Its as easy as removing the boot, screwing out the spark plug, screwing in a new one, and putting the boot back on, correct? What's the easiest way to get to them? And what type of spark plug do I need?

 

During removal of the wire, pull on the boot and not the wire. Use dielectric (tune-up) grease in the boots before you put them back on. Do one plug at a time so you don't mix up the wires. Be careful not to cross-thread the plug when you're putting the new one in, especially if you have aluminum heads. If you have aluminum heads use a bit of antiseize on the threads. Don't overtighten the plugs, just snug them down good.

 

Yes, in theroy its that easy. Getting to them can be a problem. Assuming you have a V8, you should be able to get all except plug numbers 7 and 8 from the top. I have to jack up the car and get those two from under the car. You might want to check the gap on the plugs to make sure they're right (they usually are, but I check anyway). I just put AC Delco back in mine, but I don't have any mods other than exhaust. You might want a hotter or longer lasting spark depending on your setup.

FYI - I always change my plug wires while I'm at it. Just be sure to replace one wire at a time so that you don't get them crossed. Distributor cap and rotor would be worth it too. Just my .02 cents.

Regards,
Deb

 

I just picked up some Autolite Platinums. If there spark plug won't come out, do I just spray it good with some WD-40? And what is it exactly that I spray in the boot and does it go directly inside the boot?

 

If I had the extra money, I'd do wires, cap, and rotor, but I don't.

 

You shouldn't have any problems with the plugs coming out unless a gorilla installed the last ones. Use a spark plug socket so that you're less likely to break the porcelain on the plugs. Thread the new plugs in by hand a few turns to get them started so that you don't cross-thread them. Check the gap on them, too.

Use a bit of dielectric grease inside the boots before you put them back on to make it easier to get them off next time. It comes in a small tube...you can pick it up at any auto parts store.

 

Well, I really don't think the spark plugs have ever been changed. Atleast not in the past 6 years, so I'm expecting they may stick just a little. By spark plug socket you mean just the longer socket, correct? How much is dielectric grease and could I use anything else?

I feel like such a moron, I know how to do this, I just want to be 100% sure and learn all the little details.

 

A spark plug socket has a rubber or foam insert to keep the plug from moving around inside the socket and breaking it off.

Dielectric grease is cheap...silicone spray can work in a pinch but it won't last as long.

 

Could I just use a long socket?

 

If you are very, very careful...yes. Keep the socket straight when you're tightening them down.

Seriously, a spark plug socket is like $4...and you'll use it for years.

 

Well if it's that cheap, I'll probably go get one. They're universal right?

 

By the way, 'preciate your help man.

 

Alright, I feel like a moron. I could semi-easily get to one spark plug. It was the closest to the front of the car on the drivers side, but it didn't want to break loose and turn. I gave up because I didn't want to break it, and the others were next to impossible to get to.

Am I making this more difficult then it is? Is there something I'm missing here?

 

You just need to learn to contort you body and arms all the way around!!! :lala:

No for a first timer it can be difficult. No real trick to it, just a matter of trial and error w/ different arm angles and such. My first time changing plugs when I got the TA was a PITA. Took me forever, I busted every knuckle, and was sore as all get out the next day.

Just keep on trying, and try not to get discouraged. If you still have the factory AIR emissions stuff, its a total pain to get to. Use a 3" 3/8 extension and the correct spark plug socket, and you should be alright.

 

Do all spark plugs use the same socket size? I was just worried about breaking a spark plug because the ones I tried would not move, and I didn't want to force it and break it.

 

As long as you get it on there all the way, then you won't break it. Don't jerk it, just add even pressure until they break loose.

 

Do all spark plugs use the same socket size though?

 

yes

i believe its 5/8"

and be ready to deal with some bleeding fingers. im skinny, and i can reach all spark plugs from the top except the far one on drivers side, which i crawl under the car to reach

 

I'm pretty sure that's what I was using, I was just concerned about breaking the spark plug. I'm not fat at all, but I have pretty big/muscular arms, this should be damn fun........ Passenger side seemed like the most difficult to get to.

Edit- Would it be easier to just put the car on jackstands?

 

Yes. You can use a deep well 5/8" socket. You may also want to get a modified socket that you can use with a wrench. I can change my plugs in 10 minutes with this socket. Just apply slow even pressure and they will break loose.

 

I had to put my car on jack stands to get to 5, 7 and 8. I have thick muscular arms, and big hands, trust me it's not easy, but being thick doesn't help. I however found the front 4 plugs (1,2,3,4) to be pretty easy, the back 4 are increasingly harder.

Like everyone has said, just make sure you use a spark plug socket, and apply steady pressure, don't jerk on it. You'll get them, don't get discouraged... believe me, there's harder things you could be doing. Try doing an oil pan gasket without pulling the engine in a third gen, it's a pain in the @$$!

 

Another dumb question, but I was taught working on bare drag cars. Where should I lift the car at? And where should I put the jack stands? And is it really easier if the car is jacked up? I just don't want to jack it up and then realize it was easier with the car down.

 

Some (espically #8 and #6) are easier with the car jacked up. I found it was easier to get at the passenger side ones with my left hand and the drivers side with the right. I can get them all from the top this way. Also, for reference these are the plug numbers so you know what pple are talking about.

8 7
6 5
4 3
2 1

Front of car

 

 

You can lift the car from the cross member or under the control arms, the jackstands will be placed on the formed rails (look like frame rails) they start right near the back of each control arm and run about 30" towards the back of the car.

 

Thanks man. I'll definitely have to jack it up because I can't get to 5, 6, 7, or 8.