Change spark plugs

i just replaced these this weekend and it was easier than i thought. i was reading a couple articles before i changed my spark plugs and they all sounded difficult. One said to remove the back firewall covers so you can have a little bit of more hand space. Others went to the extreme saying that you would have to lean the whole engine forward using a come-along tool. It was too much. the easiest and simplest way I believe in changing the spark plugs is by removing the alternator. I'm assuming you're running on a 3.1 L engine. So the alternator should be to your left towards the back of the engine. Grab a 3/8 ratchet and insert it in the square drive located on the tensioner pulley, pull up and quickly release the belt. Before you begin taking off the alternator make sure you DISCONNECT THE BATTERY! You dont want short circuiting that battery and having sparks flying everywhere and probably causing damage to something else. there is 3 bolts holding the alternater. 2 top ones are 10mm bolts. the bottom one is a 13 mm and is a lil trickier. so make sure you use a universal joint and 6inch extension bar to make it a lil easier. when thats off.. just set aside some hoses that might be on your way, and boom thats all the space you need to remove the spark plugs. Make sure you are usnig a 5/8 socket to remove the plugs. I also used a 3/8 flex head ratchet, universal joint, and an extension bar to make the job faster.

Do you need assistance for how to change the spark plugs? I see your vehicle is a 1994 Mazda MPV. If equipped with:

4 cylinder engine: plugs should be directly in the front or on top of Engine;(follow wires from coilpack/distributor to the plugs) remove one wire at a time, take plug out, gap new plug (see service manual, or ask representative at auto part store for gap size) usually is .42--.44 inch. (double check as each make and models vary. For each plug replaced, replace that wire, matching the old with the new by length. Do this for the next three. Remember to replace each wire for each plug one at a time so you get each wire on in the right place on the cap/coil and plug.

V6 Engine: It is the same way, except that the plugs may be : 3 on driver side, 3 on passenger side, or if front wheel drive, 3 in very front (between exhaust manifold) and 3 in back between exauhst manifold. It is also a good idea for carborated engines to replace the distributor cap and rotor. In this event, before beginning, right the firing order down or keep the manual close by for reference.

For fuel injected system with coilpack(s), they can be tested for goodness or poorness.

Thank you again for choosing fixya.com. I hope the information provided is useful and helps you successfully change your spark plugs and wires if so desired to do so. Let me know if there is anything else I may be of assistance to.