[angel of the road]

This may sound dumb but here goes what would i need to change sparkplugs in my car ,and should i get someone to show me how or is there a book on how to do it ,im not being a jerk,i dont know how and would like to learn ,how to do things to my car myself. KAT

[Siggy_Freud]

Its fairly simple depending on what sort of car you are working on. For future reference you should let us know what sort of car/engine you are working on as it will allow the people here to give you better advice. I would recommend buying a maintenence book on your car as it will go over tune-ups and the like. For spark plugs generally a ratchet and socket (maybe some extensions) is all that is needed. There are special sockets made for sparkplugs that are deeper and have a rubber/foam holder in them to keep the spark plug in the socket after you take it out.

Once you have the right directions best way to learn is to dive in. Spark plugs are cheap if you break them (though its a pain sometimes when you do so be careful). I'd say the best thing to watch out for is when your putting them back in . . make sure the area around the sparkplug hole is clean as you dont want to get grime and stuff inside your cylinders.

Good luck bud.

Dylan Long.

[Silver_Camaro]

Replace one plug at a time and you should be alright.. Don't pull all of the wires at once... Just pull one plug wire, take that plug out, replace it with a new one, and push the wire back on until u feel a small snap.. Then move on to the next one. This way you won't get your wires mixed up.

P.S. Start with the one that looks the hardest (most pain in the butt to get too) and work your way back to the easiest. After replaceing sparkplugs MANY times I'd have to say that is the best advice...

[Echofive]

When re-inserting the new spark plug first thread it in by hand, you dont want to stip it with the rachet, just turn it in a few times to get a good catch on the threads..


Kyle

[jimfulco]

Magnetic spark plug socket:

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/383574/

[angel of the road]

Thanks to all . Kat

[k2mooch]

Like Siggy_Frued said about the spark plug sockets. If you are using the kind with the little rubber or foam insert, you can look down in the socket and see it. If you poke a screwdriver through the small square (ratchet end), you will push out the rubber insert.

Sometimes when you are tightening the plugs with this type of socket, the rubber doesn't want to let go of your plug and it will stick to it. When you go to pull your ratchet off the plug, it will pull your ratchet extension off the socket and have to try to pull it off.

The best thing I found to do is use the rubber insert to help PULL the old plugs out when you loosen them. Then when you go to put the new ones in, screw them by hand a little first. Then push out that rubber insert so the socket will slide easily off the plug when it's nice and tight.

MoocH

[camaroman7d]

Nobody mentioned you need to check and set the gap on the new spark plugs. This is an easy thing to do you will need a gap tool or feeler gauges. The spark plug gap checker is very cheap, you can usually find them at or near the counter in a auto supply store for $.99-2.00. They are a little larger in diameter than a quarter. Just ask and they will point you to it. I am sure they can show you how to gap the plugs right there n the store (Very Simple).

[paperairplane]

Again, do them 1 at a time. Don't overtighten them. Take your time. Other than sometimes being hard to get to, plugs are very easy to change.

Don't force anything and be careful when pulling the boot off.

[trees]

Since you have never done this, then more very basic stuff. Don't try to change plugs on a hot or even warm engine. You can get some nasty burns!! Another, don't just grab that plug wire and pull. You can end up with the wire in your hand and the boot still on the plug. If you don't have a simple plug wire pulling tool, always grasp the boot and not the wire. It may not come off easily, so twist it to break it loose from the porcelain before pulling. Clean around the plug before trying to remove it. compressed air is nice to blow away the loose stuff. Its nice not to let anything enter the combustion chamber during this operation. If your car has a side ways motor and is a V configuration, the rear (right side of motor) are very difficult to get to and some will have to be removed from under neath the car (also applies on some conventional V type motors). Sounds like you may be a woman, so your small hands will be a plus in this operation!!

Good luck.

Trees

[angel of the road]

You all have been so kind and helpfull thank you.im going to try it on sat . Kat

[engineczar]

another little thing. If the plugs are going into aluminum heads put a dab of anti-seize on the spark plug threads. If not the steel threads of the plugs and the threads in the aluminum head(s) might seize up making them impossible to remove without damage.

[k-star]

Another little trick is,,,,If the plugs are at a tight spot to get them started you can slip a piece of 3/8 fuel line over the end to use as a tool to help you get the plug started in the threads. After the plug is started simply pull the hose off and tighten with your socket.
keith

[k2mooch]

Originally posted by k-star
Another little trick is,,,,If the plugs are at a tight spot to get them started you can slip a piece of 3/8 fuel line over the end to use as a tool to help you get the plug started in the threads. After the plug is started simply pull the hose off and tighten with your socket.
keith

D@mn I've gone as far as a total engine transplant and I'm STILL learning the basics. Good tip Keith.


MoocH

[Silver_Camaro]

Cheater bars are always nice when removing the spark plugs... No bloody knuckles from the exaust manifolds afterwards and only requires a light knudge to break em loose.. Just never use a cheater to tighten the plugs.. Dunno how many idiots I've seen strip out the threads this way... Only tighten them as tight as you can get them with the rachet alone.