BY BLAIR LAMPE / ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 / NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTS ASSOCIATION / Old and failing spark plugs can cause a host of problems&hellip;{"id":11488,"date":"2019-10-18T11:08:47","date_gmt":"2019-10-18T18:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/?p=11488"},"modified":"2019-11-05T11:32:45","modified_gmt":"2019-11-05T19:32:45","slug":"tips-for-changing-spark-plugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/2019\/10\/18\/tips-for-changing-spark-plugs\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips For Changing Spark Plugs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\">BY BLAIR LAMPE \/ ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 \/<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTS ASSOCIATION<\/a>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">\/<\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Old and failing spark plugs can cause a host of problems in your engine, and it should be expected that you\u2019ll<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/knowhow.napaonline.com\/how-often-should-you-change-spark-plugs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">have to change them<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">at least a few times during the life of a vehicle. Luckily, it\u2019s a pretty straightforward DIY that requires close attention, but not many tools. With the right know-how and a few tricks up your sleeve, changing spark plugs is a simple job with big payoffs in fuel economy and performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>1. Solid Prep<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Get all your tools together so you don\u2019t have to search for them in the middle of the job. This includes a few specialty tools such as a spark plug puller that will make your life easier. Also, though it is tempting to use a regular socket to remove plugs, a specialized<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/en\/p\/SER3930?cid=social_blog_082019_spark_plug_socket\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">spark plug socket<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">(of the correct size) is the way to go because it has an interior rubber component to protect the delicate ceramic housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>2. Keep Your Cool<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Always let your engine cool down completely before starting work or be prepared to get burned.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>3. Keep It Clean<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Before removing any plugs, take a<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/en\/p\/SHV5850300?cid=social_blog_082019_spark_plug_socket\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">vacuum<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">and remove any dirt or debris in the area around the spark plug. The goal is to keep dirt from falling into the combustion chambers when the plugs are out. You might also take a bit of carb cleaner just for a really nice work area that isn\u2019t going to drop grime in if you bump it while working.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>4. Go to Your Home<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have to remove anything such as vacuum hoses, coils, or other components that might easily get confused, make sure you label before disconnecting so they can be easily reinstalled.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>5. One by One<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remove and replace plugs one at a time. This will save you the frustration of having to figure out where each wire goes later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>6. Gadget Inspector<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Inspect each plug as it is removed. Look for excessive carbon buildup, oil, unburned fuel, or damage to diagnose unseen engine problems. Any of these indicate a bigger problem you\u2019ll want to figure out ASAP.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>7. Mind the Gap<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most plugs these days come pre-gapped, but you\u2019ll want to check to make sure the<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/knowhow.napaonline.com\/know-how-notes-how-to-set-spark-plug-gap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gap is correct<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">with a gauge (carefully, especially if it\u2019s iridium) and that there is no preexisting damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>8. Keeping the Spark Alive<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There is much debate as to the use of anti-seize coating on spark plug threads. The decision mostly comes down to the manufacturer and type of spark plug, so consult with your local NAPA AUTOPARTS store before dabbing it on. Also, throw a dab of dielectric grease at the end of the plug wires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>9. Sparking Joy<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Start each plug into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading at all costs. Once you get it in securely by hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carbibles.com\/best-torque-wrenches-reviewed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>use a torque wrench<\/strong><\/a> to torque precisely as indicated by your owner\u2019s manual.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>10. Well Adjusted<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Make sure when the wires are installed on the new plugs that they seat fully. You\u2019ll feel a small pop to know that they\u2019re in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Easy as that! Take on this DIY at home for a quick afternoon project that will keep your engine running smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Check out all the<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/en\/c\/ignition-electrical-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">electrical &amp; ignition system<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">products available on\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NAPA Online<\/a><\/strong> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">or trust one of their 17,000<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.napaautocare.com\/store-finder.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>NAPA AutoCare<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on changing spark plugs, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your<\/span> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.napaonline.com\/en\/store-locator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">local NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Photo courtesy of Blair Lampe.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This article has been reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder, National Automotive Parts Association. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Click here for more<\/span>\u00a0<\/em><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/category\/classic-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">automotive tips and stories<\/a><\/em><\/strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">, or here for more information on<\/span>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/event-info\/car-show-hours-dates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the next Pomona Swap Meet &amp; Classic Car Show<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":11492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[805],"tags":[7301,3056,4152,7296,7297,7298,7235,6922,7302,7299,7295,6257,5511,3491,3026,7300,3033,7294,3034,7303,7293,3029],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Spark-Plugs-by-Blair-Lampe.jpg?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9nnZN-2Zi","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11488"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11488"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11500,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11488\/revisions\/11500"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}