How do you change the spark plugs for 2000 Montero Sport? It seems that there is not enought space to work. Is there a special tool and procedure to doit? please help.

 

On some mitsu engines (3.5DOHC v6 for example) you need to remove the intake manifold to access one of the spark plugs. That's why you MUST USE the longest lasting plugs possible since you don't want to do that every 30K miles.

 

You need to get a new intake plenum gasket from your local parts store. Also, you should only use NGK Laser Iridium plugs. The will cost $12-$15, they will last for 100k miles. It takes about 1/2 hour to remove the plenum, so the entire sparkplug change job will take about 2 hours. When you are in there you might as well change the spark plug wires too. You won't see many wires that can go 10 years and 200k miles.

 

It is NOT neccesary to remove the upper intake manifold on the 94-96 3.5L DOHC V6 Montero's as mentioned. There is a way which will save lots of time and effort. All 3.0L & 3.5 SOHC 24V require intake removal while the 3.0L SOHC 12v does not. All Montero Sports require intake removal.

Joel, CA

 

In addition to reading the DIY section here I scanned this schematic for assistance. Even though its for the intake manifold it provides an illustration of some of the parts to remove for changing the plugs. Maybe it will help the next person down the road get an overall view of the plenum, etc. I'm gathering info myself to tackle this job so any additional tips are appreciated. Mine's a '97 Montero Sport LS 4wd, btw.