My first spark plug change.. - Benzworld.org

**ttaleric** · 07-22-2005, 08:27 PM

Well i read from past posts that it wasnt so bad. On a ML320!!!!! ML430's are a pain in the ass.. Let me just tell you. But its done [:D]

**cmitch** · 07-22-2005, 08:58 PM

ttaleric,
How many busted knuckles did you get and did you have to stack universals to get them out. I've looked at mine and I can see where you say they're a pain in the ass![:0]

How long did it take you??

**ttaleric** · 07-23-2005, 05:56 AM

My hands and arms are pretty banged up. The right side is the hardest part to do. The right is really easy to do. (Cept the air intake arm taking that thing off and putting it back on is no walk in the park). But other than that i still feel this is a DIY job. Saves you the extra $$ [8D]

Noodles · 07-23-2005, 01:23 PM

You have me thinking about his project. The plugs are only 30k miles old, but I do not want them to go to 100k recommendation. I may be picking your brain when it comes time next year to swap mine. I have to do wires they are at 113k now and really want to change them. So that will be next weekend's little project.

**ttaleric** · 07-23-2005, 04:10 PM

Yea. It was fun. Sort of. I will take some pics of problem spots. I seem to have lost my Digi cam.. Must be somewhere up at college... But once I get my Digi cam, i will take some pics of some problem spots and tell you how i took care of it. I might even Make my little own how-to for the ML430. Since it is slightly different from the ML320.

**ttaleric** · 07-24-2005, 09:37 PM

Here are when things got tricky...
Where the rubber neck that is flexible ends. I had to remove that to get "easier" access to the plugs. To remove there I had to apply some Silicone spray. Made it come off quick. And did the same to re-apply. Then as you see with the v8 you donâ€™t have much arm room to the right...

ccweems · 07-27-2005, 04:32 AM

I used a long bent plier type spark plug puller to remove the boots. Didnt' use it on the plugs. Couldn't imagine doing it without. Why would V8 be harder? Its just two more cylinder to the front where there is more room anyway. The back plugs on a 6 should have the same clearance problems as on an 8.

**ttaleric** · 07-27-2005, 05:28 AM

Not sure. I have never looked at a 320 vs a 430. So the sparks on a 320 wrap around the back too? There was one spark on each side that went around to the rear of the engine.

FRASML430 · 08-06-2005, 01:07 PM

Looking to attemp diy on the plugs. Looking at the picture what is the green stuff in the coolant reservoir? I thought benz had special anti corrosion coolant. The stuff from the stealer is clear, is there something from part suppliers in green color?
Great forum thanks to all the MB techs.

**ttaleric** · 08-06-2005, 01:47 PM

Not sure about the coolant.

Enjoy doing the spark plugs. It is not all that bad. Just make sure to have some band aids and some cold ones at your side. Since I have pretty big hands it was a tight fit! Also DO NOT DROP ANYTHING!!! I had this problem and spent a lot of time getting my torque screw out of my heat shield!

Have fun!