anyone tried to replace spark plugs on the VG33E? How do you get to the last one? the one that's closest to the firewall?

I noticed that would be a bitch myself. I don't see how it can be done. There's no mention of any special procedure in the ESM either.

Then again, I don't think there are any Xterras out there with enough miles on 'em to need new plugs yet anyway.

Brent

I am one of those better sooner than later guys and replace my plugs every 15k (at sub $10 for a full set, it is no biggy).

Anyway - that last plug is a MEGA-Bitch to get out.
If I remember correctly this is what I did:
1- I used my 6" extension on my ratchet to get the plug lose.
2- I used a combo socket - 3" adapter - swivel - 12" adapter - ratchet to actually get the plug completely out.
3- got new plug ready
4- used that rubber stopper in the socket and my 6" extension to "place" the plug in the hole (while cramping my hand in between the engine and firewall
5- used steps 2 and 1 to tighten the spark plug.

Oh yea, most of this has to be done while sitting ON the engine, so I recommend doing this after your car has been off a while.

Even with all this - I ended up with a bloody knuckle or two.
Good Luck.

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RonB
Weapon X - 2000 Blue Xterra SE 2WD
SWXC - Hill Country Chapter Member

What a pain in the ass!

I don't understand why manufacturers must encapsulate an engine to the point where normal tune-up items are barely accessible. That's just wrong.

Of course, this may be why they switched to 100K platinum plugs... ;>

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2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

Its all about the moola!

just be lucky that the spark plugs are on the top side of the engine... you should see my friends 4runner. They are almost impossible to remove!

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2001 XE 5SPD 4WD PSU

[This message has been edited by xterra_teen (edited 03-07-2001).]

finally got the last plug in! had a mechanic friend help me loosen the transmission mount (which tilted the engine forward by a couple of degrees), just enough to get access to the last plug......Nissan did not have the mechanic in mind when they designed their cars, that's for sure!

Good tip, thanks!

Brent

Damn, that's just insane.

You would think that typical tune-up parts should be in the most accessible positions of any part on the engine... But nooooo...

Hell, it could be worse I guess. Some of these new cars coming out with engine top covers and enough plumbing for a small apartment require you to take half the damn thing apart!

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2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

It is a royal pain in the ###. but it can be
done. I had a 93 Nissan Hardbody with the
VG30 and it came with a spark plug wrench
in the tire kit. Nissan went cheap with the
Xterra. I guess they think we should all see
the dealer for maintenance.
It takes a very long extension. You'll be bitching through the whole process. But
it can be done.

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This is not so bad. I also have a 92 Toyota Previa. To get at any of the 4 plugs you have to completely remove the passenger seat, door trim, and pull the carpet back.

dave

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2000 Silver SE 4x4

[This message has been edited by livelife123 (edited 03-22-2001).]

Dave - you're joking, right?

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2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

Nope, the engine is practically under the seats, not unlike the original Toyota vans. The engine was accessed by flipping the driver's seat up onto the steering wheel.

"Compared to all of its minivan competition, the Previa is different in terms of drivetrain layout. Rather than installing the engine and 4-speed automatic transaxle in the usual location at the very front of the vehicle, the Previa slings its powertrain under the floor between the front seats and drives the rear wheels. This unconventional setup is necessary to accommodate the optional All-Trac system, which drives the front as well as the rear wheels.
Routine engine fluid and accessory drivebelt services are still performed from under the hood. Other maintenance must be done on a lift, however."

Brent


[This message has been edited by OffroadX (edited 03-22-2001).]

This is beginning to sound like a Monty Python sketch...
"Only had to remove the seat? Luxury!
Why in car you had undo all the nuts and bolts, unstitch the fabric of the seat cushions using a blunt spoon and drink the scalding engine oil before we could remove the spark plugs."

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- kayak_x
2000 Alpine SE 4x4

Guess what I found on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=572837262

Spark Plug tools.
It looks like they had the business man in mind when they did the design.

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Lance
Silver XE 3 packages

Neat tools!

Looks like basically a set of extensions and one angled piece.

I'm thinking one could use a "wobble" type extension or even the flexible type with equal results? I've never tried, so I'm not sure...

Good catch!

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2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

I'm not sure about new XTerra's, but my 97 Pathfinder with the VG33 engine came with those spark plug tools featured on ebay. They were included in the tool bag that contains the lug nut wrench. The longer tool is for plugs 1-5, and the shorter tool is used to access the last plug (and even using this tool, the plug is a pain to remove!)

Don't forget to remove any debris from around the plug hole before you remove the plug. Otherwise, sand or dirt will drop inside your cylinders.

I use compressed air to blast away mud, sand, leaves, etc that collected in the plug cavity.

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