40hp Mercury - access to spark plugs

[pdryan0225]

I had one of those - "what the heck moments" this weekend.

I have a 2006/2007 Mercury 40hp 4-Stroke. This is the first year I winterized it myself.

How in the world do you get the sparkplugs out. It seems that the motor was built AROUND the plugs. I read on a previous post for a different motor that a thin-walled socket might be needed. Could that be the case here? Do I need a special tool.

Is there an easier way?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Pat
Brookfield, WI

[Hot Runr Guy]

I had a similar 60 4S, and found that removing the screws that hold the "coil plate" was the easiest way to get access to the plugs.
HRG

[Jimmy Jig]

I watched my dealer change them this fall. They removed the shroud on the plug side to do it. Only took them a couple of minutes to remove it with a 10mm socket. They can be done with out doing that but its not easy. Mine had about 300 hrs on it and them still looked good but the gap was wider than it should be..... I never would do it to winterize the motor however......

[yarcraft91]

I did plugs in my 2006 50 horse EFI. The coil plate over the plugs is held in place by steel bolts in aluminum threaded holes- not the best of combinations. Put a bit of NeverSeez on the bolt threads so the bolts will always come out easily in the future.

[PJM]

Try an 18mm deep socket