Need Spark plug changing help
Question:
I’m not a mechanic but have changed my plugs, changed oil/filter and a few other things for years. Here’s what i’ve learned from reading/watching/listening. 1. Plugs rarely come with the correct gap so make sure you check that first. You can get a spark plug guage at most auto stores for cheap. Try to get one with a bender so you can adjust the gap if necessary. Practice on some old plugs – you’ll be a whiz in no time. 2. When you remove each plug, vacuum out the hole. Sometimes a fair bit of dirt gathers there, moslty on the ones facing the front of the car ( if you have a side mounted six). 3. I seat my plugs using a ratchet until they just seat and then torque them to 10 ft lb. I’ve been doing this for year with no adverse effect. I then back it off with the torque and do it again. 4. If you want to be sure the plug wire goes back on the same plug (if you are changing them one at a time this won’t apply) – use one of those plastic tabs you find on a loaf of bread and put it on the wire. mark it #1, #2….etc. Now you enjoy doing this yourself and save a few bucks in the meantime. Another little tip on changing your oil filter is make sure you run a light layer of oil on the seal before installing. Just dip you finger in the new oil a bit and rub on the filter. It’s supposed to seal better that way. Hope this helps……Keith P 5.
Response:
If you plan to work on your car often, you should consider getting a shop manual (from dealer, Haynes). They have torque specification that you should apply to spark plugs, oil pan bolt, etc… For spark plugs, you should apply a little of anti-seize compound on the threads. That will make your job the next time around easier. You should also check for spark plugs’ gaps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have recently taken up the hobby of doing my own car repairs and was so > happy last month when I saved 15 dollars by changing the oil and Filter for > the first time on my 1996 Mazda that the milk from my Frosted Flakes > breakfast squirt out my nose! (Well maybe not quite that happy). Now I am > eager to perform the next scheduled maintenance on my automobile: The > dreaded SPARK PLUG CHANGE > I just purchased a set of 4 NGK spark plugs for my Mazda that has 24k on the > odometer and have many questions about this delicate operation: > First, I visited www.NGKSparkplugs.Com and they specified different torque > levels depending on if it was cast iron or aluminum heads. I don’t know > what type of heads my engine has. Will I be safe turning it 1/8 of a turn > after contact? > Second, Should I change the wires also? The owners manual does not > recommend this until 60k miles, but recommends changing spark plugs at 24k. > Third, what precautions should I take to avoid breaking a spark plug or > crossing the wires? > Fourth, Are there any special tools I need that will make the process a bit > smoother? > Fifth, Is this operation so esoteric that it best be left to a professional > mechanic? > I want to hear any and all comments Thanks! > Tom
Response:
>Are there any special tools I need that will make the process a bit >smoother?
A spark plug socket, a ratchet and possibly an extension. >what precautions should I take to avoid breaking a spark plug
steady pressure while removing ( don’t "jerk" on them ) and make the the socket is all the way on ( and has that little bushing in the socket ) >or >crossing the wires?
change each plug individually. take one out and replace it then do the next. >Should I change the wires also?
If the wires are good your just wasting money . you can check them with an ohmmeter. You should be able to get the specs from a service manual ( chilton’s , Haynes , etc ). CURRENT: 1972 24ft. Continental Travel Trailer 1979 23.5ft. Shasta Travel Trailer 1985 Chevrolet S-10 1986 Toyota 4runner 1986 GMC Suburban 1993 Honda Civic PREVIOUS: 1980 CJ 7 1982 Mercury Zepher 1982 Chevy Camaro 1985 Toyota p/u
Response:
I have recently taken up the hobby of doing my own car repairs and was so happy last month when I saved 15 dollars by changing the oil and Filter for the first time on my 1996 Mazda that the milk from my Frosted Flakes breakfast squirt out my nose! (Well maybe not quite that happy). Now I am eager to perform the next scheduled maintenance on my automobile: The dreaded SPARK PLUG CHANGE I just purchased a set of 4 NGK spark plugs for my Mazda that has 24k on the odometer and have many questions about this delicate operation: First, I visited www.NGKSparkplugs.Com and they specified different torque levels depending on if it was cast iron or aluminum heads. I don’t know what type of heads my engine has. Will I be safe turning it 1/8 of a turn after contact? Second, Should I change the wires also? The owners manual does not recommend this until 60k miles, but recommends changing spark plugs at 24k. Third, what precautions should I take to avoid breaking a spark plug or crossing the wires? Fourth, Are there any special tools I need that will make the process a bit smoother? Fifth, Is this operation so esoteric that it best be left to a professional mechanic? I want to hear any and all comments Thanks! Tom
Response:
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