The spark plugs of the combustion engine generate the electrical pulses to burn the fuel-air mixture of the engine. This process eventually runs the engine by moving the pistons. Therefore, these spark plugs wires are essential parts of a combustion engine vehicle. But the problem is, these plugs wear out relatively quicker than other engine components. But don’t worry! If you have proper knowledge on “how to replace spark plugs”, you can easily change these plugs. Continue reading this article to have clear and detailed knowledge of this process.
Tools to Change Spark Plugs
Although replacing spark plugs is relatively easier but you will need spark plug removal tools to do the job. Here is a list of tools that you should pick before executing the replacement process.
- Appropriate and defect-free new spark plugs.
- Socket wrench or torque wrench with an extension handle.
- Appropriate spark plug sockets. (optional).
- A universal joint of socket wrench (if needed).
- Anti-seize thread solution.
- A cleaning rag.
- A gapping tool (if needed).
- Safety equipment for yourself.
Spark Plugs Replacing Process
Wear Safety Equipment and Locate the Spark Plugs
At the very first, open the front of your vehicle and check the engine. If the engine is hot, wait until it cools down. Then wear your safety equipment. It is important since the sparks plug generates very high voltage electric pulses. Locate the spark plugs that are hiding in their safety covers. Some vehicles may have an engine cover on the engine. You have to remove it to get your hands on the plugs. These are the normal locations for spark plugs according to engine types.
- 4 or 6-cylinder engines: Top or side of the engine (in a row).
- V6 and V8-cylinder engines: Evenly divided on both engine sides.
Remove The Plugs Carefully
Now place your hand at the engine end of the wire. Carefully pull out the wire to detach it from the spark plug. You should be very careful about pulling these wires or you can end up ruining them. Now place the wrench on the plug. It is always best to use spark plug sockets to remove those plugs damage-freely. You may also need to use a universal joint of sockets if the plugs are hard to reach. Now gently unscrew spark plugs from its socket one by one.
Check If It Needs Replacement or Not
Now you have to check the spark plugs of it need replacement or not. Monitor if the contacts are completely burned out or not. For the healthy ones, you can use a gapping tool to know how much “good service life” it has left. However, you have to do these processes one by one or have to keep track of their locations. It is important because the spark plugs fire in a rhythm to move the piston cylinders.
Clean The Housings
At this point, you should take a look at the housings of the plugs. Take a torch and check the inner thread lines. Clean all the dirt, burn leftovers with a clean rag. Apply anti-seize thread solution on them afterward. It will prevent plugs to get stuck in the threads in the future.
Place New Plugs
Now it is time for the replacement. For the new spark plugs, always choose the car manufacturer’s recommended ones. If you can’t get any recommendations, pick the same type of plug as the previous one. Gently place the plug on the housing. Make sure it is not sitting angle-wise. Then use the wrench with a spark plug socket and twist until it feels solid. In this case, you can use a torque wrench since it shows the applied torque and prevents over-torqueing the plug.
After placing a plug properly, take its corresponding spark plug wire and attach it tightly to the tip of the plug. Try to do that after every single spark plug replacement to avoid plug-wire confusion.
Re-Check And Push The Plug Covers Back
At the last, re-check every single spark placement and plug-wire connection. After that, you can push back the plug cover to keep them safe from dirt. Now you can put back the engine cover if your car has one.
Some Useful Tips
- Always use quality ones as there are lots of Benefits of changing spark plugs.
- Pay attention to the symptoms of bad spark plugs.
- Bent or broken spark plugs indicate mechanical problems with your engine.
- Never use a wrench bigger than the plug.
- Turned on key can complete an electrical circuit and may give shock on touching spark plugs.
Final Verdict
The vehicle’s spark plugs create heart bits of its engine. Since these plugs wear out much quicker, you may need to replace them. Additionally, it is better to get rid of old spark plugs after every 28,000 to 30,000 miles.
Replacing spark plugs at your own garage is possible with few tools. However, proper knowledge for replacing it is highly important since this process involves several risks for both you and the engine. This article shows you the best and safe way to replace the spark plugs of any vehicle in the backyard.