Changing spark plugs in a 2003 225 Weekender

I have a 2006 215 weekender and I can't see my plugs either and I have not changed them since I bought my boat 3 years ago it's time I'm going to have to just do it by field You could open a whole can of worms taken off your exhaust manifolds. You may find they need to be replaced or something else but it's probably a good thing
 
I'm just thinking if the exhaust manifolds are removed then I could do a better job without messing up a thread or breaking a plug. I will also replace the plug wires at the same time. I don't think the plugs have ever been changed and it has over 400 hours on it. It ran great last season but I don't want trouble in the heat of the summer. It's much less sweat to do it now!
 
Well at least you'll be able to check your exhaust manifolds and it will give you a lot of room it will be a lot easier but it's a little bit more work just get gas gets and everything you need , I think I can do mine with the plug socket and a wrench but I have not tried yet. I think they were changed a year before I bought the boat I've only had it a few years
 
Well that's good, I bought in salt water and use salt away every time so hopefully I get this year out of it if I'm healed up enough to get the boat out
 
I changed plugs in my 93 5.7 last year and had to buy a very thin wall plug socket. A standard 5/8 deep well spark plug socket was not thin enough to tighten new plugs without breaking a few before I realized the manifolds were making the socket cocked crooked on plugs and busted the porcalin on a couple of plugs. Got the thin wall socket on Amazon for around $12. I am able to lay on the deck on each side of my engine and see the plugs tucked up under the manifolds.
 
Just did wires, plugs and rotor/cap. This is on a 5.0 MPI in a SD. Wasn't fun, can't see shit and plumbing is in the way.

I was able to do the plugs without seeing them. Standard 5/8 socket worked find with an extension. Put them in the socket and you'll be able to thread them all the way in with the use of the ratchet. This way you know you're good to go and not cross threading them.

This was a 2003 and the cap to my lighting whirler had quite a bit of corrosion. She certainly runs smoother with new iridium plugs and wires. Just under 300 hours.
 
My boat has 634 hours and I have no reason to believe the plugs have ever been changed! I bought the boat with 159 hours on it. I did a rotor, distributor cap last year but did not want to do the plugs since it was still running good. Now I'm convinced the plugs and wires need changing. My engine has AC41-932 and nobody locally has them. What would be the direct interchange? After watching a few YouTubes I'm convinced that pulling the exhaust manifold is worth the problem and expense!!
 
Last Dollar... a good amount of time, when working on boats, you're doing things by feel only. It's totally doable without removing the manifolds - in my opinion it is a complete waste of time to pull the manifolds off.

Unless, of course, you want to check out the condition - but I would start by just removing the elbow for that endeavor.

Sometimes, yes, a thin wall socket helps. I simply used a grinder and made a regular one really think - especially the front inch or so.

A short piece of rubber hose that fits snug, but not tight, is an excellent tool to help get the plugs reinserted without cross threading.
 
Last Dollar said:
My boat has 634 hours and I have no reason to believe the plugs have ever been changed! I bought the boat with 159 hours on it. I did a rotor, distributor cap last year but did not want to do the plugs since it was still running good. Now I'm convinced the plugs and wires need changing. My engine has AC41-932 and nobody locally has them. What would be the direct interchange? After watching a few YouTubes I'm convinced that pulling the exhaust manifold is worth the problem and expense!!
Click to expand...
Those are the same plugs my 2003 called for. They are no longer available. I went with the Iridium plugs from NGK below. Do not mess with the GAP.

Here are the wires.

1 × Sierra 18-8828-1 Wiring Plug Set Replaces 84-863656A1 purchased from Wholesale Marine​

Here are the plugs.
NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs TR55IX # 7164 purchased off of Amazon.
 
Just completed the new spark plugs and wires on my 5.0 Mercruiser. Since my boat is a fresh water use only I had no problem removing the exhaust manifolds, risers and elbows. By removing in sections the weight is not as bad. The actual spark plug and wire installation was unbelievably easy and the re install of the manifold and exhaust parts was not bad. Torqued to specs and test run up showed no sign of problems. I used pilot bolts on each end of the manifold like I saw in one of the excellent YOUTUBES on this subject. This allows easy installation of the gasket and everything aligns properly. I would do this same procedure in this manner again if necessary. The only consideration in doing a plug change in this manner is the cost of gaskets for the riser and elbow. They are not cheap. At the age of 77 I don't bend and flex very well and being in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time is just out of the question. YouTube is a God send to anyone wanting to do things for themselves!!! Lots of good information for free.......rarely have I been disappointed.
 
Wow...good for you. I've never messed with exhaust manifolds on any piece of equipment i have ever owned. I never plan on trying it. Something about Cast Iron just scares the chit out of me.
 
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