What all do I need to replace my spark plugs?

[Atty]

Well I was on slickdeals last night and noticed Advance Auto Parts was doing a 10$ off 30$ promotion online, so I went on and bought my new spark plugs. Assuming their online system is correct, they should fit. I just got some NKG Iridium OEMs.

Now what extra things do I need to buy to install them? We've got all the tools at our shop (assuming replacing boat engine parts is in any way similar to car engines D: ), I'm just curious what other pieces I'll need to buy.

Also, I've heard this is easy enough to do on your own, the friend who I'll have helping me has done it before but I'd like to do it primarily myself. Am I wrong in that understanding? Should I have a mechanic do it for me?

E: If you are wondering why I'm doing this its because I went through my repair/maintenance records for the car and it has never had them changed in over 110,000 miles.

 

[cheezmunky]

you might want to include the year, make, and model of the car you're working on as tools needed and difficulty can change greatly from car to car

 

[Atty]

1999 Camry CE 4cyl

 

[Zenmervolt]

It depends on the car. Some vehicles have their engines wedged in so tightly that you need to either disconnect or loosen one of the engine mounts to get at some of the plugs, on others you need to remove a wheel and part of the wheel well liner.

For most though, all you really need is at most a screwdriver and a socket set.

EDIT: A 4-cylinder FWD car should be dead simple.

ZV

 

[Vette73]

Yep should be right in front of you. Just lift plug off the sparkplug and haev at it. 1 at a time.

Don;t forget a little anti-seeze on the threads.

 

[PottedMeat]

socket set + extensions

 

[Kirby]

Are those iridiums worth the money over the regular one?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Are those iridiums worth the money over the regular one?

They last longer. That's the entirety of their advantage.

In terms of pure performance, plain old copper plugs are just as good as platinum and iridium plugs. The only reason for platinum and iridium plugs is to extend service intervals.

ZV

 

[bruceb]

Just a good spark plug socket of the correct size (there are about 3 or 4 sizes) with the rubber insert to not damage the porcelain. Also put a dab of Anti Seize on the plug threads. They will come out much easier next time. May want to put new plug wires as well. Hand tighten and go about 1/4 turn more with the wrench.

 

[PottedMeat]

Any experiences/opinions on the type of anti-seize compound to use ( aluminum head / steel plugs )?

I've got some of this laying around - http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/VCH0/13109.oap?pt=N0490&ppt=00000 .

Apparently there's zinc based, copper based, and nickel based compounds. I've read a few threads on other forums and some say don't use this, use that, others say the opposite.

 

[Vette73]

I have never noticed areal differance between them. I am sure some work better in some cases then others, but they all work better then none.

Also don;t over do it. Just a little on the threads and thats it. You don't have to coat the entire threads, just a little.

 

[jlee]

Just a good spark plug socket of the correct size (there are about 3 or 4 sizes) with the rubber insert to not damage the porcelain. Also put a dab of Anti Seize on the plug threads. They will come out much easier next time. May want to put new plug wires as well. Hand tighten and go about 1/4 turn more with the wrench.

I always thought the rubber insert was so you could pull the plug out once it was loose..

 

[bruceb]

It serves a few purposes, including holding the plug to start it in areas where you can't get to it easily. And it does help protect it against cracking the insulator,

 

[T2urtle]

4 banger camry is right in front. really remove spark plug wires and the plugs are there.

rather then get baller plugs. I would get some normal NGK platinum plugs x 4, plug wires and distributor cap and rotor. Plug wires might be $30 on its own. So you can make two transactions and find other filler items like air filter.

This way you can get pretty much a solid tune up. rather then pay $10-15 a plug. I know copper are about $3 and single platnums are about $5-7 most of the time

 

[Atty]

Well I got NKG Iridium's for $6 a piece, set of 4. Didn't get anything else, I can replace those laters I guess.

Got it done, took longer to wait for the engine to cool and find the right size socket then it did to replace them. Was easy. Thanks to everyone for help!

 

[TridenT]

Just make sure you didn't over torque them... If you twist them too far then... yeah, well.. you'll find out.

 

[ohfor]

I had a Trans Am 455 once where the best way to change plugs was to take the front wheels off and work through the wheel wells.

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

I had a Trans Am 455 once where the best way to change plugs was to take the front wheels off and work through the wheel wells.

my brother claims he cant change the spark plugs on his F150. Due to the design of the engine they have to take it near half apart to get to them. Soudsn retarded if you ask me,

 

[thescreensavers]

They last longer. That's the entirety of their advantage.

In terms of pure performance, plain old copper plugs are just as good as platinum and iridium plugs. The only reason for platinum and iridium plugs is to extend service intervals.

ZV

I thought Iridiums only lasted like 30k? The Platinums are rated at 100k?

Right?

 

[Howard]

I thought Iridiums only lasted like 30k? The Platinums are rated at 100k?

Right?

Iridium usually lasts longer than platinum

 

[Throckmorton]

Is it possible for a certain engine to not "like" iridium or platinum plugs? A lot of people say the Miata 1.8L doesn't like anything but regular copper plugs, and I've heard the same about the Jeep 4.0L I6.

 

[Vette73]

Is it possible for a certain engine to not "like" iridium or platinum plugs? A lot of people say the Miata 1.8L doesn't like anything but regular copper plugs, and I've heard the same about the Jeep 4.0L I6.

A spark is a spark. Now if the brand they got is a differant heat range and they have mods to the engine then maybe. But that would be a brand/heat range issue.

Most people swear that XYZ item either makes or breaks their gas milage/performance/etc... yet most have very little affect.

 

[Gibson486]

Are those iridiums worth the money over the regular one?

depends on the car. On mazda 3's, iridium or you get fault codes in the engine.

 

[Zargon]

my brother claims he cant change the spark plugs on his F150. Due to the design of the engine they have to take it near half apart to get to them. Soudsn retarded if you ask me,

my buddys 05 is the same way, he paid 300 bucks for a plug/wire job(along with a few other things, check fluids/suspension etc)

it books as like a 4 hour job

Is it possible for a certain engine to not "like" iridium or platinum plugs? A lot of people say the Miata 1.8L doesn't like anything but regular copper plugs, and I've heard the same about the Jeep 4.0L I6.

saturn S series HATE platinums, can throw misfire codes

A spark is a spark. Now if the brand they got is a differant heat range and they have mods to the engine then maybe. But that would be a brand/heat range issue.

Most people swear that XYZ item either makes or breaks their gas milage/performance/etc... yet most have very little affect.

it something about the way they cause voltage drop when they fire those different plugs can cause a modern ECU that can read that off the coils to freak out


on a FF car where its easy I see no reason to not use copper, if I went 100K I would be worried about the plug freezing in place and snapping when I try and pull it