Changing Spark Plugs

[Rich Cheung]

Is this an easy job ?
Any specialist tools required ?

Rich

[Big Stu]

I tried this recently by going in from above the engine and gave up. Luckily i got my car unflooded.

Im told that this is a lot easier if you can get under the car. Im sure someone else on here will have lot more info on this.

[Donato]

Reasonable easy to do, best access is from below, its also possible to do from above but be prepared to get your arms scratched!

Just be carefull to put the leads on the right way round again! If you do one at a time and replace the lead you will be fine, And dont overtighten the plug as you dont want to rip the thread.

You just need a plug socket a small extension 2 to 3 inch bar and a rachet.. and a band aid or two if you go from the top!

[Spotlamp]

It\'s really quite straight forward from above and doesn\'t require having to get the jack out, axle stands, lieing on the floor, no blood to arms etc.  I find taking off the intake elbow makes the job a whole lot easier, 4 bolts and a jubilee clip and then it\'s a case of getting the spark plug spanner on...

HTH
H

[Shark]

as others have said, from above is possible, but from below is a LOT easier.  just do one at a time so you can\'t mix up the leads. and you can;t go wrong.

Halfords sell a short handle ratchet (sp?) on which the handle can be bent.  Top tool for the job and the best £20 you\'ll spend.

Gregor

[Rich Cheung]

Thanks guys. Well I\'m doing the oil at the same time so no hardship to jack the car up on stands and get underneath. Just so long as my trolley jack fits as its stupidly low.
BTW what socket size is it ?
I understand I have to get the leading and trailing plugs the right way around. Which way is it ?

Thanks again.
Rich

[Rich Cheung]

Forgot to ask what are the ideal torgue settings for the plugs ?

Promise I\'ll shut up with my questions now.

Rich

[Shark]

Right, the socket you need is a 14mm sparkplug socket - don\'t know torque set, just tight, but not too tight.

I always get mixed up with these but IIRC leading is the bottom.
Presume you got 7\'s for leading and 9\'s for trailing?

Attached a pic of the ratchet tool I mentioned before cos I\'m in a helpful mood today.

[Shark]

.

[Shark]

Jeez, how much advertising can I do by accident?!

and no my entire home is not furnished by freebies, just my computer desk.

[scooby_si]

Leading is the bottom http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm46052GB\' target=\'_blank\'>http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_6_9.gif\' border=0> 2 plugs, at least it is on the outside of my NGK box.....
Si

[Rich Cheung]

Cheers Shark & Si, thats most helpful.
Just checked and Pip has given me 4 x 9\'s so I presume that will be ok ??

Rich

[scooby_si]

that\'s fine & what most people run.....
Si

[clive]

Originally posted by Rich Cheung
Forgot to ask what are the ideal torgue settings for the plugs ?

Promise I\'ll shut up with my questions now.

Rich

No torque setting for plugs,

I have always been told, 1/4 turn after it has touched the seat.