Spark plugs are not overly expensive, and it's a good idea to replace them at regular intervals for trouble free motoring and a proper spark. It's basically a metal ring you can use to see if the electrodes are close enough to fire properly. Feeler gauges are even more precise and give a wider range of applications. The same goes for parts: aways buy quality and or genuine parts, it is worth a few dollars more for peace of mind and reliability.
Check the existing plugs for wear. It is normal for the spark plug to appear somewhat dirty even if the plug is working properly, but you will need to change your spark plugs if you see any white, limey build up around the electrodes of the plugs, or if you see any evidence of burning or parts of the electrode missing. Heavy, sooty build-up also suggests that you need to change your plugs. Part 2. Get the correct replacement plugs.
You can either consult your owner's manual or the booklet at the auto parts store that corresponds to your particular make and model and year of manufacture. There are literally hundreds of different combinations of spark plugs and measurements, ranging in price from less than two dollars to 15 dollars, made of platinum, yttrium and iridium, etc.
Plugs made of precious metals such as iridium and platinum are typically more expensive than lesser metals like copper and the coatings resist wear much better.
If you are unsure, talk to your auto parts dealer for advice or refer to you local car dealer's spare parts department for original equipment plugs. Never downgrade to a less expensive plug and don't think too hard about fixing something that works already. The manufacturer installed those plugs for a very good reason, so simplify the process and get the same ones when possible, provided they were the correct ones fitted!
Check your manual or with your local dealer. You can typically buy fixed gap or adjustable gap spark plugs, so it's up to you if you want to check your plugs regularly and make minute adjustments.
If you do, get adjustable plugs. Above all, you need to make sure the gap measurement is the correct measurement for your car. If you check it yourself, you'll know for sure. Remove it from the package and do a quick check to verify the measurement.
Consider cleaning around the threads before reinserting the new spark plugs. When you're changing your plugs, it's also a good opportunity to check the wires for wear and to clean up around the wire terminal. Use a wire brush or compressed air to clean up around the wire connections and make sure you've got a good, clean port. Replace the wires if necessary. Insert the new plugs and tighten with your ratchet.
Using the spark-plug socket, remove each plug from the engine, and replace each with a new spark plug. Never over-tighten the plugs as you can easily strip the thread on the head of the engine, and repairs are costly and time consuming. Remember to replace the spark-plug cables on the same plugs they originally came from, and to remove the masking tape once done. If you prefer, you can find the torque specification for the plugs in your vehicle's service manual not owner's manual and use a ratchet with a torque setting.
Lubricate the plugs prior to installing them. Try putting a very small amount of anti-seize lubricant on the plug threads if you are installing them in an aluminum engine.
The anti-seize prevents a reaction between dissimilar metals. You can also use a small amount of dielectric silicone compound on the inside of the spark plug wire boot to make the plugs easier to remove in the future. Always turn the plug backwards on the thread until you have located the hole correctly so as not to cross-thread your new plug to avoid damaging the head and plugs.
Make sure you put the spark plug wire boot back on the spark plug. You may have to push on it a little harder to get it to "snap" on. If you don't put it on correctly, you could cause the engine to misfire which will make the ride feel very shaky and rough.
Hovig Manouchekian. The most common culprit to engine misfire is lack of spark. The spark plug is the apparatus that delivers that necessary spark to the engine. Usually, an engine will misfire due to lack of maintenance or the age of the spark plug. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. There is a tool you can use to clean spark plugs.
It basically cleans the electrode of the spark plugs or the tip of the spark plugs by sandblasting it. Think of it as a pouch that has sand in it. You attach this tool to an air hose and insert the spark plug into that tool to effectively sandblast and clean it. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Newer cars seem to have plugs that are difficult to reach, so look for all plugs to see where to reach.
Consider replacing hidden plugs first before replacing easier plugs. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. To ensure that the plugs are not over- or under-tightened, use a torque wrench and tighten them to your vehicle's specs. This information can be found in shop manuals or by calling the service department of your local dealership.
Use a spark plug socket with internal gasket or magnet instead of a conventional socket to help you to not drop a spark plug when removing or inserting them.
Make sure when replacing spark plugs that nothing falls into the hole the spark plug is threaded into. Use compressed air to blow away dirt and debris right before you remove an old plug. It's rare that you need to adjust gaps straight out of the box but it pays to check. This way you avoid having to check the same plug twice because of a simple oversight. Twist and pull only on the boot insulator portion and not the wire cable itself, lest it separate immediately, necessitating the purchase of a whole new set of ignition wires.
There are optional tools made just for this step. Whether or not you service your own car, invest in a set of the dealer's shop manuals from the car maker or at a vehicle swap meet, eBay or at a market.
These are much more in-depth than the repair guides you find in the auto parts store and are worth the money. If the engine has run without some plug firing, fuel collects there, flooding the plug. An engine might run almost a full minute to burn the collected fuel under that plug, and run smoothly again.
Just remember: a "lot of fuel burns a lot of air" more than just a few cycles of air. Triple-check spark plug model numbers. Contrary to obvious naming, plugs are often numbered with dull numbers, e. If you don't have a spark plug socket, you can loosen the plug with a conventional socket and use the boot to grab onto it and pull the plug out. Start the new plugs by putting them in the boot and starting them by hand, then tighten with the socket. Keep children clear of the work area and wear eye protection at all times.
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Allow plenty of time for the engine to cool down before replacing your spark plugs. They can be quite hot and the engine compartment may cause a burn. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2. Related wikiHows How to.
How to. Expert Interview. More References 3. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: September 24, Categories: Engine Parts. The spark plug is just to the left of the valve cover. Always shut the engine off and let it cool before you access the spark plug. To pop off the protective boot, grasp it and twist it back and forth gently as if you were pulling a cork from a bottle.
Do not pull on the wire instead of the boot, or you may damage it. You will use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. World traveler, professional writer and consummate gardener, Spengler earned a BA from U. She currently divides her life between San Francisco and southwestern France. By Teo Spengler. Related Articles. Spark Plugs The job of a spark plug in a vehicle motor is to deliver an electric spark to the engine's combustion chamber to light the fuel mixture.
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