How to do spark plug wires?

[thegoldpt]

I know i am goning to get hell for this thread, but fyi i tried search and i got no where. Here is the deal, i wanna get my wires replaced, but i noticed that the intake manifold comes over the plugs, is it possible to replace the wires without taking it off, i can just see the look on my fathers face when i try taking the manifold off. [B)]

[CREWZIN]

Sorry. For the Non-turbo PT, the upper manifold has to come off to get at the plugs and wires. It's not that hard. Here's some instructions on Imagestation. You might not hve to follow all of them depending on what year your PT is. Take your time, look over the instructions and gather all the tools that you need first. Good Luck. It's been awhile since I've actually looked over the instructions, so in case they don't say it, use Anti-seize lubricant on the plugs and Dielectric greese on the plug wires.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291473219

[tpscruiser]

The turbo you can change them without lifting the intake manifold. I see you have a base model with the N/A engine so be prepaired to lift the intake. It's not all that bad.

[dafaic]

New to the board and been doing alot of reading. Do i NEED to replace the intake gasket when doing this? I already ordered one yesterday but this album does not indicate that it has to or should be done. I have 43k miles... I am installing NGK plugs. The PT has some rough ideling right at start up but goes away after it warms up. Had the tranny flushed and filter changed yesterday and changed the oil and Dodge wanted $156 to change the plugs...I laughed at them! Anyway glad to be a member and tia for the reply.

[CREWZIN]

The Intake gaskets (there's 5 of them) are pretty sturdy and really don't have to be changed. I had my upper manifold off 3 times with the same gaskets. There's 4 square rubber gaskets where the upper and lower manifold meet and one form fitted rubber gasket at the top of the manifold where it meets the throttle body. If you follow those instructions, the TB doesn't have to be disconnected from the upper manifold so you only have to worry about the four square gaskets. They'll stay in the groves when you lift the manifld up without any problem. Make sure you cover the holes of the lower manifold...you don't want to drop anything down there.

[dafaic]

Thanks Crewzin! I just finished reading back all the way to page 16 of the tech forums. If Oreilly has the iridiums i think i'll go ahead and buy them. If not then i will install the copper ones I ordered and change to iridiums next time it needs plugs. I bought oreilly life time wires. Thanks for the heads up on the intake gaskets think i will tell them to keep the gaskets use the difference and buy a drop in K&N. Looks like the preferred gap has changed over the past couple years and looks like gap now is suppose to be .04 or 40. I am from texas so i just call it 40. Anyway I have a 2005 Durango also. I have to say I have become a Dodge man.

[tpscruiser]

The only thing I would add to Crewzin's info is to lightly coat the upper to lower manifold gaskets with clean engine oil before you re-assemble the manifold. Have done both of our PTs more than once and never changed the gaskets.

[thegoldpt]

well, my mother said an absoultly not to me doing it, but she said she would have no problem if the dealer did it so here is another list of questions:

1. How much do you think the dealer will charge for this (provided i buy my own)

2. I just wanted to replace the wires because of how crappy the stock ones are. Do you think i should get new plugs and coil pack?

3. What is a good set of wires. I want something styleish yet reliable.

4. What you you think of live wires?

5. And finally, whats the difference between 8 and 8.5? If i were to get these what one should i get.

FYI:
2005 Stock N/A
No current engine mods execept removing intake silencer and putting in a k&n drop in.


4.

[CREWZIN]

1. The dealer will charge by the hour whatever their going rate is. Probably about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the labor. Some dealers won't use customer parts, others will, but they won't give you any garrantee if something goes wrong with the parts.

2. If you've never changed either plugs or wires, change both at the same time. Ignition parts are the weak link in the system and if your paying for the labor, might as well do both. Leave the coil alone. It does a good job and no-one has reported problems with the stock coil.

3. "Stylish" wires are a waste of money...you can't see them anyway under the upper manifold.

4. Live Wires, Crane or MOPAR Performance (what I use) are all good and 100 times better than the stock wires that came on the PT.

5. 8 or 8.5 wires aren't needed on the stock PT. Won't hurt but if they cost more, your wasting your money. 7 or 7.5 will do fine for what is needed.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by thegoldpt
5. And finally, whats the difference between 8 and 8.5?

.5

I have only seen good posts about Magnecore and Crane wires - the jury is out on livewires.
I'd say check with dealer first - they may not sanction using non-stock parts - if that's the case, Go to a mechanic or try another dealer.
Agree with Crewzin on all other points.