new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

[ljenks]

Hey guys would like to know if anyone has tackled replacing spark plugs in a 4.3 carbed mercruiser? How tough was the job?

I also have another post on here about my 4.3 starting, then immediately shutting off.... Any help there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

I would have to say it is not that hard. if you can see/get to the plugs thats it. remeber change one at a time so you dont put the wrong wire on the wrong plug. head on up to the adults only sec and read some of the post maybe dowlnoad the manual for your motor

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

BTW Welcome to IBoats

 

[ljenks]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Thanks so much deves. I have briefly looked in the sticky to download the manual for my boat, but was not successful in finding it. Mine is a 2007 carbed model & I could not find one that new???

Thanks again

 

[liquidlew]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

It could be easy, or it could be next to impossible without a custom made tool, I could not get mine out 3 years ago (just bought the boat), standard socket was too long to get 3 on the strbd side out. Got new exhaust manifolds and risers (GLM, old ones were?) a year later and all of a sudden, all 6 are super easy to get out. New manifolds have better clearnce at the plug hole I guess.

I would think with a newer motor, they shouldn't be difficult at all, but then I haven't seen anything newer than my old 89 4.3! I don't get out much.

 

[180shabah]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

mine come out every year, no problem at all.

 

[Don S]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

If you have access to the plugs and they aren't all rusted in place, it's easy.
If you don't have access and/or they are rusted to half their size, you WILL have problems.
If you can't look at your engine and try to remove the plugs and see if you have any problems, then you probably shouldn't be messing with them to begin with.

 

[ljenks]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Thanks 180shabah & liquidlew I appreciate the help & tips.

Don S.... why the smarta@@ remark????

I was just sitting here & posting a thread about the starting issue I have & was wondering how hard a job it is to replace plugs. Since it is approx. midnight here, I thought I would just throw it out there to see what other people have encountered.

I appreciate your thoughts, but if they are going to be of this nature I just rather you not post them at all.

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Sorry, I won't bother you any more. But I stand by what I said. If you have to ask how hard it is to change spark plugs, then you are way past your abilities.

 

[ljenks]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Sorry, I won't bother you any more. But I stand by what I said. If you have to ask how hard it is to change spark plugs, then you are way past your abilities.

I am asking out of curiosity, and w/o having looked at them. Again, just something I thought about while posting other thread.

I am 100% sure that I am not way past my abilities. I am a successful business owner & operator of a motorcycle & ATV shop. I have raced & worked on many bikes & atvs including complete rebuilds & performance work. I feel confident that I can change plugs in anything, if I can rebuild motors. Was just wondering if I could do it in a few minutes, or if I needed to go ahead & get a six pack before I started!!!!

Thanks again & have a great day.

 

[cr2k]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

A lot easier on a MC then a OMC. Those darn manifolds.

 

[180shabah]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Was just wondering if I could do it in a few minutes

Generally a DIY'r would have taken a peek at the engine compartment BEFORE the purchase and not just followed along on the guided tour offered by the salesman - hey look overhere at all these pretty lights and switches, and on this side is all the pretty shiney SS thingies.....spark plugs, fuel/oil filters, oh there back there under that GREAT BIG bikini pad, but we have a great service dept so you won't even need to look under there.

 

[BRG25]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Was just wondering if I could do it in a few minutes, or if I needed to go ahead & get a six pack before I started!!!!

You need to relax buddy...there is no way anyone in here can answer your question without looking at your engine. Sometimes they are easy to remove...sometimes the exhaust manifolds are so close that the spark plugs are difficult to access without using a thin walled socket or actually removing the manifolds. Don has seen cases where because of engine placement the entire engine has to be removed to do certain repairs.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

You might consider a 12 pack depending on boat design....

 

[Lommerse33]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Some consider a 12 pack before getting out of bed in the morning. (I couldn't help myself. I love good beer banter.)

 

[liquidlew]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Good call! Brew is mandatory before I even Think about working on the old girl, just make sure it's cold! Only other thing you might need is a box of bandaids.

 

[swihartart]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Jeez, sounds like some may need a case of beer before responding to posts.

Don't sweat it ljenks, I understand your mode of thinking...sometimes it's advantageous to just throw a thought or idea out there just to get some feedback on potential problems such as clearance or other issues from people who've worked on a 4.3 before BEFORE starting the job. I'm usually not sitting in the boat while browsing this site and thinking about issues I may encounter. (I have brought the laptop on board to reference manuals before though...wife says I may as well just sleep in there...LOL)

I've learned a TON about my new old boat and have been restoring and fixing as I go with help from the great people and resources here...but sometimes I read angry smart-a**ed posts that are not cool.

If you don't like what someone asks its real easy to just click on by and not be so condescending...

as for the question...from what I've read you sound like you're more than capable of gettin' er done if you haven't already tackled it.

I'm a little gun-shy on turning wrenches on boats cause they're new to me but throw anything from an old Farmall to bikes to military generators or vehicles...I'm all over it.

Good Luck and I hope they're not a PITA for you.

BTW..thanks to all of the people who've helped me here. I get to change my lower shift cable and bellows etc. this weekend..can't wait to tap the bellhousing, sounds like fun!

1977 Starcraft Capri 17 ft. Tri-Hull
3.0 140 HP Merc
We call her Sweetness

 

[liquidlew]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

Hey, nuthn wrong with having a cold one or 2 to calm your nerves, especially when it's hot and you're working on an old boat! Plus, it's also good first aid, just pour some on those skinned knuckles cuz it's Alchohol!

 

[swihartart]

Re: new plugs in 4.3 merc hard job????

O yes! Ice cold beer, greasy hands, satisfaction of fixing your own toys...priceless.

I can't find the drunk smiley face so I'll make one...

X }