So now you've noticed that your gas mileage has dropped a little and your horsepower is suffering. This article is the next in the series of basic maintainance artiles by 4x4Projects. These articles apply to all vehicles. Just because this site is dedicated to offroad trucks and offroading, does not mean that everything on this site just applies to just trucks.
In this article I will go over the replacement of the spark plugs, the proper tools and talk about the gapping of the spark plugs. So please read on.
Before we go to deep into this project or task, or whatever you want to call it, let's go over the parts and tools that you'll need.
Tools/Parts | Qty. |
Spark plugs | 4, 5, 6, or 8 |
Spark plug socket | 1 |
Rachet | 1 |
Extensions | Varies |
Spark plug gapper | 1 |
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Procedure:
Once I have everything ready to go. I like to take all the new spark plugs and remove them from their boxes, and gap them before I even remove the first spark plug wire. Be sure to look up the proper the gap in your repair manual, if you don't have a repair manual the clerks at the parts store can give you the proper gap. I would recommend buying a repair manual, it would probably be the best investment you'll make for your vehicle. So let's get back to the project.
As you can see by the picture to the left. I'm checking the gap of the plug, sometimes the plugs come out of the boxes with the proper gap. I wouldn't count on it though and just check the gap anyway.
When you do this you will need to make minor adjustments. You'll want to just make small adjustments and recheck the gap everytime. You might need to do this a few times, until you get it right. When you get the proper gap you'll know it. The proper gap will feel like a slight tug on the gapper. If you have a hard time pulling the gapper you have it to tight. If the gapper moves to freely then you have the gap to loose.
The proper gap is essential to getting the best performance from your spark plugs. If you have the wrong gap you can shorten the life of the spark plugs, you'll also get worst gas mileage and a rough running engine. So as you can see the proper gap is essential.
Some premimum plugs don't require a gap. The plug comes out of the box with the proper gap from the factory. These plugs have a set gap and are not adjustable.
I never remove more then one spark plug wire at a time. I do this so I don't get the wires mixed up. You can remove more then one wire at a time if and only if you label them before you remove them. As you can see by the picture to the right, the spark plug wire boot is what I'm holding up.
Next, grab your spark plug socket or any deep well socket that will fit the spark plug. For my spark plugs I need to grab an extension, you may need to use one or maybe not, most likely you will. Do to the location of most spark plugs you will need to use a medium extension at the least. When you remove the plugs you'll need to rotate the plug counter clockwise. Most plugs have a torque applied to them, so you might need to put some force to the you rachet.
The picture to the left shows the location of one spark plug. I like to look inside the plug hole to make sure the hole is free and clear of any debris. I also like to make sure that the threads are not stripped and true.
As I replace the new plugs I like to start threading them with my fingers at first. I thread them with my fingers first in case they start to thread wrong. You do not want to strip the threads of the spark plug holes, if you do this it will cost you a large sum of money to get the head machined.
Once installed I tighten the plugs to proper torque and reinstall the plug wire and move on to the next plug.
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(4x4Projects.com is not responsible for any damages done to your vehicle. You work on your vehicle at your own risk, these procedures are an overview and not a step-by-step, this not a good substitute for a competent mechanic or a repair manual).
