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Topic: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for? (Read 509 times) previous topic - next topic
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planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
We are planning to remove the doghouse this weekend to access the engine for changing the spark plugs with new ones toked to proper value.  While we are in there what are some suggestions of things to check and possibly replace in a usual maintenance schedule with the doghouse out?  This is a 1998 MB V10 engine stock with 83k on it now.  We got the LD in April with 76k on it from a short term third owner, but it was well maintained and from California.  I installed the ultra gauge and have been monitoring the engine's operation, it runs great and no indication of any problems.  There are good records but nothing on spark plug changes so since I have some down time with the LD now, it would be a good time to do some preventative maintenance.  I would appreciate any suggestions on what to look for in general although due to the general condition of it I do not expect to be surprised by what we will find, might even find fairly new plugs but I want to replace and re-tork to the proper value for a knowable base line.  Thanks for your help and advice...

   ~Liam
98 - 26.5 MB (still nameless)

1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #1 –
Best tip is to remove the passenger and driver's seats, to provide maneuvering room. They are secured with a large Torx head bolts. 
Removed the entire air cleaner and air-mass sensor assembly.
The front two plugs are removed from the front, the other eight from the rear.
Zip tie the various wires and hoses out of the way.
A 7MM, swivel-head-1/4" drive socket is useful for removing the coil bolts.
After removing the coils, the plugs are in a deep hole, fill with dust and debris.
Blow each access hole out with compressed air, until there is nothing more blowing out- This very important for keeping dirt out of the cylinders.
It's good idea to replace the rubber boots and contact springs.
Torque the plugs, in the old-style heads, to 28-FT/LB, at the recommendation of BlownSparkPlug's owner and website.
FAQs
If the threads strip, at 28-FT/LB, they were already badly damaged.
Spark plug change photos and information
V10 Spark plug change | Flickr

While you have the doghouse open, it's a good time to change the heater hoses.
Check the radiator hoses while you are at it. I often find 15 years old hoses.

For those with older LDs, there is an emergency spark plug repair kit that can temporarily get you back on the road, in case a plug blows out. 
Blown spark plug repair kit | Flickr
I have installed one and it wasn't very difficult to install and it worked. Often, when a spark plug blows out, the coil is destroyed by the violent bouncing. It isn't a bad idea to carry a spare coil. Coils do fail in all V10s.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #2 –
Larry,  Our '99  will hit 120,000. I'll bet you a  steak dinner that the previous owner hasn't done any of the afforementioned. Are we biding time? She runs great. (Ignorance is bliss). Do you take on work? I've noticed that you are very experienced and work on more than your own RV! Todd

Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Todd  - 
Larry,  Our '99  will hit 120,000. I'll bet you a  steak dinner that the previous owner hasn't done any of the afforementioned. Are we biding time? She runs great. (Ignorance is bliss). Do you take on work? I've noticed that you are very experienced and work on more than your own RV! Todd
Have no desire to change my own plugs, much less the plugs of others. I retired from that many years ago.
As for the hoses, there are sections of hose that cannot be inspected, especially the engine's oil cooler hose's (part of the oil filter assembly).
Ignorance may be bliss...until something blows out. 17 year old hoses are low on 'bliss'.
Years ago, we changed our belts and hoses every 4-5 years, now no one seems to ever changed them.
My personal bliss comes with knowing everything has been properly prepped before hitting the road. YMMV

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #4 –
The plugs (2003) were changed at 88k by the Blown Out Spark Plug guys in Santa Ynez, CA.

Blownoutsparkplug.com Ford Spark Plug Thread Repair

The total job cost (OEM parts and labor) was $400.00; check their website for current information and prices.

All the hoses were changed at the Ford truck center a few months ago at about 90-92k; the exteriors and interiors of all were in pretty good shape, but, IMO, timely maintenance is never wasted, and a blown out hose(s) on the road is another one of those "really screw up one's day" deals!. Changing out all the hoses is a time-consuming/"labor intensive" (i.e., $$$) job; labor costs vary, so I can't estimate the cost of this job in another location or service place.

It's not to say that "stuff" doesn't happen even with the best-maintained/prepped vehicle; it does. But, IMO, lack of awareness of necessary maintenance services and/or deferring doing them or not doing them at all are pretty much guarantees that there will be some expensive "surprises" at very inconvenient times.

But, as ever, YMMV.  ;D

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #5 –
Thanks to Larry and Joan for all the good info and to Liam for asking the question. I dare say most RV owners are in the dark on this stuff. Most of us know about tires, oil changes, and other basics like flushing coolant, trans fluid etc. I'm 400 miles into a 5,000 mile trip, feeling lucky. I do plan to tackle all this stuff in the spring.
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #6 –
Thanks Larry and Todd for your Great input.  We will start this weekend to pull the seats then doghouse and what ever we need to disassemble to inspect and replace.  I would rather do it here under control at my place then on the road somewhere else by supprise.  Later after we will flush the coolent system and flush and change the transmission fluid.

    ~Liam
98 - 26.5 MB
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #7 –
And Thank You Joan for your input on Blown Out Sparkplug, it's good to know that there are Good places to go to have what you might think as a disaster, be routine repair for them!

   ~Liam
98 - 26.5 MB
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #8 –
So we pulled the dog house and changed out the 10 spark plugs.  It looks like they had been done, maybe 30 to 40k miles ago, they were Motorcraft and were in good shape.  We almost decided to let it be, but since we wanted to start from our own baseline we decided to go ahead and changed out the plugs and torqued the new ones to the right specifications at 28 FT/LB.  Well it was a good idea because we found two plugs that were just hand tight in there, so we may have dodged a future problem.  The total time was about 6 1/2 to 7hrs done over two days to avoid frustration which can set in after 4 to 5 hrs the way things were going on and yes a little blood was spilled, so working with bandaids and rubber gloves made work a little harder.  Probably next time I will look and go for that deal which Joan suggested from Blownoutspark.com and leave the bleeding to them!

    ~Liam
98 - 26.5 MB


1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #9 –
Good on ya Liam. I relate to your desire to do it yourself and set a baseline. Satisfying. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: planning to remove the doghouse for SparkPlug chgange- what should we look for?
Reply #10 –
Liam

You found the same situation as in our 2003 LD. The rear two plugs were finger tight, the cause of the ticking noise that was present only at a cold startup.
At 80,000, the plugs looked great, not much wear. I notice no change in performance after changing them, other than the elimination of the ticking.  Changing them early did preventive the eventual blowing of the two rear plugs.
I don't mind working on the rig at home but absolutely dislike on the road repairs.

Fresh plugs, and the 28-FT/LB torque, should eliminate the blowing out problem.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze