Changing Plugs turned into a fiasco

**Fatman2006** · 02-08-2018

I was going to change spark plugs and the problem child cylinder (#9), was being a pain in the ass to get the plug wire off. After 13 min of drunkenly tugging, I had failed at removing the spark plug boot so I resorted to angrily yanking. At the 18 min mark, I succeeded at ripping the spark plug boot aprart which made me pretty upset, even though I knew it was about to happen.

Anyway, new spark plug wires and spark plugs in hand, I removed the intake manifold and got everything together with not too many more angry outburst.

From this, I have 2 questions.

1: For many reasons that involve anger, I didn't put the cylinder #9 intake bolt (the PITA one )back in. I plan on taking it to a professional... *Eddie* because I don't want to cross thread it. In the meantime, will not putting that bolt in, cause me any real problems? So far no CEL.

2: Is anyone else running Bosch 9656 spark plugs, or any other Double Iridium plugs? If no, why not?

**SilverACR** · 02-08-2018

The bolt missing until you get it fixed may be OK but remember that if it leaks you could run a cylinder lean which could result in a serious issue. Just get it fixed ASAP and avoid any real miles on the car. I know I would be biting my nails the whole time, but then I come from a world that says they don’t engineer cars with “spare” parts and even the simplest pieces are critical.

**Fatman2006** · 02-08-2018

I agree, I had that same thought as I contemplated not putting it back in 'Dodge put it there for a reason'. I'll get it sorted out as soon as possible. Until then, lean is mean, maybe that's why the car feels so strong lol.

**SilverACR** · 02-09-2018

Lean is mean! Unfortunately that only works when all are lean and not 1 out of 10! The poor stepchild not getting fed will die

I think you are in the right mind set and will correct it ASAP

**PaulP** · 02-09-2018

Use the the torx part of the bolt to install it and a magnet to drop it into place from the centre of the intake opening , I use spark plug wire pliers or pullers no issues

**Fatman2006** · 02-09-2018

I'll definitely invest in wire pullers for next time.

I did the exact method you described, magnet to get it in the hole, and a #30 torx on an extended 1/4 drive. I was able to get all the other bolts in most of the way, using just my hand, I couldn't do the same with PITA bolt, so I didn't even try using the rachet.

**Slithr** · 02-09-2018

I thought most guys were removing the plastic cowling to make the rear plug more accessible? Never tried it personally, but thought I heard of it over the years.

**PaulP** · 02-13-2018

If you want to reach it by hand, spend 10 mins and take off the wiper cowl then you can access it easily.
You can pm me and I can text you pics if you would like.