Difficulty Level

Spark Plug Torque Specifications:

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• tools will vary depending on what is needs to remove the covers to access the spark plugs
• standard/flat screw driver
• 10mm socket
• 5/8" 3/8" drive deep socket with rubber grommet inside
• 6" 3/8" drive extension
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• torque wrench

Procedure:

• first start by removing any parts which are required to access the spark plugs
• for vehicle specific, remove the four black caps (two on each side) on the plastic valve cover covers to access the bolts
• for vehicle specific, remove the four bolts (two on each side) using a 10mm socket on the plastic valve cover covers
• if your vehicle is equipped with coil packs per cylinder, they will need to be remove first along with disconnecting the wiring harness
• if your vehicle is equipped with spark plug wires feeding each of the spark plugs, twist and pull simultaneously
• for vehicle specific, disconnect the wiring harness by pulling up on the metal retaining clip, then continue to pull the plug straight out
• for vehicle specific, remove the two retaining bolts on each of the coil packs using a 10mm socket, then pull straight out
• if your vehicle is a hemispherical configuration, there can be some oil in the cavity, remove most of the oil using a cloth or paper towel
• if you find debris inside the spark plug holes, remove the debris with a vacuum before you remove the spark plugs (remember, you do not want anything falling inside of the combustion chamber)
• remove spark plugs using what the appropriate size deep socket and extension
• if you are having trouble removing the spark plug and it appears to be binding up or turn hard out, this could be an issue of excessive carbon on the threads. Loosen the plug slowly, then tighten it back up, loosen further again, and tighten it back up. This will help clean the threads and prevent the thread in the head from being damaged
• for vehicle specific, remove the spark plugs using a 5/8" deep socket with a 6" extension, on a 3/8" drive ratchet
• once the plugs are removed, make sure you match them up with the new replacement plugs to ensure they are the same size
• some types of spark plugs do require gaping, so gap the spark plug according to manufacturer specifications
• DO NOT drop the new spark plugs, you can risk damaging them
• reinstall the new plugs, starting them by hand to ensure you have not cross threaded the new spark plugs
• tighten spark plugs by hand if you are comfortable with that, or tighten them with a torque wrench to the appropriate specification based on the spark plug base type, size, and material of your engines head
• reinstall coil packs or spark plug wires
• coil packs tend to site flush on the spark plugs, while spark plug wires will snap onto the head of the spark plug
• reinstall any other items which were required to be removed