Replace Spark Plugs Do you really have to remove the intake manifold to replace plugs?

intake manifolds do require a gasket , but you shouldnt need to remove intake to change spark plugs...what kind of car is this ?

If it is a 6 cylinder engine you will probably need to remove the intake manifold to replace the rear valve cover gasket. If that's the case the intake manifold also has two hidden screws in the rear against the firewall as well as an EGR exhaust line that must be removed before the intake manifold will come off. I highly recommend you buy a haynes repair manual for your make/model and a flexible mirror-on-a-stick to use for dis-assembly. The spark plugs can be removed after the valve covers are removed (if the valve cover is leaking you will likely have oil pooled around the plugs anyway).

check out your procedure for this as it should not be necessary to remove any manifolds to replace plugs. Ask the service centre as to what tool you should have for the job or get a workshop or owner manual which will explain the way to remove the plugs.

you do need to remove the upper intake plenum to replace the rear plugs. haven't found a easy way or special tool for the job.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6523412_replace-spark-plugs-1995-maxima.html
There are the steps to replace the plugs. You shouldn't need to remove the manifold.
Thanks,
Lee

on a V-6 Escape isn't a really difficult job but it can be quite time consuming. If you're used to replacing spark plugs on a simpler engine you might be surprised to learn that you have to remove the upper intake manifold. It's not really as bad as it sounds. This is the order I do it in and not necessarily how you'll want to do it. You will need 6 spark plugs(I recommend Motorcraft) and 6 upper intake manifold gaskets.
Remove the plastic enigne appearance cover over the top of the engine. It has 3 8mm nuts that attach it to the valve cover studs. The Escape I worked on in these pictures had been worked on by another shop and apparently they forgot to reinstall the cover so I don't have a picture of it.
Loosen the hose clamps that hold the intake tube to the throttle body and air filter housing. Pull the breather hose out of the intake tube and remove the tube.

Remove the throttle cable from the bracket by twisting the cable housing and then remove the cable from the throttle lever on the throttle body. Remove the cruise control cable from the stud on the throttle lever by pulling it up. Don't try prying it off or it will break. Squeeze the tabs that hold the cruise control cable housing into the bracket and remove the cable from the bracket.

Remove the cable bracket from the upper intake manifold and tie the cables out of the way, probably to the cruise control servo.

Disconnect the TP (Throttle Position) sensor and IAC (Idle Air Control) connectors. Unclip the vent hose from the bracket under the throttle body.

Remove the vacuum hose and vapor hose from the Vapor Management Valve. The vapor hose has 2 tabs that you carefully pry apart to remove it.

Remove the vacuum hose from the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve and the 2 hoses from the EGR solenoid as well as the connector on the solenoid. The connector has a tab you squeeze to release it.

Remove the EGR tube from the valve. It takes a 1 1/8" wrench.

Remove the vacuum hoses from the back of the intake manifold.

Unclip the electrical connectors from the manifold. You don't have to disconnect the connectors.

Remove the nut that holds the wiring bracket to the EGR solenoid and position the wiring out of the way.

Tie the wiring and hoses out of the way.

Remove the 8 bolts that hold the upper intake manifold to the lower manifolds.

Stuff clean rags in the intake ports so nothing accidently falls into them.

Unplug the connectors off the COPs (Coil On Plug). Each cylinder has it's own coil.

Remove the bolts and COPs.

It's a good idea to clean the rubber boot part of each COP. I like to clean them with WD40.

Blow out the spark plug wells with compressed air and remove the spark plugs.

Gap the new spark plugs with a gapping tool to .052-.056".

Install the new spark plugs. Some people like to use a small amount of anti-seize on the threads. Others put them in dry.
A good way to thread the new spark plugs into their holes is with a piece of rubber fuel line hose over the spark plug insulator. That way you can feel the threads starting and you'll be able to tell if they aren't screwing in easily. If they won't screw in using your fingers and a piece of hose, stop and see why not. Crossthreading spark plugs is no fun. Torque the spark plugs to 11 ft.lbs.
Replace the intake manifold gaskets. They pop out with a small screwdriver or pick. Push the new ones into place.

Reinstall the manifold carefully. You need to set it pretty much straight down onto the lower manifolds to make sure that you don't damage the gaskets. Torque the manifold bolts to 89 in.lbs....not ft.lbs.
Reassemble the rest in the opposite order that you took it apart. Try working the throttle a few times to make sure it returns properly etc. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises such as vacuum leaks. Once you're all done you can congratulate yourself on a job well done and think about all the money you just saved :)
please remember to rate me 4 thumbs

It's hard but possible to do that without removing intake manifold , if you don't have experience and right tools , probably removing the intake is easiest way.
If you want to try hard way , you need to clear some room for your hands by taking vacuum lines out, that go to throttle body and throttle cable with bracket (two 10mm heads bolt) , on the other side of manifold take out pcv hose (just pull it out from intake manifold and turn it out of your way.don't worry about clamp , it will come out and go back the same way when you push it in)
The worst part of this job without removing intake manifold is disconnecting harness plugs from coils and braking loose spark plugs.(Practice first on front harness connectors.)
Good luck.

THE SPARK PLUS ARE LOCATED UNDER THE VALVE COVERS, ON TOP OF THE VALVE COVERS THERE IS A SMALL PLATE COVER WITH 8 LITTLE BOLTS THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED WHICH WILL THEN SHOW YOUR COILS, UNPLUG COILS PULL COIL OUT AND SPARK PLUG WILL BE LOCATED UNDER THE COILS.
The left side is easy, just pop off the left side engine cover...remove the coils and the plugs are right there. The right side is a whole other matter completely, you need to remove the intake manifold to be to access them. It is a relatively simple job if you are even slightly mechanically inclined. Ensure you replace the upper intake manifold gaskets when you remove the intake manifold.

Need to remove upper intake manifold to reach valve cover close to firewall. 1) The location of spark plugs 456 are under the plastic shield in front of the engine. It takes an 8mm socket to remove the three bolts holding the shield once the shield is removed you will see a coil for each spark plug. Use the 8mm socket and remove the coil and rubber boots. You will now see the spark plug (note there are not any spark plug wires). 2) The location of spark plugs 123 are located to the rear of the eng. You have to remove the air intake manifold in order to get to the spark plus. Remove the throttle wire then remove the other items on top of the intake manifold. 3) Loosen all the bolts holding the manfold. 8mm socket-- I think three in front and three in the middle. Remove the EGR valve mounts so you can slide the manifold out. Disconnet all vacuum lines from manifold and the air filter inlet closet to manifold. Just take a general look and ensure you have all wiring and tubing disconnected then slide the manifold off the eng and EGR valve. NOW MAKE SURE you cover all intake holes (leading into the engine) with paper towels to prevent droping screws etc into the engine. Then follow step 1 above