Spark plugs play an integral part in making sure a vehicle runs efficiently, sparking off combustion to turn its crankshaft and drive forward motion. Replacing worn out plugs when they become necessary helps maintain peak engine performance and efficiency.
Learn to change spark plugs quickly with this straightforward DIY task! It only requires the appropriate tools and know-how. Get your spark plugs replaced now!
Tools
If your car is misfiring, burning oil, or using too much gas than usual, its spark plugs may need changing. Replacing spark plugs is one of the few tasks which most novice car owners can manage themselves and here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
An spark plug gap gauge is designed to assist in setting new spark plugs correctly. This tool looks similar to a small metal ring but actually has two sides: one to align plug center with electrodes and another measuring gap between them; this tool will tell you whether your gaps are too wide or narrow, which could cause engine performance issues.
Spark Plug Wire Pliers or Pullers can also come in handy when it comes to untwisting spark plug wires without damaging them and more easily grasp each wire’s boot to stop its retaining clips from popping off and freeing it from its socket.
An anti-seize lubricant can also prove useful, preventing plug threads from permanently bonding to both the cylinder head and spark plug socket. Just be sure to use dielectric grease rather than regular automotive grease as this could disrupt electrical connections and torque settings; follow manufacturer recommendations when applying an anti-seize product for best results.
Preparation
Spark plugs create the arc of electricity that ignites air/fuel mixtures to drive your crankshaft, propelling wheels along their route. As such, it is crucial that they remain clean and correctly gapped if they’re to function effectively – this DIY project can save both money and headaches in the long run! Changing spark plugs is a relatively easy undertaking that could save money, time, and stress down the line!
Start by locating your spark plugs, and ensure a flat work surface free from debris (like your garage floor or driveway) where they can be safely set aside for working on them. Vacuum or blow out this area regularly so dirt and grime don’t enter the plug pocket while working, vacuum or blow a bit too! Additionally, consult your owner’s manual as you may also require taking steps such as taking off engine covers to complete this step.
Utilizing a screwdriver, carefully unscrew each spark plug from its socket in an anticlockwise direction using only minimal force. Doing this may damage either the threads in its socket or engine head threads and necessitate costly repairs to repair these damages.
Once removed from its socket, examine each spark plug for signs of excessive carbon buildup, oil or unburnt fuel that could indicate larger engine issues. A feeler gauge is useful for checking spark plug gaps; most modern spark plugs come pre-gapped for your convenience but it is wise to double-check and adjust them as necessary. Finally, carefully reassemble new spark plugs into their respective sockets by hand if it feels difficult starting them; otherwise look up the torque specifications for your vehicle and tighten them with wrench.
Removal
If your vehicle is experiencing intermittent misfires or your check engine light has illuminated, replacing its spark plugs could be in order. Replacing them not only eases starting your car more efficiently but can prevent costly engine damage caused by worn-out plugs.
As soon as you gain access, unhook any interference items preventing access to the spark plugs – this includes spark plug wires, ignition coils and COP designed coils – such as spark plug wires, ignition coils and COP designed coils. Once you gain access, loosen and remove old spark plugs using a ratchet; be careful not to overtighten as this may crack them; always ratchet in a controlled manner as jerking can cause spark plugs to fall into engines causing engines to break.
As soon as you remove the spark plug from the engine, inspect it closely for signs of wear or corrosion. Depending on its condition, a new spark plug may need to be installed and gapped according to vehicle manufacturer specifications.
Install a new spark plug by applying anti-seize lubricant to its threads and carefully screwing it in, this prevents it from coming loose when replacing it again in the future and helps prevent reactions between dissimilar metals. Also make sure that it connects back up with its original wire as spark plugs must fire in their proper order; switching any wires could result in permanent engine damage.
Installation
Use a socket wrench with extension and ratchet to loosen and pull out the first spark plug, carefully inspecting for signs of corrosion before checking whether or not its gap matches that of your vehicle (consult your owner’s manual for assistance). A mismatch between spark plug gap sizes could result in engine damage that you won’t be able to notice until it is too late.
Once the spark plug has been taken out, reinstall the ignition coil. Depending on the vehicle model and style, you may need to press down or twist a locking tab on its connector in order to unlock it using a screwdriver. Connect your spark plug wire and install your ignition coil; if your ignition coil features plastic boots with plastic boot covers apply some dielectric grease before connecting your wire for maximum electrical safety.
Repeat this procedure on all the spark plugs, being sure to label each wire before taking them out with masking tape containing a marker pen. Doing so will prevent connecting an incorrect spark plug wire to an incorrect cylinder in the engine – spark plugs fire in specific order, crossing wires can result in severe engine damage – once all spark plugs have been replaced connect ignition coil/wiring connector/wiring connector tighten any bolts removed earlier tighten any remaining bolts, tighten any loose screws as necessary and replace spark plug cover as soon as possible – then connect ignition coil/wiring connector/wiring connector/ wiring connector/connector/connector and tighten/replace spark plug cover/cover if necessary
