[SanMan]

I am changing the spark plugs on my 99 ML430 with 100 K miles on it. It went alright until I got to the last plug, the one near to the firewall on driver side. The boot doesnt come off. It was dark by then ( I started in the evening). I 17mm open wrench to pop the metal boot. So any tips to tack that one will be appreciated.

Also found that one of the retainers for the coilpack harness is broken. It was like that when I tried to seperate that. Do I have to change the harness or tie it with a wire tie.

Your help is highly appreciated. thanks

 

[DETANE]

I am changing the spark plugs on my 99 ML430 with 100 K miles on it. It went alright until I got to the last plug, the one near to the firewall on driver side. The boot doesnt come off. It was dark by then ( I started in the evening). I 17mm open wrench to pop the metal boot. So any tips to tack that one will be appreciated.

Also found that one of the retainers for the coilpack harness is broken. It was like that when I tried to seperate that. Do I have to change the harness or tie it with a wire tie.

Your help is highly appreciated. thanks

I just changed my plugs on my ML430 about 2 weeks ago. Those fucken rear plug boots whee a bitch to remove. I busted a knuckle trying to take them off. The best thing i found to do was to try and pull them out from a side angle rather than in un upward one.
Once i did that they came right off. i removed the coil paks off first before i even removed the plug boots and plugs soo they wouldnt break.

 

[SanMan]

Update

Thanks Detane.

The job is done this morning. WD40 did the trick.

On the driver side if you use a 1.5 inch extension on top of 3 inch, you can take out the plugs with out your hand hitting the heat shield.

Mechanix gloves save your skin.
BTW I change the filter to K&N. In park when I rev it up the truck kinda chokes at near redline. But on the road so far I havent noticed any roughness. Will have to run it more to see if there is a problem.

 

[busoptr]

I am changing the spark plugs on my 99 ML430 with 100 K miles on it. It went alright until I got to the last plug, the one near to the firewall on driver side. The boot doesnt come off. It was dark by then ( I started in the evening). I 17mm open wrench to pop the metal boot. So any tips to tack that one will be appreciated.

Also found that one of the retainers for the coilpack harness is broken. It was like that when I tried to seperate that. Do I have to change the harness or tie it with a wire tie.

Your help is highly appreciated. thanks

You can access the last plugs by going under your ml and using the 17mmm open wrench from there!!!

 

[joss5139]

can anyone provide me with some pics to change my plugs

 

[Bogie]

DO a search... there is a really nice step-by-step guide here. I don't remember where, but I remember that it wasn't hard to find. It took me an hour to change 13 plugs and then another hour to get the last 3. Start on the passenger side. There is more room, it will be easier and you will gain experience before getting to the difficult to reach ones on the driver's side near the firewall.

 

[pcy]

... In park when I rev it up the truck kinda chokes at near redline. But on the road so far I havent noticed any roughness. Will have to run it more to see if there is a problem.

You shouldn't rev the engine without load, especially to the red line. It's mentioned somewhere in the Owner's manual.

No arguments; please take this advice for what it's worth.