Spark Plug Change Problem - Honda Pilot

surfer11 · 11-11-2004, 02:02 PM

There seems to be not enough clearance to remove the individual ignition coils that's over each plug. The front once gets blocked by the radiator. Has anyone change their spark plugs on the Pilot? Do you have to remove the radiator? Seems such a hassle for something so simple.

2003 EX-L-Res

N_Jay · 11-11-2004, 02:04 PM

What mileage are you at?

I thought they were 100,000 or 110,000 mile items.

jay · 11-11-2004, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by N_Jay
What mileage are you at?

I thought they were 100,000 or 110,000 mile items.

Close. 105,000 miles.

surfer11 · 11-11-2004, 02:32 PM

My mileage is just 50K. I was able to remove one of the plugs and saw the ceramic end is darken, possible electrical leakage, so I want to try changing to NKG Iridium plugs; just to see if any difference in mileage since I drive it a lot.

N_Jay · 11-11-2004, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer11
My mileage is just 50K. I was able to remove one of the plugs and saw the ceramic end is darken, possible electrical leakage, so I want to try changing to NKG Iridium plugs; just to see if any difference in mileage since I drive it a lot.

Has you mileage dropped off?

In general, (No matter what the advertising says) changing spark plug types has no affect on performance or mileage.

Dano · 01-04-2006, 04:26 PM

Okay,

I'm reviving this thread a bit cause I'm in need of some advice.

I want to change the spark plugs in my pilot, have 106,500 miles on it, but can't quite figure out how to remove them.

I can get off the ignition coil easy enough (sits on top of each plug), but getting a socket, extension and ratchet to fit in the small space between the radiator and plugs and the firewall and plugs is near impossible without using a bunch of different sized and flexible extensions.

Suggestions? Am I missing something? Anyone done this?

Seems like an incredible hassle to change out the plugs. I'm ready to head to the local shop and have them deal with it.

john802 · 01-04-2006, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dano
Okay,

I'm reviving this thread a bit cause I'm in need of some advice.

I want to change the spark plugs in my pilot, have 106,500 miles on it, but can't quite figure out how to remove them.

I can get off the ignition coil easy enough (sits on top of each plug), but getting a socket, extension and ratchet to fit in the small space between the radiator and plugs and the firewall and plugs is near impossible without using a bunch of different sized and flexible extensions.

Suggestions? Am I missing something? Anyone done this?

Seems like an incredible hassle to change out the plugs. I'm ready to head to the local shop and have them deal with it.

You need to remove the following:
1. Intake manifold cover
2. Ignition coil cover
3. Ignition coils (6)
4. Spark plugs (6).

You need to have a universal joint spark plug socket w/ long extension.

Dano · 01-05-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by john802

You need to remove the following:
1. Intake manifold cover
2. Ignition coil cover
3. Ignition coils (6)
4. Spark plugs (6).

You need to have a universal joint spark plug socket w/ long extension.

The intake manifold cover and ignition coil cover are the plastic covers on top of the engine, correct?

Those are easy to remove. So are the ignition coils. Now try getting out the spark plugs!

john802 · 01-05-2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dano

The intake manifold cover and ignition coil cover are the plastic covers on top of the engine, correct?

Those are easy to remove. So are the ignition coils. Now try getting out the spark plugs!

I don't have experience removing spark plug on the Pilot so I don't know the space restriction. I have success in removing spark plugs on a tight space in my other cars using this tool.

Dano · 01-05-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by john802

I don't have experience removing spark plug on the Pilot so I don't know the space restriction. I have success in removing spark plugs on a tight space in my other cars using this tool.

I think I'm going to pick one of those up and give it another try this weekend (can never have too many tools

). I'll try and take some pics and post them so folks have an idea of what this entails. Mostly, I think, it will involve a lot of contortion and a fair amount of diving across the engine to reach the plugs near the firewall.

Dano · 01-13-2006, 10:00 PM

Okay,

so I tackled the spark plugs on Thursday. And by tackle, I mean dove over the engine compartment to reach the three plugs near the firewall.

Not a terribly tough job, but a bit of a hassle. More than it should be for plugs.

There are some pics in the following posts.

Dano · 01-13-2006, 10:07 PM

Here are the tools you will need for this job:

* Flat head screwdriver
* No. 6 metric allen wrench
* 5/8" metric flexible long shaft spark plug socket
* No. 10 metric socket
* Socket wrench
* Short extension
* Long Extension
* Anti-seize grease

Dano · 01-13-2006, 10:08 PM

To start, you must use the No. 10 socket on a long extension to remove the engine cover. There are 4 bolts.

Dano · 01-13-2006, 10:09 PM

Then the cover below gets removed by turning the plastic screws 1/4 turn.

Dano · 01-13-2006, 10:10 PM

Now you must disconnect the wire from the ignition assembly on each cylinder.

11-11-2004, 02:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
surfer11 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Spark Plug Change Problem There seems to be not enough clearance to remove the individual ignition coils that's over each plug. The front once gets blocked by the radiator. Has anyone change their spark plugs on the Pilot? Do you have to remove the radiator? Seems such a hassle for something so simple. 2003 EX-L-Res

11-11-2004, 02:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,545 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What mileage are you at? I thought they were 100,000 or 110,000 mile items. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-04-2006, 04:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dano Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 481 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Okay, I'm reviving this thread a bit cause I'm in need of some advice. I want to change the spark plugs in my pilot, have 106,500 miles on it, but can't quite figure out how to remove them. I can get off the ignition coil easy enough (sits on top of each plug), but getting a socket, extension and ratchet to fit in the small space between the radiator and plugs and the firewall and plugs is near impossible without using a bunch of different sized and flexible extensions. Suggestions? Am I missing something? Anyone done this? Seems like an incredible hassle to change out the plugs. I'm ready to head to the local shop and have them deal with it. __________________ Dano 2003 SS Pilot EX-L

01-13-2006, 10:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dano Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 481 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Spark Plug change-out Okay, so I tackled the spark plugs on Thursday. And by tackle, I mean dove over the engine compartment to reach the three plugs near the firewall. Not a terribly tough job, but a bit of a hassle. More than it should be for plugs. There are some pics in the following posts. __________________ Dano 2003 SS Pilot EX-L

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11-11-2004, 02:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
surfer11 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My mileage is just 50K. I was able to remove one of the plugs and saw the ceramic end is darken, possible electrical leakage, so I want to try changing to NKG Iridium plugs; just to see if any difference in mileage since I drive it a lot.

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