spark plug change

[Joe]

It looks like our 2001 PT which we recently purchased used, should have the plugs replaced as they are probably OE with 43K. It looks like a good deal of disassembly is required to accomplish this seemingly simple task. I can follow directions as written in the 'do it yourself' site but before I start taking things apart - is there anything I should know that they haven't mentioned? Also, is there a preferred plug for my stock engine? Thanks for any comments!

[Sci-Fi]

At the moment, Champion is the only plug that fit correctly. Can read this comparison: http://ptenthusiasts.org/PTForums/sh...70&postcount=5 . I am surprised Denso made such a major mistake in their design.

Anyways, the Champion double platinum (p/n 7440) RE14PLP5 is the most popular replacement for N/A PT engines. Jerry Rutherfords' Simplified Installation Guide, http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291473219 , is probably the easiest to follow of all the PTDIY guides.

[CREWZIN]

If I can add something to the installation of the plugs...or rather taking the intake off. The pictures are excellent on Jerry's site and should work perfectly. What I did find out that wasn't mentioned (and maybe it was just my 01 PT), is that there's a double wire (hooked shaped) bracket under the middle front bolt in the upper intake that gives support to the upper radiator hose. The pictures don't show it and if you just try and lift the upper manifold up after taking out all the necessary bolts, it won't just lift up. You have to reach around and move the bracket from around the hose so the manifold will lift up...and of course don't forget to put the bracket under the hose for support when reassembling the manifold.

[comPuTer]

On the topic of replacement plugs....

I am about due for a "tune up" on my 2001 Ltd. I asked the dealership about using platinum plugs when I priced the tune-up, and they were adament about NOT using them. They claimed that the computer won't understand the difference and it could cause all types of problems....

What's the deal there? If it is OK to use platinum in place of the factory plugs, why are they so opposed to it?

I am not a very mechanically minded person and don't have the place or tools to do much maintenance to my PT, so I am going to have to trust it to others.

[CREWZIN]

Can't speak for the dealer, but there's a lot of us that put the Champion Double Platinum plugs in our N/A PT without problems. I've had them in for over 20,000 miles. Whatever plugs you decide to use, don't forget to use Anti-Seize Lubricant on the threads of the plugs and Dielectric Grease on all the electrical connections (wires).

[neal]

quote:Originally posted by CREWZIN

If I can add something to the installation of the plugs...or rather taking the intake off. The pictures are excellent on Jerry's site and should work perfectly. What I did find out that wasn't mentioned (and maybe it was just my 01 PT), is that there's a double wire (hooked shaped) bracket under the middle front bolt in the upper intake that gives support to the upper radiator hose. The pictures don't show it and if you just try and lift the upper manifold up after taking out all the necessary bolts, it won't just lift up. You have to reach around and move the bracket from around the hose so the manifold will lift up...and of course don't forget to put the bracket under the hose for support when reassembling the manifold.

Yes, good point....just changed my plugs last week, and noticed the same. Not so bad in taking off the manifold, but this clip makes it a little tricky in replacing. I also went with the double platinum and noticed an immediate over the old plugs that had about 36,000 miles on them.

[MX-5]

quote:Originally posted by comPuTer
I asked the dealership about using platinum plugs when I priced the tune-up, and they were adament about NOT using them. They claimed that the computer won't understand the difference and it could cause all types of problems

I'll tell ya' "for the record", the Champion stock #7440 is a Champion authorized replacement for the #440 copper plug.
Ask the Chrysler dealer to look in any 2002 or newer Champion spark plug catalog. You will find the #7440 listed as an alternative to the #440 that comes in every domestic PT ever built.

I'm the guy who got those plugs to market. I spent over a year with Federal Mogul (parent company of Champion) to get those built. They now use the #7440 in the V-6 Caravans. That's why your dealer WILL have them in stock, in boxes of 6.

Anyone who says different is just giving you an OPINION.
The facts are printed in the Champion catalog and tested by myself and other engineers.

Remember, along with my EE degree, I'm a Master ASE certified automotive diagnostic tech.

[comPuTer]

MX-5,

I just spoke with the service department for my local Chrysler (5-star) dealership. She had to speak with the shop foreman on the topic. He claims that Chrysler has not informed them that the #7440 is an authorized replacement for the #440 copper. He said he wouldn't "recommend it" but that if I bought them, they would use them when I wanted to replace the plugs -- but -- they would not be responsible for any performance problems related to the spark plugs.

How can they be so out of touch with what is happening in the market?

[mikey]

I tuned my '02 via the short cut instructions and used the champion 7440's. Used dialectic grease on the boots and anti-sieze on the plug threads. I do not have a torque wrench and tightened until snug.
3000 miles, no problems, no increase in fuel mileage, seems peppier.

[MX-5]

quote:Originally posted by comPuTer

How can they be so out of touch with what is happening in the market?

Because they work on 300 different cars and trucks. They don't see the PT in the same light as we do.
Because they care about fixing it quick, no comebacks/reworks, and a paycheck. That's the focus, not personal attention to one single model of vehicle.

Heck,... look at me. I got those plugs for the 2.4L PT motor. They will also work in the Caravans, Stratus & Sebring 2.4L engines. I don't make any claim to informing those owners of the alternatives because I'm not a Caravan specialist.