I have a 2001 Ram 1500 5.9 with almost 200,000 miles on it. I baby this truck, I have had it for five years and I am the second owner. Lately, it has been having some issues which I believe to be an engine misfire. I had an issue back in December with the CEL for a cylinder 1 misfire but it seemed to resolve itself.. Now I notice a slight shaking/hesitation at around 45 mph when I drive, like the truck isn't getting enough power and it bogs down. Here is the catch.. the spark plugs have never been replaced. I was able to get one changed, but between the heat shields not budging and the spark plugs being glued into place, they aren't coming out. Don't feed me the 'they come right out' or 'just twist and pull the heat shields' when I say nothing is budging, i mean nothing is budging. I have spoke to other mechanics and they have all told me they could attempt it, but most likely the spark plugs could snap and it would get very expensive very fast. So here I am, what do i do? Do I attempt this huge project myself? Do i take it to a shop and let them handle it and pay the price tag? Do i look for a new truck all together? Nothing is wrong with this truck besides this issue.. it is super cleaned, well maintained.. is it worth taking to a shop and what am i looking to spend to change the spark plugs the hard way??

 

I would first suggest going out and pricing a new truck and go from there. After all your truck just is just broken in.

 

Chemicals are your friend. If you have access to compressed air, (and I mean an air compressor, not the cans folks use to blow out their computers.....) Pull all the plug wires, and blow as much of the crap out of there as you can. Then, apply PB blaster LIBERALLY both inside, and outside, the spark plug heat shields. If you can stand doing it while the engine is warm, (not hot, that could be far too exciting.......) it would help. Let it soak for 20 minutes or so, then hit 'em again. Soak again, put it back together, drive it for a day or two, and repeat. Think I would do that several times over the course of a week, and THEN try and remove the plugs. (also, pulling the plugs when the engine is pretty warm makes them easier to take out as well.) Be generous with the chems.

It's tedious, but, it works. (and its a hell of a lot cheaper than paying someone to pull the heads to take out broken spark plugs.)

 

Stock plugs at 200k!?!?!?!?!?!

Holy Misfire batman!!!

Good news is, the heads are iron. Have at 'em with all the fun stuff. And yes, paying a shop $100 or so to replace plugs is definitely worth it compared to $50,000 new truck with soft aluminum heads and/or blocks.

 

heyyous' idea is best. Be prepared for some smoke from the engine after praying the plugs with penetrating oil.
Also, take the plug boots off and use a small screwdriver to scrape around the spark plugs down inside heat sheilds at the head. This will break up any dirt / crud that builds up (thanks to the crappy heat shields). Then use compressed air to blow the loose junk out. It will help the penetrating oil work into the spark plug threads more easily and will prevent debris from falling into the cylinder when/if the plugs are removed.

 

I vote for fixing that truck, unless you want to sell it to me

 

damn, i bet champion would love to hear from you. maybe get you a free set of plugs out of the deal.

something else that might help some is to work the plugs back and forth between loosening and tightening action with your ratchet..... carefully of course.

 

That's a really good idea. Think I might be tempted to yank the asd relay, and fuel pump relay, and crank the engine with all the plugs out too.....