Table of Contents
Everything You’ll Need To Change Spark Plugs Ratcheting socket wrench. Socket wrench extension. Spark plug socket. Flexible socket wrench joint adapter, if necessary. Spark plug gap tool. Torque wrench. Vacuum and/or compressed air blower. Clean rag or paper towels.
What tool do I need to remove spark plugs?
You’ll need just a few tools to change out the spark plugs on your car. The most important tool is a socket wrench with an extension and a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets come in two sizes: 5/8 inches and 13/16 inches. Most spark plug sockets have a rubber insert that holds the plug snugly in place.
Can I use a regular socket for spark plugs?
You can use a regular socket, with that being said you need to be very careful. A spark plug socket has a washer on the end so that socket is always sitting fully down and straight. With a regular socket you will have wobble at the top.
Can you change spark plugs yourself?
Changing spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it’s a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.
Do you need a special tool for spark plugs?
A spark plug socket To remove spark plugs, you need a spark plug removal tool that grabs and twists the spark plugs inside your vehicle’s engine. Because spark plugs can be in awkward positions, you may also need an extension for your spark plug socket.
Do you need a torque wrench to change spark plugs?
Spark plugs should be torqued to manufacturers’ specifications. However, it is possible to tighten the plugs satisfactorily without a torque wrench.
What size wrench Do I need to remove a spark plug?
Most spark plugs require a 5/8″ (16mm) size spark plug socket. This refers to the size of the flats on the spark plug that are in contact with the socket. This spark plug requires the 5/8″ spark plug socket, which will probably fit a 3/8 ratchet extension.
What are the 3 spark plug sizes?
Spark Plug Guide – from Cyclepedia There are currently three spark plug thread diameter and pitch sizes used on motorcycles and ATVs: 10 mm x 1.0, 12 mm x 1.25 and 14 mm x 1.25. There are currently two thread reaches (lengths) used: 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Never use a spark plug of the wrong reach.
How can you tell when a spark plug is bad?
What signs are there that your spark plugs are failing? Your car is a rough starter. Your car is a rough idler. Your engine will sometimes misfire. Your engine surges. Your fuel consumption is higher than usual. Your car isn’t accelerating as it should.
What does a tune up consist of?
Generally, a tune-up consists of checking the engine for parts that need cleaning, fixing, or replacing. Common areas under inspection include filters, spark plugs, belts and hoses, car fluids, rotors, and distributor caps.
When changing spark plugs What else should I change?
Whenever you change spark plugs, it is a good idea to replace the ignition wires and vice versa. This will keep your vehicle running at peak performance and prevent you wasting money on unburned gasoline. In fact, a sudden drop in gas mileage may be an indicator that your ignition system is not functioning properly.
How do you install new spark plugs?
How to Change Spark Plugs Safety First. Park your vehicle on a flat, dry surface and ensure the engine is cool. Remove the Spark Plug Wire. Remove the Coil On Plug (COP) Unscrew the Spark Plug. Put in the New Spark Plugs. Re-install the Spark Plug Wires or Ignition Coils (COP) Start Up the Engine.
What is the most common spark plug socket size?
The hex size of a spark plug refers to the diameter in the center of it that you can use to tighten or loosen the spark plug. There are two most common hex sizes- 5/8” and 13/16”. However, there are spark plugs with a hex size of as small as 8mm.
How tight do you make spark plugs?
Installing Spark Plugs – Lawn & Garden Equipment Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench. (Taper seat: About 1/16 turn more.).
Can you remove spark plugs by hand?
Gently grasp a spark plug wire by the boot (the place where it connects to the spark plug), twist it, and pull it straight out. When the ratchet turns freely, finish the job by removing the ratchet handle and turning the socket by hand until the plug is free from the engine.
Do I really need a torque wrench?
If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.
How do you remove a spark plug from a lawn mower without a spark plug socket?
Gather some basic tools. Pull the spark plug out using a wrench. Pull the spark plug out using a nose plier or other tool. Pull them out using a magnet and a wrench. Pull it out by a rubber hose/ pipe. Use lubricants if the spark plug refuses to turn.
What are spark plug pliers used for?
Used to Remove Stubborn Spark Plug Wires on GM 3.1L, 3.4L, 3.8L and Other Engines. The 5/8″ opening of the pliers properly fits spark plug wire boots to prevent damage to spark plug wires.
