I set out to replace these today, harking back to the days spent tinkering with my Morris Marina.

What a pig! I got the nearside four done, but only after eating a packet of biscuits and shouting at the children. Clearly the car should be a foot wider so that the task can be made more enjoyable. Anyway, eventually got them done and all the blood cleaned off the manifolds.

Getting the one at the back is like some sort of Harry Potter challenge.

Anyway, for anyone who is interested, the key is to have a comprehensive selection of socket extension bars to allow just the right clearance for each plug. A wobbly joint extension would be usefull as well. I only managed because I had a quick release on my ratchet for the numerous changes whilst loosening and tightening. I also abandoned trying to disconnect the coil leads as they were impossible to unclip.

I hope the above is useful guidance, but could someone please reassure me that the offside plugs are much easier before I embark on episode two?

Try it with LPG fitted then!

Both sides are hard, I had to jerryrig some string on the socket to retrieve it every time. Good thing is, they are supposed to last for a while  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Thanks!

This is no comfort!

Life's a bitch and then there are four more to go  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Anyway, did you put a knee joint or knuckle joint in the string ?

The bulkhead one is the most difficult one, I used language I hope my kids never have to hear me shout again (luckily they were not anywhere near me when I was doing this job). MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

I tore my knuckles whilst kneeling on the airbox and top manifold.

I mabaged without string doing the UK passenger side. Which side is most difficult.

If I remember correctly the UK passenger side, the one closest to the firewall especially. MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

I had a garage change mine, only charged me 1.5 hours labour (about £90 ish) and I didn't have to endure this nightmare.

I also went for non-standard plugs, and so far it's working out quite well. My old ones had been in for 90k and were starting to get burnt due to some of the mods I'd made. 
07 Supercharged - Still breaking her in!

Boot soundproofing part 1 - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15612.html
Custom exhaust - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15296.html
18" wheels for Brembo equipped cars - http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic15052.html

Second time was done by our mechanics  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Now that would spoil all the fun.

1. No excitement from taking the car to bits.

2. No need to call the Snap On man

3. No release from commuting and sitting in an office all day

But most importantly, no chance for a good moan and to learn something new.

Next time, if the car lasts that long, I will be able to get it done much quicker!!

Our mechanic did it on his own (wasn't necessary at all as he didn't know I had done it already less than 10,000 km ago), I was on leave (so asked him to do oil and filter as that was the only thing that needed done at the time).

Anyway, my car should be fine for another 30,000 kms. MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Well, all 8 have been replaced now and the car started! Now running very smoothly. The plugs clearly were ready for a change after 50k as the different is noticeable. On inspection, the old ones were in reasonable shape with some minor heat damage.

As advised, the offside bank were easier and replaced in 30 minutes. The near side bank took a couple of hours, including time for swearing, cooling off etc. At the same time the oil was draining, filter replaced and the K&N air filter drying in the AGA. Next time will be quicker and I will be better prepared for the challenge.

The key lessons for planning this task are:

1. Prepare for a bit of a struggle with the 2 plugs nearest the bulkhead on the near side bank. You will need to unclip some of the surrounding pipes and wires from their mountings so that you can move them out of the way to allow space to remove the coil. Removing the wiring connector from the coils for the most difficult cylinders will help but is very tricky in itself, especially with cold hands.

2. Make sure you have a good selection of socket extensions and a flexijoint to enable access.

I used LR plugs (single iridium electrode) from Duckworths and checked all the gaps which were spot on and so did not need adjusting.

Well worth the drama and fun and perfectly practicable without the help of a garage.

Thanks you to those above for advice/counsel.

Glad to hear you are on the move again. The good thing is, you enjoy the ride even more  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!