Plugs and Wires

Discussion in 'Gearhead Garage' started by Octane91, Mar 1, 2010.

  1. Octane91 <smartass comment>

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    Octane91, Mar 1, 2010
    #1

  2. Dustin nomnomnom

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    Take off plug wires
    Unscrew plug
    Screw new plug in
    Put on new wires

    Just don't forget the order they go in
    Dustin, Mar 1, 2010
    #2

  3. Octane91 <smartass comment>

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    Proprietary socket I need to use? or just a normal deep socket?
    Octane91, Mar 1, 2010
    #3

  4. -=Lurker=- Everyday I'm Shufflin'

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    Take off one wire at a time. Remove the associated plug. *remember lefty loosey, righty tighty* or CCW off, CW on.

    Start the new plug in by hand if possible, if not use just the extention and socket and turn it in by hand at first. It should have little resistance. If it binds up right away, back ALL THE WAY OUT and try again. That usually indicates cross-threading. I forget what car you have but it probably has aluminum heads if its fairly new... Aluminum is softer than steel. Be careful.

    Turn the plug till it's finger tight (NOT HAND OR ARM TIGHT.... FINGER TIGHT).

    Ideally you would use an inch pound torque wrench to do the final torquing (tightening) usinfg the spec from the service manual for your year/make/model vehicle. Otherwise, slowly tighten it till it binds up, then snug it up by turning 1/5 to 1/4 turn. Most plugs have a copper washer and that washer needs to compress to seal combustion gasses from leaking out of the cylinder. Once you get the feel, it becomes easier. You need to "crush" that washer just a bit but not too much otherwise the plug stops screwing in and keeps spinning, becoming in-effect a drill bit.

    Match up the wire you took off with the equal length new wire and install making sure it snaps on both ends...

    repeat.
    -=Lurker=-, Mar 1, 2010
    #4

  5. tweakmonkey Webmaster

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    cliff notes:

    use 5/8 spark plug socket (includes bushing so plug gets stuck in socket)

    may need to gap them

    don't overtorque
    (this is the leading cause of failure in motorsports I hear, for every component)

    mind the firing order
    tweakmonkey, Mar 1, 2010
    #5

  6. -=Lurker=- Everyday I'm Shufflin'

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    If you drive anyting from the past 2 decades, don't worry about gapping the plugs. They come pre gapped from the manufacturer as per OEM specs. Never gap a platinum plug.
    -=Lurker=-, Mar 1, 2010
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  7. sims walls of text

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    If you’re going to start working on your car yourself, invest in a shop manual, it will take you step by step threw how to do this kinda stuff and offer the proper torque settings aswell.

    Its very simple but take your time the first time and as said do them one at a time. I run copper plugs that I do have to gap and change every 5K and I can change them in 20 mins including removing my stupid intercooler I have to take off each time.

    I alway suggest OEM wires.
    sims, Mar 3, 2010
    #7