How To Replace Your Spark Plugs.

Step By Step Directions.

• For cars with spark plug wires.
• For cars with coil on plug (COP)

It sounds like an easy job and it can be if you know what you're doing. Knowledge is important because many new cars come equipped with aluminum heads. Aluminum is very soft and can be easily damaged. That's why it's important to know how to replace your plugs without damaging your engine.

Tools You Will Need To Replace Your Spark Plugs.

1. A torque wrench.
2. A deep socket (usually 5/8" or 13/16"
3. You may also need a universal joint and socket extensions.
4. Feeler gauges to gap your new plugs.
5. A spark plug gap adjustment tool (this might be attached to your feeler gauges).
6. Anti seize and dielectric grease
7. Tools to remove parts to gain access to the plug holes.

Do It Yourself Spark Plug Replacement Tips and Advice:

1. Remove just enough stuff to access your plugs.
2. Number your plug wires so you can put them back correctly.
3. Carefully remove the spark plug wires.
4. Unbolt each coil in plug if you have them.
5. Remove each coil on plug by gently pulling up on the rubber boot.
6. Use an air compressor to blow out dirt from the plug ports.
7. Gently use a torque wrench to remove each plug.
8. If you have aluminum heads and need more than 30 ft lbs of torque to remove a plug. STOP!
9. Generously spray WD 40 or penetrating oil into the spark plug holes and wait several hours or overnight.
10. Remove the plugs and examine their condition.
11. Buy only factory recommended replacement plugs.
12. Gap your plugs to correct factory specifications recommended by your car's manufacturer.
13. Never use a screwdriver, hammer, or other tools to gap your plugs.
14. Always use a spark plug gap tool to carefully adjust the gap correctly.
15. Apply a small dab of anti seize to the threads of your new plugs.
16. Spread the anti seize evenly with an old tooth brush.
17. Use anti seize very sparingly.
18. Do not get anti seize on the electrodes.
19. Don't use anti seize if your car's manufacturer does not recommend it.
20. Reinstall your plugs by hand first, being careful not to cross thread the plug holes.
21. If a plug isn't going in smoothly, back it out and then in again until it goes in easily by hand.
22. Never force a plug into a hole.
23. If you have a coil on plug setup, slip a small piece of rubber tubing over the plug to help you start the plug into the hole.
24. Hand tighten each plug with a socket but no wrench.
25. After all the plugs are seated, torque your spar plugs correctly to factory specifications.
26. Also use the factory recommend torque on spark plugs. Never over torque.
27. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the rubber boot that goes over the spark plugs.
28. If your car has coil on plugs, the grease will help the boots easily slip over the plugs and make a good connection.
29. Avoid using too much dielectric grease and do your best not to get the stuff on the metal contacts.
30. Since dielectric grease does not conduct electricity, using too much of it or getting a lot on the metal contacts is not recommended.
31. Slide the coil on plug boots into the ports and feel that they are seated correctly over the plugs.
32. Bolt down the coil on plugs gently. Hand tight is good enough. To do over tighten.
33. Reconnect the wiring to each plug.
34. Reinstall all parts you took off to access your plugs and remove them.
35. Reconnect wires, hoses, etc. ...
36. Make sure everything is done right and all your tools are put away before starting your engine.