How to Replace Spark Plugs
If your car suffers from cold starts, or if you can’t seem to start up your car, you may need a major engine tune-up. Replacing worn or damaged spark plugs is an important part of a full engine tune-up, and you don’t have to pay big bucks for a professional tune-up job. Here’s how you can replace your spark plugs easily, quickly, and without the hassle.
Tools
Like any engine tune-up task, you need to have the right tools for the job. Buy new tools if necessary; as sturdy as your engine may be, it is a precision machine that requires the right instruments if you’re going to tinker with it. Here are the tools you need:
Spark plug sockets
Ratchet wrench
12-inch socket extension
Replacement spark plugs (if you’ll use performance aftermarket spark plugs, make sure that you’re using spark plugs that are compatible with your engine)
Steps
Do-it-yourself car repair jobs are easy to do, but they are also easy to mess up. All spark plugs in all engines should be replaced and repaired in a set order of tasks. Follow these steps in order to repair and replace worn spark plugs:
spark plug
Pop open the hood and locate the spark plug assembly. The spark plugs are connected to thick wires running across the top of the engine. For a four-cylinder engine, the spark plugs are arranged in a row. For V8 engines, the spark plugs are assembled on either side of the engine block.
Spark plugs are set to fire at a specific order, so never pull out all the spark plugs at the same time. To pull out the spark plug, grab the plug as close as possible to engine block, and pull firmly but gently. You don’t want to risk dropping the spark plug into the engine. As soon as the spark plug is loosened, pull it out of the engine.
Set your ratchet to loosen; on most standard wrenches, the socket should move counter-clockwise. Attach the ratchet to the spark plug, and remove it from the assembly.
Set the wire of the new plug just as they were assembled on the old spark plug. Check to see that the porcelain seal of the new spark plug is not cracked or damaged.
At this point you may feel the need to set the gaps on the spark plug. Unless you’re really after an exact improvement on your engine’s performance, do not alter the gaps in the spark plug.
Once the spark plugs are set and wired, tighten the spark plug into the plug receptacle by hand. Finish the job with the socket extension. Do not over-tighten the spark plugs. The plug should be just set in tight enough to absorb the shock and movement from the engine.
Repeat the same process for the rest of the spark plugs.
Replacing your worn and damaged spark plugs is an easy part of an engine tune-up. With the right tools and steps, you don’t have to pay big money for a tune-up job.