How easy is it to change sparkplug wires on a '93 Sentra?

[JEDI]

I have 200k miles on my '93 sentra. I have 100k platinum sparkplugs that were put in 50k miles ago. But i have never changed the spark plug wires. Now at 200k miles, my car is pinging when i accelerate. i'm assuming it's the wires.

1) Do u think it's the spark plug wires that's causing my pinging?

2) How easy is it for someone who knows nothing about spark plug wires (like me) to change? (i should change it anyway since it's been 200k miles, right?)

 

[NewCompGeek]

) <<Do u think it's the spark plug wires that's causing my pinging?>>

hmm spark plugs causing pinging... better take it to a mechanic

 

[ThaGrandCow]

It's not the wires I can prettymuch guarantee. If you want to change them go ahead. It's really simple, you should be able to figure it out just by looking at it. One thing though. Make sure you connect them in the order that you disconnected them, If you get them mixed up you could mess up your engine.

 

[vegetation]

Unlikely anything wrong the wires. Do a visual inspection, if the rubber housing isn't cracked, then it's still good. Nonetheless, if you purchase OEM plug wires it's very to change, no tools are even required really. I do not recommend aftermarket wires as they can be harder to install.

 

[Jerboy]

<< I have 200k miles on my '93 sentra. I have 100k platinum sparkplugs that were put in 50k miles ago. But i have never changed the spark plug wires. Now at 200k miles, my car is pinging when i accelerate. i'm assuming it's the wires.

1) Do u think it's the spark plug wires that's causing my pinging?

2) How easy is it for someone who knows nothing about spark plug wires (like me) to change? (i should change it anyway since it's been 200k miles, right?) >>



Ignition system problems can give hesitation or stumbling, but I never heard of causing pinging. You might have built up enough buildups to increase the compression enough to pre-ignite the fuel. Try running a tank of premium fuel next time. It often take care of such pinging, but you'll have to continue using premium until you get the engine cleaned out.

 

[fell8]

<< I have 200k miles on my '93 sentra. I have 100k platinum sparkplugs that were put in 50k miles ago. But i have never changed the spark plug wires. Now at 200k miles, my car is pinging when i accelerate. i'm assuming it's the wires.

1) Do u think it's the spark plug wires that's causing my pinging? >>



It would be virtually impossible for the wires to be the cause of pinging. The only circumstances under which any part of the ignition system could do so would be 1) ignition timing advanced too far (unlikely with computer controls), or 2) deposits on the spark plug (again, unlikely as this usually keeps the plug <and subsequently, cylinder> from firing at all, but keep reading)



<< 2) How easy is it for someone who knows nothing about spark plug wires (like me) to change? (i should change it anyway since it's been 200k miles, right?) >>



Very easy--they are ususally right on top of the engine and easy to trace the path of, and virtually never require tools (I'm sure this trend is changing though). Replacing the wires can't hurt, but isn't necessaraly required--some wires come with a lifetime warranty.



<< You might have built up enough buildups to increase the compression enough to pre-ignite the fuel >>



Buildup/deposits are often the culprit of pinging/preignition/detonation, but not because of increased compression ratios (most combustion chambers range between 60 and 120cc, so the amount of buildup needed to significantly raise compression would probably winde up choking the engine off long before it could happen), rather, they create hot-spots in the combustion chamber that ignite the fuel/air, causing the pinging.

If deposits are the problem, first try fuel additives for a few tankfulls, if that doesn't work try the mechanic--you may need to have the heads pulled and cleaned or a valve job.

 

[SyahM]

<< Ignition system problems can give hesitation or stumbling, but I never heard of causing pinging. You might have built up enough buildups to increase the compression enough to pre-ignite the fuel. Try running a tank of premium fuel next time. It often take care of such pinging, but you'll have to continue using premium until you get the engine cleaned out. >>



true ... spark plugs wires do not cause pinging. You can also try one of the fuel cleaner available at walmart or your local auto shop, STP brand is good.
BUt if you really want to change the spark plug wires then it will not take much of your time. it's easy and no tools required. I recommend you check your spark plugs, even though the platinum claims 100k, it's wise to check it now and have them replaced as needed.

 

[Jerboy]

<< you may need to have the heads pulled and cleaned or a valve job. >>



Try additives, cleaning spark plugs then premium fuel. There is a good chance premium fuel will cover the problem. If premium fuel fixes it continue using premium. The car is only worth ~$2,000(pvt party) and I don't think it's worth getting $600 engine work. With 200K miles, if he fixes problem other problem could be just approaching him, such as transmission.

 

[IshmaelLeaver]

The car is only worth ~$2,000(pvt party) and I don't think it's worth getting $600 engine work. With 200K miles, if he fixes problem other problem could be just approaching him, such as transmission.

'91-'94 Sentras reguarly go 250-300k, so it is worthwhile to fix the problem even at $600.

Put in new factory spec plugs, check the timing, and try cleaning out the engine by using some additives and giving it a nice long high speed run on a freeway.

Premium fuel might make the problem go away, too (for a while, at least).

If you really want to do the plug wires, they are super easy on a Sentra. Just make sure you hook them up correctly. Take your time.

 

[KokomoGST]

Mebbe your plugs are due for a change since the may be all gunked up, and since new plugs are general so friggin cheap, I change them every other oil change. Just make sure you gap plugs correctly or your car may not feel quite right in terms of power delivery(misfire and thus force your ECU to retard timing thus robbing power). Plug wires are easier than pie for a Sentra... in fact most cars. It's just annoying to have to take off a plug wire cover.

I recommend picking up a can of Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner to try to get rid of deposits in your engine. Just follow the directions, it should blow out a buncha nasty crap out of your tailpipe. Lots of people use it on their non-Chrysler cars and it's dirt cheap and effective... not a "snake oil" product.

 

[Pliablemoose]

fell8 is probably right, you should have a lot of carbon deposits, causing pre-ignition of your fuel, try some carbon removing gunk & see if it helps first.

Your plug wires are due to be replaced, as are your distributor cap & rotor...

Very simple stuff, just pull & replace 1 @ a time to keep the right firing order.

 

[JEDI]

ahh..thx

i did use premium (shell) and it continued to ping.

oh, here's some more info:
as i got low on oil (the oil light blinked on and off), the pinging got worst. when i got an oil change, the pinging decreased.