Replacing spark plugs on a 98 civic? how hard is it?

[0roo0roo]

i was wondering. looking at the manual i'm up for 60k mile replacement of spark plugs. i've seen those things b4, so do u really just screw em out and just screw em in????

oh, looking at the manual, engine coolant shouldn't be all that hard. is there special disposal of the flushed fluid though?

 

[0roo0roo]

and do i need to change the wires too?

 

[puffpio]

you need a spark plug socket to remove it..and a torque wrench to screw it back in properly.
you have to make sure the spark plugs are gapped to teh right length before you install them.

dunno if it's hard or not. just unplug the battery and do it..make sure no crap falls in there while you have it out tho

 

[0roo0roo]

gapped to the right length? you mean i just have to buy the right size?

 

[Eli]

No, it's not hard. You need a sparkplug wrench.. I don't know about the need for a torque wrench.... I've never used one, you just make them snug.. but you definately don't want to overtighten them.

You need a spark plug gapper, which you can pick up for a dollar when you buy your new plugs.

You don't need to replace the wires unless they're damaged in some way.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
gapped to the right length? you mean i just have to buy the right size?

No. The gap between the electrodes needs to be set. Most plugs don't come gapped.

I'm always careful about not letting things fall down into the combustion chamber, too.. so I would recommend the same.

 

[Cid]

Make sure you have a long enough extension to reach the spark plug (6"+).

Remove spark plug.
Gap spark plugs to proper specs.
Screw new plugs in hand tight (without using socket wrench) so you don't risk damaging the threads.
Torque Spark plugs to 13 lbs/ft.

Also while your at it, you should also consider changing your distributor cap/rotor, fuel filter and air filter.
As for spark plugs, I recommend the stock NGKs.

HTH.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Cid
Make sure you have a long enough extension to reach the spark plug (6"+).

Remove spark plug.
Gap spark plugs to proper specs.
Screw new plugs in hand tight (without using socket wrench) so you don't risk damaging the threads.
Torque Spark plugs to 13 lbs/ft.

Also while your at it, you should also consider changing your distributor cap/rotor, fuel filter and air filter.
As for spark plugs, I recommend the stock NGKs.

HTH.

Yes.. Forgot about that. Definately start the plugs by hand. It's very easy to cross thread them if you use the wrench, you can't "feel" the abnormal resistance.

If you don't have a torque wrench, don't sweat it.. just make sure they're nice and snug. You don't need to really reef on them or anything, 13ftlbs isn't much.

 

[slycat]

it is pretty hard dude...
i bought some plugs for my 97 acura...
and after looking at them bitches and reading...i gave up..
i mean u need special tools, they need to be tightened to spec...
different for each car..etc.etc..

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: slycat
it is pretty hard dude...
i bought some plugs for my 97 acura...
and after looking at them bitches and reading...i gave up..
i mean u need special tools, they need to be tightened to spec...
different for each car..etc.etc..

You don't need any special tools, unless you consider a gapper to be special.

By the way, I probably shouldn't have used that picture because it is a horrible example. NEVER use the center electrode as leverage to adjust the gap. That's what the circuilar "gap opener" at the top is for.

 

[white]

i have a 98 civic and it's easy. follow what others have said here. for the coolant, get the stock honda coolant. they don't contain silicates or borates that honda's don't like. you have to dispose of the old coolant properly. over here there's a city recycling center that takes it for free.

 

[NutBucket]

Coolant isn't too bad. Just make sure to let the engine warm up completely when you're bleeding the system. Also, on the plugs you'll want to apply some antiseize compound to the threads. This prevents them from "freezing" to the head. Not absolutely necessary but it never hurts. Finally, I've found that with my Accord if I don't torque the plugs properly they tend to work themselves loose after a while. YMMV on that one.

 

[Kelvrick]

Some of the better spark plugs come "pre-gapped" so you don't have to worry about it.

 

[0roo0roo]

Make sure you have a long enough extension to reach the spark plug (6"+).

ah yes, civics seem to be right on top, so don't think i need an extention

Also while your at it, you should also consider changing your distributor cap/rotor, fuel filter and air filter.
As for spark plugs, I recommend the stock NGKs.

yea i've replaced my air filter today. it was soooo dirty. ick. i'm such a n00b.

guess i'll buy the wrench/gapper/anti seize stuff tommrow. my manual should have the gap spec right? or is it on the sparkplug?

i have a 98 civic and it's easy. follow what others have said here. for the coolant, get the stock honda coolant. they don't contain silicates or borates that honda's don't like. you have to dispose of the old coolant properly. over here there's a city recycling center that takes it for free.

ah, about how much is this dealer coolant?



i just figure if i've modded my case a lot now, i should be able to do some car stuff hahaha

figure i can save some money doing it myself right?

 

[NutBucket]

They appear to be right on top, but really they sit about 6" down in the head, next to the cam(s). (Can't recall whether 98's were single or dual)

 

[Kelvrick]

You will need to get the extension. The spark plugs are located right on top, but then they are buried pretty deap in there.

If you go to Kragens and put in your car, they'll have parts that will fit your car. Usually something like a Haynes or Chiltons manual will have all the specifications you need. You can get one off of ebay for like 10 bucks, I did. IT really comes in usefull.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo

Make sure you have a long enough extension to reach the spark plug (6"+).

ah yes, civics seem to be right on top, so don't think i need an extention

Also while your at it, you should also consider changing your distributor cap/rotor, fuel filter and air filter.
As for spark plugs, I recommend the stock NGKs.

yea i've replaced my air filter today. it was soooo dirty. ick. i'm such a n00b.

guess i'll buy the wrench/gapper/anti seize stuff tommrow. my manual should have the gap spec right? or is it on the sparkplug?

i have a 98 civic and it's easy. follow what others have said here. for the coolant, get the stock honda coolant. they don't contain silicates or borates that honda's don't like. you have to dispose of the old coolant properly. over here there's a city recycling center that takes it for free.

ah, about how much is this dealer coolant?



i just figure if i've modded my case a lot now, i should be able to do some car stuff hahaha

figure i can save some money doing it myself right?

Yes, your manual will have the gap specs in the maintenance section. But just FYI, and AFAIK.. the gap for Civics is 0.044".

Still check your manual though.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
You will need to get the extension. The spark plugs are located right on top, but then they are buried pretty deap in there.

If you go to Kragens and put in your car, they'll have parts that will fit your car. Usually something like a Haynes or Chiltons manual will have all the specifications you need. You can get one off of ebay for like 10 bucks, I did. IT really comes in usefull.

heh doh!

and chiltons it is.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
You will need to get the extension. The spark plugs are located right on top, but then they are buried pretty deap in there.

If you go to Kragens and put in your car, they'll have parts that will fit your car. Usually something like a Haynes or Chiltons manual will have all the specifications you need. You can get one off of ebay for like 10 bucks, I did. IT really comes in usefull.

heh doh!

and chiltons it is.

ALso, both are good, but people seem to think Haynes are better. Iono, but I got a haynes. Here's an example

 

[white]

the honda coolant varies by dealer, but mine sold it for $9/gallon. it's a little more than something you'd find at the auto parts store, but it won't damage your radiator or water pump. btw, there's a bolt on the engine head that is mentioned in the factory service manual that the owners manual doesn't mention. but i wouldn't worry about it. the coolant won't have the fluorescent yellow color that prestone has, but it's not supposed to.

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

One thing you have to be very careful about is pulling the plug wires off of the plugs. Make sure you pull them off slowly and steadily (do NOT 'tug' on them) or the ends will pull right off of the wire. I have a '95 and a '99 Civic and this has happened to me twice (once I was even trying to be careful).

As mentioned above, you will DEFINITELY need a long extension (at least 6 inch) and a spark plug socket or regular long neck socket and a pair of needle nosed pliers to pull the plugs out of the head. Otherise it's very straightforward.

Goodluck

SDC

 

[NutBucket]

On the gaps: Whenever I've bought NGK plugs from Kragen they've always happened to come with the correctly gapped from the factory. I guess it makes sense since they are the OEM.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea didn't have to gap em. just checked each to be sure. seems my old plugs wore down to .55 gap when they shoulda been .44 gap. bad bad bad!!

car runs smoother now

 

[her209]

pretty easy.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: her209
pretty easy.