Spark plug change

Use two jacks and lift the car. Take the under cover out. Take the rear wheels out. Take the fender covers and the gravel guards. With all this out you will gain accses to all the sparks locations.

Hope this helps!

 

you will want to hook up a sd2 and run a self learn program after you put new plugs in. this will allow the computer to determine the correct current for each plug. shutting off the master switch does not do this. It's not life threatening but will make sure that everyone is running properly.

 

I just did a set of plugs in my 360 and I went in from the top. You will need long arms for the front two plugs but is a easy job. I did not hook it up to SD2 after the job and all is good so far.

 

If you decide to change the sparks from up side make sure you cover well your fenders for any scratchs.
Every time I work with any electrical or related work I turn off that master switch. Just to safe.

 

The plugs are quite easy to R/R from the top. I just removed the side engine panels for a little extra clearance, but again, all very simple stuff. Definitely cover your fenders though with something appropriate as you will be leaning over the panel.

 

I'm sorry, but I just don't understand this comment. What current is the ECU trying to determine? Surely the spark plugs rely on voltage for correct operation and this is determined by the design of the coils and the spark timing parameters built into the ECU software. I still can't see why the SD2 device needs to be connected after a spark plug change.

More info and comments please.

 

I don't know who told you that but it is nonsense.

 

What the best plugs to use?

 

NGK!

 

The guy who is charging $500 for an SD2 hookup and 'self learn'!

 

Mine were done yesterday finally. No SD2 just a normal spark plug socket thing

A lot of people think Ferrari's are something alien. 99% of the time they are just a car.

 

So true. When I told people that I do my own mantainance they ask me if I went to Italy to study, LOL! I told them that I study it at a local college!

 

What is the proper gap on the plugs? I look but didn't see it posted and would like to change my plugs out. Thanks fellas ;-)

 

Bump

 

I have commented previously on this supposedly required SD2 check after changing plugs and I still do not understand why this is necessary. Plugs are fired by voltage which is produced by the coils. These coils are fixed items (turns ratio etc) so why does the SD2 have to be involved when nothing has changed, apart from the plugs of course???

Puzzled

 

Well, common sense is a beautiful thing. You're just replacing a part with a new one, not changing any parameters or ratios that need to be calibrated. I'd just like to know the gap on the plugs if anyone can help. I know they come pre gapped but I'm anal and want to make sure they're perfectly gapped prior to install ;-)

 

SD2 definitely not required. If there were such a "learn" process it would be contained within the ECU not a diagnostic tool. That being said, I don't think that there is any learn process for spark plugs

 

Sorry guys but at least for the F430, in the WSM it's clearly stated that :
"Assembly
• Apply a minimal amount of the prescribed type of lubricant to the threaded part.
• Screw the spark plug in until it meets the gasket on the supporting seat.
• Use a torque wrench to lock the spark plug to the prescribed torque.
• Refit the coil ( C 3.03).

IMPORTANT
Once the spark plugs have been replaced, the self-learned parameters must be deleted from the ECU memory."

So it must be true...even if I agree with what was written here...

 

The self-learned proces can be done by turnning the master switch off for a period of time then turn it on, switch the key to run position and wait until the euc check all the parameters before turn the car on.
I believe that the sd2 or sd3 is necessary to more complicate procedures like when you change the throttles bodies to correct the positioning sensor in the right position or bleeding the clutch, F1 pump or even the brakes when all the fluid have been removed from the canister.
Agree with others when it is no necessary the sd2 when the plugs have been changed.

 

Sorry David for the late reply.
The gap should be 0.6 -/- 0.7mm