Changing Sparks Plugs

[CraigRT]

haha, I just saw in the thread Ornery linked, I was getting a lot of flak for changing my plugs so often.... for you guys who want to know... they are SUPER easy to change on my car, and since the recommended plugs are just about the cheapest you can buy, makes no difference to me.. it's about $8 Canadian for 4 plugs, and ~10 mins labour.

 

[Ornery]

Yeah, I hear that, but you gotta start somewhere. I did my first brake job on my first car (1966 Belair) with no help. My dad just didn't do too much of that stuff. I was overwhelmed, because it was a drum brake, but I stumbled through it. Took all day, but I did it!

 

[Plasdom]

I have not given up just yet. (I don't have the cash to have it done so there's really no other option) This will be the first time so I need to be sure I know what I am doing. I am starting to get the info I need. You know there are some things that those who have done it before or have been shown how to do it will be taking for granted that I will know. Thanks Ornery for the links. Can some of the stuff be purchased for cheaper prices at like walmart or Meijer?

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Yeah, I hear that, but you gotta start somewhere. I did my first brake job on my first car (1966 Belair) with no help. My dad just didn't do too much of that stuff. I was overwhelmed, because it was a drum brake, but I stumbled through it. Took all day, but I did it!

I agree and I learned everything on my own too. But I can just see someone taking all 4 (I started with an 8 cylinder) plug wires off at once and not knowing where they go. Firing order/#1 cylinder? What are those?
It is a very easy job to change plugs. Anyone should be able to do it. But if you can't open a hood or don't know where to buy WD-40, you are in over your head.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Plasdom
I have not given up just yet. (I don't have the cash to have it done so there's really no other option) This will be the first time so I need to be sure I know what I am doing. I am starting to get the info I need. You know there are some things that those who have done it before or have been shown how to do it will be taking for granted that I will know. Thanks Ornery for the links. Can some of the stuff be purchased for cheaper prices at like walmart or Meijer?

You can get everything you need to change plugs at Walmat.
But, don't mix the wires up, don't forget to gap the plugs and don't cross thread the plugs.
The best way to do it is to pull a wire by grabbing the boot.
Pull the plug.
Gap new plug.
Insatll new plug.
Re-install the wire.
Go on to next plug.

 

[Polishwonder74]

You're killing me.

Grab the Haynes or Chilton's book and it will explain everything step-by-step. You'll do fine, I've got confidence in you.

Eli is right, For the same price as having it done by pros, you can buy brand new Snap-on or Craftsman tools, plus the parts (top shelf parts) and do it yourself. That way you get to keep the tools, and you get the best possible parts. Sometimes mechanics buy what's cheap instead of the good stuff as replacement parts.

I suggest you just go for it. Spark plugs are relatively easy. The book explains everything. Soon you'll graduate to doing your own brakes, and that's when you start saving some REAL money, while putting top-shelf Bendix parts in.

P.S. the fuel filter can be a ROYAL pain in the ass, but you'll get it. Just don't smoke while you're doing it.

 

[Plasdom]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat

Originally posted by: Ornery
Yeah, I hear that, but you gotta start somewhere. I did my first brake job on my first car (1966 Belair) with no help. My dad just didn't do too much of that stuff. I was overwhelmed, because it was a drum brake, but I stumbled through it. Took all day, but I did it!

I agree and I learned everything on my own too. But I can just see someone taking all 4 (I started with an 8 cylinder) plug wires off at once and not knowing where they go. Firing order/#1 cylinder? What are those?
It is a very easy job to change plugs. Anyone should be able to do it. But if you can't open a hood or don't know where to buy WD-40, you are in over your head.

I don't see the co-relation between a "malfunctioning" hood latch and learning how to change spark plugs; especially if it is "a very easy job"

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Plasdom

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat

Originally posted by: Ornery
Yeah, I hear that, but you gotta start somewhere. I did my first brake job on my first car (1966 Belair) with no help. My dad just didn't do too much of that stuff. I was overwhelmed, because it was a drum brake, but I stumbled through it. Took all day, but I did it!

I agree and I learned everything on my own too. But I can just see someone taking all 4 (I started with an 8 cylinder) plug wires off at once and not knowing where they go. Firing order/#1 cylinder? What are those?
It is a very easy job to change plugs. Anyone should be able to do it. But if you can't open a hood or don't know where to buy WD-40, you are in over your head.

I don't see the co-relation between a "malfunctioning" hood latch and learning how to change spark plugs; especially if it is "a very easy job"

The co-relation is that it takes some mechanically ability to fix either.
You should be able to do the plugs, it is really is easy. But if you can't, your Honda won't take you anywhere to get help.
Just a thought.

 

[Ornery]

Don't buy crappy tools, only buy better ones! Craftsman actually aren't such great quality, but they're guaranteed for life, and they're OK. I think Stanley and Craftsman have the same maker. Snap-On is about the best, but the price is astronomical.

I specifically listed the flex head, because it's so damn handy. Look for the slim head version if they still carry it. The price is higher than a standard socket wrench, but worth it! Six point sockets won't strip nuts & bolts, no matter how sloppy they fit, so they're always a good buy. Deep wells will get you past protruding bolt threads, and take care of those plugs for you. That tool list will take care of quite a few chores on their own. Add a couple combination wrench sets, screwdrivers, and locking pliers, and you'll have most of what you need for under $150.00. Get a Craftsman club card and watch for sales.

Edit: I just noticed those deep well sockets ARE on sale for about half price. You won't even get a better price at Walmart! Buy 'em NOW!

Hell, check out this price for Allen brand, 12 point deep well socket set. Allen is a very good brand, and Enco has very competitive prices, but man, that's steep!

 

[jagec]

FYI the fuel filter is considered a lifetime item in many cars. IF your car is one of them, and you haven't been buying cheap gas, you probably don't need to change it. If the car has a lot of miles on it (>150,000), and still has the original filter, or if you buy cheap gas, it might be smart to change it.

 

[BadNewsBears]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Yeah, I hear that, but you gotta start somewhere. I did my first brake job on my first car (1966 Belair) with no help. My dad just didn't do too much of that stuff. I was overwhelmed, because it was a drum brake, but I stumbled through it. Took all day, but I did it!

Dont ya love springs!!!!
Drum brakes are sucha PITA

 

[m2kewl]

dude, if you can't change four plugs...there is no hope for mankind

plasdom, therefore, i hate to see you struggle. i have a 1996-2000 civic hem's manual that i no longer use and willing to give you FREE. just pm me and you pay for shipping??? how's that?

 

[Ornery]

"Drum brakes are sucha PITA"

It took all day because I did it with a couple pairs of "Vise Grips". Later, a guy at an auto parts store sold me a brake spring tool. Damn, nothing like using the right tool for the job! I still have that tool 30 years later, and just used it a couple months ago on the van. Did the job in about 45 minutes!

Edit: 5PC SET 8,12,16,24,32 FIBRE GLASS BALL PEIN HAMMER $16.95!

 

[0roo0roo]

yup, do one at a time. wrench/socket for the plugs. thread grease /dielectric grease...gap.. honda only has 4 and easy to access, be happy. if no torque wrench, tighten by holding head of wrench in fist only so u do not strip the damned thing. some v6's v8's have plugs that are hidden in the back by junk and stuff, those are no fun or all car maintenance.. i'd say its easier then changing oil you can also tell how ur engine is doing depending on hwo the used plugs look. residue/color/burned/gaps

 

[nuonce]

i would suggest going to a pro :roll:.

 

[oogabooga]

Originally posted by: nuonce
i would suggest going to a pro :roll:.

not if you can do this yourself but if you're having trouble getting the hood up....
But yea, getting the haynes book for your car is a good idea. If you've replaced you're air filter the spark plugs should be about as simple.... just a few more tools involved.

 

[alm99]

what are some must have tools for doing basic maintenance/repairs on a car? preferably craftsman for my budget

 

[Polishwonder74]

Must-have tools. . . Let's see:

I'd start out with a mechanic's tool set from Sears like this

More sets of mechanics' tools here

You'll want to make sure you have regular and deep sockets, English and metric, and in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive (that turns out to be a lot of sockets, but believe me, they come in handy)

Sometimes you can get a set with a plastic molded case included, and that all fine and good, but a real tool box is better. Ratchet extensions and universal joints also come in VERY handy, I would make sure to get some of those in varying sizes.

Get yourself a big ol' set of screwdrivers, too. Oversized ones are also useful for prying. Let's see, a couple sets of vice grip pliers, 2 large C-clamps. . .

These brake tools can make your life quite a bit easier

A Ball Pein hammer, spark plug gauge, a set of torx head sockets, tire pressure gauge, soldering iron, wire strippers, a big ol' set of zip ties, an oil filter wrench that fits your car's filter (or a strap-wrench), a set of pliers that includes a couple sizes of channel-locks, an automotive circuit tester, a multi-meter. . .

What did I miss, fellas? I like to use Craftsman tools 'cause when you break 'em, you can just wander into any Sears store and they'll just hand you a replacement. Having Sears stores all over the place makes it real convenient. If you get el cheapo tools they'll rust up and get all nasty, and sometimes just plain break into pieces.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: oogabooga

Originally posted by: nuonce
i would suggest going to a pro :roll:.

not if you can do this yourself but if you're having trouble getting the hood up....
But yea, getting the haynes book for your car is a good idea. If you've replaced you're air filter the spark plugs should be about as simple.... just a few more tools involved.

well considering his questions..yea a chiltons or haynes is REQUIRED

 

[TechnoKid]

Fuel filters are easy on the EK (96-00) civics. It's right there on the firewall to the right of the battery. You need to relieve pressure in the fuel system first before changing the fuel filter. I forgot How i did this on my bros EK hatch a while back. I know that you can start by taking off the fuel cap.

For the filter, either get an OEM one from honda, which shouldn't run more than $23, or you can go to NAPA and get a fuel filter there for about $15-$19.

I'll try and find a detailed procedure for the fuel filter, and post it here unless someone beats me to it.

 

[Polishwonder74]

Usually to relieve the pressure in the lines you'll just trip the FI inertial kill switch with the car running. That will shut off the fuel pump. The car will stall in a few seconds when the fuel pressure drops too low. There will still be gas in the lines, but no pressure.

Your guess is as good as mine as to where the manual override kill switch is on a Jap car, but it'll be in the Hayne's, Chilton's and the dealer's book. The two most likely places are the trunk and under the steering wheel/dashboard area.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

A little tip to starting sparkplugs safely:
Use a piece of 3/8" rubber hose, stick it on the end of the plug, insert it into the hole, and turn the top of the hose. You cannot apply enough force to cross thread the hole.