I have a rotary compression tester and found a car which looks very promising. The owner will let me do a compression test as he is physically not in a condition to take the car any distance. In the possible scenario that I will not be able to jack the car to gain access from the front wheel well, is removing the spark plugs from above an impossible task? According to Mazda they just state that gaining access from the bottom makes it easier. So anyone with some experience to provide insight? Is it a problem of accessibility? In other words difficult to reach physically in terms of length/distance/angle? or is it also a problem of space? In other words a socket wrench to be placed but there is limited space to rotate for torque? Assuming plugs are not overtight or rust corroded on the threads. I'm thinking it's more a problem of reach given how far down the plugs are, but maybe by managing from the handle end of the socket wrench one could fit by feel. I still need to get the eccentric sensor but think I can reach without requiring a jack. I've searched but haven't found pertinent threads, at least so far so I apologize if i should have searched differently. Thanks.

 

I change/check my spark plugs from the top every time. It's less work. I have no problem doing it with just a Ratchet. I reach down holding the handle of the ratchet with socket attached put it on the plug crack it loose. Remove ratchet and socket and turn rest of the way with fingers.

 

I don't see how this is even possible with the ABS module , master cylinder and other components in the way.
Maybe my arms are too damn buff.

 

I'm not a small guy either. I do move the brake booster vac hose. But that's it. Also I have no ac unit down there but that's not really in the way. Even the abs module really is a bit forward of where I reach down to the plugs while standing at the drivers side fender.

 

There is too much stuff in the way to make it worth the trouble.

Take a set of RhinoRamps and turn the wheel toward the passenger-side a little bit once on the ramps. You'll have enough space to access the spark plugs and perform a compression test. I've tested several cars this way with no issue.

 

But how do you get the spark plug wires off? Seems like you'd need more leverage. I mean clearly you get it done, I'm just curious about the details.

 

I dunno I reach down and do a twist and pull. Maybe I'm the super buff guy haha. I have been working with my hands all my life and was heavy into BMX biking up until maybe 2 years ago. I can change my plugs and wires from the top in probably 10 mins from the sec I pop the hood. No jack no tire removal and only a socket and ratchet. Good skill to have in a jam people.

 

I find it way easier to go through the wheel well. With a 10” extension and a swivel joint it’s super easy.

 

I just changed my plugs, coils, wires, etc. and was pleasantly surprised to see the little access area behind the wheel, covered with a rubber “curtain” to make it super easy to access the plugs. My forearms are the size of most people’s legs, and I had no problem reaching in there.

 

Doing it from above isnt impossible, but it's much easier to do it through the wheel well. On the ground you can just turn the wheels all the way to the right and access from behind the wheel.

 

10000$ says I can change my plugs from above, faster then someone doing it through the side. Both starting with the car on the ground and sitting in the drivers seat.

 

Faster dont mean squat. I'd rather do it without straining myself or without risk of damaging plugs. Jacking up the car and removing the wheel only takes a couple minutes. Plus you have more space to work and a much easier time with the spark plug wire reattachment.

 

I don't strain and I never have a problem with the wires or damaging plugs. I find it extremely easy from the top.

 

Perhaps you can share some more details on how it's actually done. I tried different ways to get my hands down there but simply found too many things in the way, particularly hoses and what not. Some had some flex, others not. I'm also fairly short and so are my arms proportionately although I think it was marginal to the problem. I was thinking that different years and specs have some things located differently leading to the problem. I did end up getting to the plugs from the bottom.

 

I'd love to see a video. Do you hump over the fenders to "dive down" into it?

 

Perhaps Red Line Envy drives on the wrong side of the road and doesn't have all the brake components in the way?

Definitely pics or it didn't happen

 

It's not a right hand drive lol. I can try and get the wife to shoot a vid of me taking the plugs out. Or would a pic be sufficient enough hahaha.

 

Someone is trying to swing his weight around XD

I would challenge you to that if my jack is at the front of the car and I had my half inch electric impact.

On a real note you can jack up the car from the front subframe and remove a wheel very quickly. I recommend this as it is easier and with your compression tester you don't have to worry about making a 90 degree bend with the wires (Degrades any wires when they are bent sharply).

 

Ok I'm gonna shoot a video of this next chance I get. Then if you want to you can challenge it. I'm quite curious now myself.

 

All I'm holding out of the way is the vac hose for the brakes.


Is that enough. Or you still want a vid? There's plenty of room there or I'm missing a major part lol

 

Cleaned my plugs with Red Line's technique tonight and I've been able to do all 4 from above. Got a few scratches but overall quick and doesn't require anything else than a ratchet + plug socket.

Cheers!

 

Easier than jacking the car up and taking the tire off right?

 

I can jack the car up and have the wheel off in 2 minutes and easy to put back on. I dont see the issue really doing it the normal way.

 

Oh yes, easier and faster!

 

Define normal. Lol there is no normal with these cars.
Also I'd have the plugs out in that 2 mins.