# Astro spark plugs **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [December 11, 2008, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289 "2008-12-11T21:41:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![astro\_pilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9d8465/32.png) [@astro\_pilot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/astro_pilot)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/1 "2008-12-11T21:41:45Z")
Gentlemen and women: How do change the spark plugs on a 1999 Astro van? Before I attempt it, I need a hint. Any help would be appreciated…! ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/2 "2008-12-11T21:50:25Z")
You need a spark plug socket in the correct size, a reversible ratchet, and some extensions. Turn counter-clockwise to remove the old plugs. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads on the new plugs and install them. A torque wrench is handy for correct tightening of the plugs, but not absolutely necessary. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN. I like to put a bit of dielectric compound on the inside of the spark plug boots before pushing them down over the plugs. If you’re asking “How do I reach the spark plugs,” I have no idea. ---
**Author:** ![clammppit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@clammppit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/clammppit)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 10:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/3 "2008-12-11T22:49:27Z")
Also check that the electrode gap is correct on the new plugs.Owner’s manual is helpful for specifiactions regarding your specific plugs. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/4 "2008-12-11T22:50:12Z")
If it’s anything like the Ford Aerostar van, you gain access to the sparkplugs from under the hood, thru the wheel wells, and if it has one, thru that little doghouse cover inside the interior. Tester ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/5 "2008-12-11T23:18:56Z")
Here are several answers from several people who tackled this challenging job: [http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=422182](http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=422182) ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/6 "2008-12-11T23:27:56Z")
Probably a sticker on the core support(or close by)with plug gap ---
**Author:** ![astro\_pilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9d8465/32.png) [@astro\_pilot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/astro_pilot)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/7 "2008-12-12T01:20:30Z")
Ok, wise guys…Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear…by what method do I get to the spark plugs, through the wheel wells, under the hood, or through the interior of the van by removing the engine cover. What is the easiest way? I know there is no easy way but humor me…! ! ! ! ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/8 "2008-12-12T01:53:11Z")
Do you see that url? Go to that link and find out. There’s nobody kidding you. You can’t stand in one spot near the engine and change the spark plugs. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 2:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/9 "2008-12-12T02:08:11Z")
[http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=422182](http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=422182) I made it easy for you. Tester ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/10 "2008-12-12T03:46:35Z")
I think you will get the front ones through the wheel wells and the rest by taking the engine cover off. I have had these covers off many times (we had one campaign just to re-position the coil wire)you either had a long skinny arm or took the engine cover off. Do you have leather seats? For me and espically with leather seats (they are fuller) I always removed the passenger seat,you have to do some wrestling to get the engine cover fully off and it was possible to damage the seat,at my Dealer you damage anything you pay the first $200.00,I took the seat out. Its a little difficult to get to the top screws that hold the engine cover to the car body (a really long strong screwdriver works good) Like I said you dont have to take the seat out to get the cover out of the way,but it sure is easier. ---
**Author:** ![astro\_pilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9d8465/32.png) [@astro\_pilot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/astro_pilot)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/astro-spark-plugs/23289/11 "2008-12-12T04:38:15Z")
Ok, now I get it…maybe I’ll have someone younger than me do the work, hopefully it’s done right !