Axe, as usual, a fantastic post. Just a question about the those Bosch 4's. There were issues with splitfires and pistonm pitting, are we seeing the same thing with these??? If not, i know what's going in mine real soon.

Thanks!

Isaiah

Hi, I'm just wondering why you should NOT disconnect any of the electrical connections TPS etc. when trying to get at the spark plugs? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Just to let anyone interested... I just got done the step by step post from Axe and let me just say that is was the easiest change out I have ever done! Thank you so much. The KIA started right up and purrrrred like a happy kitten <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />!! Thanks again.
dg in va

Like many I gave this a go at 130,000 km and found the original plugs in it. Got the Bosch Super 4's now and response is heaps better. Had to change that leaking rocker cover gasket too because #4 plug well was full of oil. Turns out it's a Mazda part number for an FE2 if anyone wants to track down a cheaper alternative to KIA OEM. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I'm glad someone finally posted the easiest way to do this. When I first bought my Sportage I was looking all over to try and find the spark plugs or even the plug wires but I couldn't see them anywhere. I bought new plugs when I was fixing a blown head gasket and finally found them when I took the valve cover off haha. What a crazy spot for plugs.

You can!!!! There is no reason why not--just take the neg cable off the batt. first! I tried the Bosch 4 and it did not work for me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Maybe it was just a bad set/but who knows. I decided to use the Autolite plats and they say to adust the gap, But they were already set. I also changed the 2 wires. Runs great! I just noticed that the coils(electric connectors looked kinda worn...but I will wait before I change these. This is an awesome post to use. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Very different than my 96 Civic engine for which I loved!!!!!Japan vs. S.Korea and fyi...I read that 1/3rd of the employees hired in the engeneer dept. were japs. Well at any rate they certainly know what they are doing and I guess that we're still learning <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Hi axeman
I have 2001 sportage ex also a problem that hopefully you've heard of before. cel on.
1.Gas smell when cold outside and inside pass. compartment.
2.New prob. just started last wk. Car starts ok seems to idle fine but when given gas hear a pop or backfire from engine. hesitates when trying to take off. went to autozone codes are 0128 and 0303. Have to get inspect sticker by 1/31/07. with this new hesitation problem, when riding down street, cel flashes about 1x per sec for 5 or 6 flashes then remains steady on. thanks

P0128 is Coolant Thermostat below temp
P0303 is Cylinder 3 misfire detected.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I will definitely keep this in mind. Some ripoff artists in Phoenix did an estimate bait-and-switch that doubled the price, and I ended up paying five hundred bucks to get my car back after they changed Two plugs. (I see it's more complicated than the average plug, but they could have at least done all four for that price ) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Jim

I can't seem to find the gasket. Is there any easy way to get it? is it easily available? Grr.. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Eddie.