2003 Pilot EX

[smswartz]

Long time reader; first time poster. My wifes pilot had 55k miles and being a little old school I can't believe spark plugs last 100k. I decided to change them and although the process was tedious and time consuming I think it was worth it. For whatever reason the spark plugs I replaced have a burnt orange coloring at the base of the ceramic. I am not sure if this is horribly bad, but I know it is not ideal. Anyway I replaced them with Bosch Platinum2 and my acceleration and power seem to have improved. I did replace the air filter which could be partially responsible, but I think changing the spark plugs is worth the effort and cost (3.99 x 6 = 23.94 + tax).

Instructions.
1. Remove the plastic engine cover bolts (10 mm)
2. Remove the plastic cover in front of the radiator. This exposes the three front spark plugs.
4. You then need a 6 mm hex wrench to remove the bolt that attaches the spark plug wire to the valve cover.
5. Remove the spark plug wire. Remove the spark plug wire using a 5/8 inch spark plug socket. These two are somewhat difficult as there is very little room to manuever a ratchet and socket, but it is possible.

Of course you have to replace the back three as well which aren't really easy to do, but again possible with a little patience and fortitude.

Not the best instructions, but if you are mechanically inclined you should be able to do it.

I will post pictures of the plugs I removed to demonstrate the discoloring.

Stephen

[graveltravel]

well i hate to tell ya , but platinum plugs are a waiste of $$$. you should have bought some ngk v-powers. alot of people dont know that most of the platinum burns off the plug at around 1000 miles. but on the otherhand, thanks for the write up!