I'm new to the whole home mechanic thing so I'm here seeking wisdom from those wiser and more experienced than I. I recently had the van in for service and swapping from winters to summer tires and got a list of things that need work. Swapping plugs was one of those tasks. Included in the quote/list was changing the intake plenum gasket(s). Is that a necessary part of removing the upper intake manifold or is the garage trying to ding me? I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row and parts in hand before undertaking this project. Thanks in advance for your knowledge and wisdom

 

what engine?
it is on the 3.6L engine. haven't worked on a 3.3 or 4.0L. if you are doing this yourself...don't cheap out on the plugs...if it calls for iridium plugs get them.

 

I should have mentioned it has the 3.6L V6.

 

Unfortunately in order to change the spark plugs on the 3.6 L pentastar you practically have to take whole top of the engine apart to gain access to the spark plugs. The mechanic wasn't try to soak you he was telling the truth as far as changing the plenum gaskets as cheap as they are around 5 buck each it's not a big expense to change them. While the intake is off now would be good time to clean your throttle body too make sure you get good plugs OE plugs are laser iridium which were good 100.000 miles or 160,000 km. Can't go wrong with either Mopar plugs or NGK. This could be a challenge for any would be mechanic there's many things attached on a 3.6 L that will have to be taken off. Here a link to the Motor City Mechanic that will show a 3 part video on the complete job at hand to change the spark plugs on a 3.6 L mini van.

 

I've watched a few Youtube clips on doing the job, that being one of them.
Would it be fair to say "See a gasket, replace a gasket?"

 

For the sake of $30.00 I would change the plenum gaskets at the same time. While others say if they aren't worn down or cracked you don't need to replace them but you only change the plugs every 5 or 6 years based on mileage. It's very important that all the plugs are properly gap .043in or 1.1mm for proper engine operation.

 

Thanks for the information and the tips.

 

Another thing that often overlook is the PCV valve under the schedule maintenance 100,000 it said to inspect or replace if necessary. I chose to replace mine for the sake of properly functioning PCV.

 

Thanks for the advice! The spark plug swap went fairly smoothly. I had to get a bit creative with two of the intake bolts but I got it done. It may be a little confirmation bias but I think the van is running much better since the swap. Thanks again!