABIES ! i would charge half as much and still make some money.

[Matt]

yessss when I first changed the plugs on my '89.. I was kinda scared.. but it turned out fine. 25-30min tops.. my SHO on the other hand.. have to pull the entire intake to get to the rears. that took a few hours.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/405190/fullsize/dsc06426.jpg

there we go!! now you can get to them.

[Willys]

You might want to look at replacing the wires, distributor cap and rotor..... there was some corrosion on mine

After doing all this and other things, I have seen no increase in mileage. I was averging 20 mpg on my 92 and still am.