Spark plug change on a L322

[andygod]

Having owned and serviced V8's for years I thought it would be a simple job to change the plugs on my L322 4.4 range Rover. How wrong could I have been, I can't even find the spark plugs. Has anybody done this type of work themselves who could talk me through things?

Thanks in advance
Andygod

[Boddle]

Hopefully the attached should help.

[andygod]

Thanks very much for the info, at the risk of sounding daft are the spark plugs located under each ignition coil or do I have 8 ignition coils in place of the spark plugs.

Andy

[tack43]

You've got 8 ignition coils. You should only need to change them if they have failed and them only the one thats failed!

Rich

[andygod]

You've got 8 ignition coils. You should only need to change them if they have failed and them only the one thats failed!

Rich

I still don't understand, do I have 8 spark plugs under the ignition coils or are the 8 ignition coils in place of the spark plugs. If I have 8 spark plugs I'll change them as part of the service, if I just have 8 ignition coils I'll leave well alone.

Andy

[tack43]

NO SPARK PLUGS and no coil (as such) just 8 coils!

Rich

[andygod]

NO SPARK PLUGS and no coil (as such) just 8 coils!

Rich

Ok I think I understand now, 8 ignition coils in place of the one coil and 8 spark plugs. I think I'll leave well alone whilst its all working ok.

Thanks Rich

Andygod

[GMCD]

NO SPARK PLUGS and no coil (as such) just 8 coils!

Rich

Ok I think I understand now, 8 ignition coils in place of the one coil and 8 spark plugs. I think I'll leave well alone whilst its all working ok.

Thanks Rich

Andygod

I am fairly sure that you will find that you have a spark plug under each ignition coil. 

8 Spark Plugs & 8 ignition coils. 

Only thing you won't have is spark plug leads as its Coil-on-Plug Ignition   

[andygod]

Now I'm really confused, does anybody know for sure or is it a case of removing an ignition coil and poking around to see if I can find a spark plug.

Andygod

[tack43]

Andy

Take a closer look at the PDF Boddle supplied. Nowhere does it mention spark plugs, but it does mention "Remove the 8 separate ignition coils".  ;)

Rich

[hairyasswelder]

Get the lad/mrs etc.  to ring landrover and order 8 spark plugs, they will either start laughing or quote you a silly price   :twisted: :twisted:

Better than the old sky hooks  :dance: :dance:

[GMCD]

Now I'm really confused, does anybody know for sure or is it a case of removing an ignition coil and poking around to see if I can find a spark plug.

Andygod

Well you can buy plugs for a L322 & something must ignite the fuel!

http://www.britishparts.co.uk/.sc/ms/dd/Range%20Rover%20L322--Service%20Parts/3487/SERVICE%20KIT


I think you'll find that the coil packs on each cylinder will be held in place with a bolt or 2.  Once unbolted & the electrical connector disconnected they will just pull off the spark plug like an ignition lead would.  The plugs beneath the coil.  Thats how a lot of modern engines are anyway.

Take one of the coils off & you'll soonfind out.   

Coil-On-Plug Ignition, its kind of got a hint in the title.

[Rossko]

I think you'll find that the coil packs on each cylinder will be held in place with a bolt or 2.  Once unbolted & the electrical connector disconnected they will just pull off the spark plug like an ignition lead would.  The plugs beneath the coil.  Thats how a lot of modern engines are anyway.

Thats exactly how the BMW 4.4 is too.  The coils are under a removable plastic 'cam cover' held on by two screws under square plastic lids (if not already missing)

cheers, Ross K

[andygod]

Landrover just transplanted the BMW 4.4 engine into the Range Rover so they should be exactly the same setup.

Andygod

[hairyasswelder]

Landrover just transplanted the BMW 4.4 engine into the Range Rover so they should be exactly the same setup.

Andygod

If that is the case AUTODATA states NGK BKR6 EK x8  ;) (BMW X5 4.4)

My Autodata does not have newer rangies and it is 2004  :-.

[andygod]

Found this

Vehicle Info:
2001 BMW X5 4.4i V8

Tools/Materials needed:
Spark Plug Socket
6” or longer extension
8 Spark Plugs (for V8 4.4i)
Anti-seize compound
Flat Head Screwdriver
Set of sockets

Step 1: Remove the center engine cover by unscrewing 4 hex bolts using an allen wrench. Once they’re loose, lift the cover up.

Step 2: Remove the 2 side covers (says BMW) that hides the coil heads by removing the screws using a socket. There are 2 on each side. The 2 that are farther has a cover. Gently pry it using a flathead screwdriver or any prying tools and remove the screws inside.

Step 3: Once all the 3 covers are removed. You should see all the coil heads exposed as shown below.

You will need to remove the connector on each head by unlocking the silver clip. To do so, you will need to hold on both sides of the clip and pull it out towards the directions of the arrow below.

Step 4: Each coil heads has 2 hex nut on each side that holds them. Unscrew them using a socket. I have the 4.4i X5 V8 so it has 8 coils with 2 hex nuts on each so i have 16 total.

IMPORTANT: Facing the engine on the right, the 3rd coil has 2 ring terminal connected with the hex nut, and on the left side of the engine, the 2nd coil has them, so make sure you put them back once you're ready to tigthen the nuts back.

Step 5: Once all the screws and all the connectors have been removed gently pull the coils out to expose the spark plug inside the hole.

Step 6: Using a spark plug socket and a 6” inch extension, Place it down into the hole where the coil came out of. Twist it until you can press it down on the spark plug. You will hear a pop/click. You can now loosen the spark plug.

Step 7: Get the new plugs (i purchased BOSCH PLATINUM) and apply an Anti-seize compound around the threaded area to avoid seize and corrosion.

Step 8: Place the new spark plug inside the socket and place it down the hole. Firmly press the coil back onto the plug, and then re-attach the connector. Lock it by pushing the silver clip and screw all the nuts back to tighten them. Do the same steps for the rest of the spark plugs and coils.

IMPORTANT: Virtually every fastener or threaded connection on our BMW X5 has a torque spec assigned to it including spark plugs. Please refer to any legitimate source for specs.

Step 9: Finally, reinstall everything using in reverse order. Start engine and make sure it works.