I swapped out my plugs this weekend and notice three of the six tubes had minor leaks. I need to order some replacements, but I have two questions:

a) Can I replace the tubes without removing the spark plugs (just being lazy since I just replaced them)

b) I didn't remove the exhaust to do the plug change. Will I need to remove it for the tubes or is there enough clearance?

Thanks,

Shawn

 

Most likely the leak is from bad O rings. New ones can be purchased from the dealer or you can pick up O rings of the same size at a hardware store.. There is a TSB issued for the O ring problem. Plugs must be removed for access of tubes.

 

Does the issuance of a TSB suggest the repair will be handled by the dealer at no charge?

Thanks for the heads up on the removal of plugs.

 

No.

 

When I replaced plugs at 90K, I found 3 tubes that had oil in them and all 3 had cracks in the tube causing the leaks.

 

There have been a few bad tubes, but the most common cause is the O rings.

 

You can pull the tubes without removing the spark plugs.

 

You can pull the spark plug tubes with or without the plugs installed, that is the least of your worrys though, as pulling the spark plug tubes is alot easier said then done most of the time. I use a device that goes into the tube and expands, then you twist and pull the tube out, by using this method the tubes break/crack about 50% of the time, IMO they should be replaced everytime regardless, its plastic!!. Another method is to use a screw driver or pry bar to try and lever them out, but the tight clearances in this area make this method a pain in the butt for most. Some will come right out and some will fight you. Be very carfull not to break the tubes to the extent that plastic debri falls into the cam housing, this could be very bad!! When the tubes are out, clean the surface on the cam cover very good, lube the new o-rings fitted on new tubes with oil our something of that nature to allow for proper installation. When installed properly they will sit flush into the cam cover. Good Luck

 

Yes you can, but it is a lot easier to have the plugs out so you can grab the inside of the tube farther down to pull out so you don't break them. It also allows you to clean the oil off the plugs.

 

Thanks for all the tips. So far the leaks are just at the surface and I don't see any oil on the plugs I just removed.

 

I replaced my tubes today. I took out the spark plugs and one did break and I cant account for 1/8 around piece of the plastic tube. I look for it but could not find it. What should I do. Should I be worried?
Thanks

 

Photos?

 

I was worried about breaking part of a tube and not being able to fish it out so I used a 1 1/16 tap if I remember correctly to grab the tubes from the inside. I'll check to make sure I have the size right if anyone is interested. In any event, exhaust on, spark plugs in, screwed tap in until whole tube spun. Grabbed end of tap with a pair of vise grips and using a long screw driver as a lever popped them right out super easy. Have photos too if anyone is interested. O rings bad on three tubes. Anything over 3500 rpm and it looked like I was fogging for mosquitos. Would be willing to share and or mail the tap with anyone who wants to use it to do likewise.

 

I would like to see some photos.

 

I'll load em up from my camera when I get to work in the morning.