What are the steps to changing spark plugs?
How to Change Spark Plugs
- Safety First. Park your vehicle on a flat, dry surface and ensure the engine is cool.
- Remove the Spark Plug Wire.
- Remove the Coil On Plug (COP)
- Unscrew the Spark Plug.
- Put in the New Spark Plugs.
- Re-install the Spark Plug Wires or Ignition Coils (COP)
- Start Up the Engine.
Which way do spark plugs go in?
Place the socket around the spark plug and turn the socket counterclockwise. The spark plug should unscrew easily. If you are having problems removing a spark plug that is too tight, stop before you break it off.
What happens if I mix up spark plug wires?
Every engine manufacturer provides a service manual detailing the correct firing order of their cylinders. When one or more spark plug wires are crossed, the engine may not run, or runs roughly as the timing of fuel/air compression does not align with the delivery of the spark.
What should I do when I change my spark plugs?
When you’re changing your plugs, it’s also a good opportunity to check the wires for wear and to clean up around the wire terminal. Use a wire brush or compressed air to clean up around the wire connections and make sure you’ve got a good, clean port. Replace the wires if necessary.
Can a spark plug be replaced with a fuse?
Occasionally, spark plug boots fuse with your vehicle’s plugs. If this is the case, you do not want to pull on the wires themselves. Doing so may damage the wires, potentially rendering them unusable after your spark plug replacement.
How do you replace spark plugs on a lawn mower?
Insert the new plugs and tighten with your ratchet. Using the spark-plug socket, remove each plug from the engine, and replace each with a new spark plug. Tighten a bit (say, 1/8th of a turn) past hand-tight only. Never over-tighten the plugs as you can easily strip the thread on the head of the engine, and repairs are costly and time consuming.
Do you need a torque wrench to change a spark plug?
Use a torque wrench fitted over the spark plug socket to finish screwing it on until it’s fairly tight. Do not over screw the plug; if you tighten it too much, you could cause damage to the part or the head. There are some engines for which a torque wrench is absolutely necessary, because the spark plugs are indexed.