how long it would take to replace dis cap, s plugs, cables

neworleans · Post by **neworleans** » 12 Aug 2012, 23:01

hello all,

this coming weekend i am planning to replace the spark plugs, spark plug cables, distributor cap and the rotor. I won't have much time to work on the car so according to your suggestions, i may just change the spark plugs. I will be traveling between Houston and New Orleans every other week back and forth for 3 months, really would like to change them all but never done this before, so how long do you guys think it will take to replace them all?? I think I need to take out the air box which seems like the hardest think in this project. Please advise....

Thanks in advance...

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Aug 2012, 23:08

Air box is super easy. Disconnect the sensor, shove it towards the engine, pull up.

You should be done with everything in under an hour.

Post by **erikv11** » 13 Aug 2012, 00:02

Agreed, about an hour start to finish, assuming you have all the tools you need right there.
- T-30 torx for the spark plug cover
- 8 mm socket for the cap, or a screwdriver

- 3 mm hex for the rotor
- spark plug socket that works (doesn't let the plugs drop out), and a long extension
- anti-seize compound is nice for the spark plug threads

Can you sneak in a little prep work this week?
- pre-attach the wires to the cap, in the right order! This will be time consuming otherwise, and you want to make sure it is correct. Use the existing cap and wires as a guide, get your replacement all set up.
- gap the plugs if you are putting in some kind of single electrode plug (i.e., Bosch coppers). If Volvo plugs, no need to of course.

Post by **j_cd** » 13 Aug 2012, 10:19

I'm notoriously slow, but I'm gonna say closer to 2 hours, even with the prep work. Let us know.

Post by **cn90** » 13 Aug 2012, 10:32

1+ to erik post,

My 2 cents:
- Remove the Old Distributor Cap with the 5 sp plug cables still attached (i.e., do not disconnect the cables where they connect to the cap) and use it as a guide to install new Cap + cables to avoid mixup.
- I use Bosch 7955 sp plugs ($1.95/each at Autozone)
- No need to remove Air Box, simply use a 1/4 ratchet + 8-mm deep socket to remove the Cap.
- To rotor is held by three (3) bolts, Hex key is 3mm type.

DIY is here:
Spark plug change tutorial volvo 850 s70 v70 xc70 c70

I posted Bosch 7955 info here:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=24762

Post by **rspi** » 13 Aug 2012, 10:46

One hour if you work it straight through. Use anit-seize, don't remove the air box, if you don't have a 3mm hex I think the stardard size is #7, leave the wires on the cap, do it all together.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 13 Aug 2012, 12:42

You could probably keep the airbox in place, but there's three screws holding the distributor and (of course) one is on the very bottom. With the airbox in place, it may be difficult to get to it - especially if you're working on the R which will also have the intercooler hoses smack-dab in the way...

Post by **thecheat** » 13 Aug 2012, 12:49

Best bet in my opinion is to remove the airbox... it's almost no work and gives plenty of access for a first-time job.

Post by **rspi** » 13 Aug 2012, 13:13

Airbox removal is less than 5 minutes so that should be no big deal.

Post by **thecheat** » 13 Aug 2012, 14:22

Worst part would be the T-25 (20??) torx screws holding the boost valve in the turbo cars.