Has anyone changed their own spark plugs??

[RodVette]

I'm at 30,000 miles and it's time for the spark plugs to be changed out. Has anyone done this before? Is this a diffucult task or is it a matter of getting the right tools taking out the old and putting in the new without any kind of adjustments or measurements?

 

[jflo]

it's not really difficult...all you need are a philips head screw driver, 4 replacement spark plugs, a gapping tool, a spark plug socket, a racket extension, a ratchet, and a 10mm socket. a torque wrench would also be useful.

just gap the plugs correctly and apply the right amount of torque to the plugs to seat them right.

 

[L8R]

it's not really difficult...all you need are a philips head screw driver, 4 replacement spark plugs, a gapping tool, a spark plug socket, a racket extension, a ratchet, and a 10mm socket. a torque wrench would also be useful.

just gap the plugs correctly and apply the right amount of torque to the plugs to seat them right.

yes, not that hard. make sure your motor is cool also. dont want to burn yourself installing. u will also need to buy lubricant ($1.00) for the spark plugs so it doesnt crack or break later when u install new plugs. the gapping tool is also like $1.00. torque wrench i didnt use, just dont over tighten.

its fairly simple. i did it for my first time w/o any problems. peace

 

[RodVette]

it's not really difficult...all you need are a philips head screw driver, 4 replacement spark plugs, a gapping tool, a spark plug socket, a racket extension, a ratchet, and a 10mm socket. a torque wrench would also be useful.

just gap the plugs correctly and apply the right amount of torque to the plugs to seat them right.

That's what I'm referring to...What is the correct GAP? What is the right amount of torque?

 

[LapisBlueProteg]

some plugs when u get them are pre gaped!

 

[eljefe305]

yeah if you get the plugs from discount auto parts or autozone they're pre-gapped it's always good to double check them though.

it's a super easy thing to do, make sure you also clean around spark plug before removing them to make sure no dirt or debri get into the combustion chamber.

 

[vindication]

.032

 

[RodVette]

yeah if you get the plugs from discount auto parts or autozone they're pre-gapped it's always good to double check them though.

it's a super easy thing to do, make sure you also clean around spark plug before removing them to make sure no dirt or debri get into the combustion chamber.

Thanks, so in double-checking the gap what should it be? Also, is the some kind of spray I would use to clean around the old plugs or do I just use a rag?

 

[mogi]

If you can, used compressed air to blow out the area around the spark before removing (they sit in a recessed area on the engine).
The gap should be something like 0.040 - 0.042, it is listed in your owner's manual if you want to double check.
As far as brand goes, get NGK or Denso if you want to stick with OEM brands, they work well and are reliable.
As suggested above, get a small tube of lubricant/anti-sieze to put on the new spark plug threads so you can get them out at a later date (e.g. when changing them next time).
If you don't have a torqure wrench, a good rule of thumb is get them finger tight, then take it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn more. Only a few foot-pounds of torque. Remember, it is an aluminum head, you don't want to strip the threads!

 

[Action Jackson]

Dielectric grease would be nice too.

 

[eljefe305]

Thanks, so in double-checking the gap what should it be? Also, is the some kind of spray I would use to clean around the old plugs or do I just use a rag?

compressed air really works best, but if not just a damp lint-free rag will do

 

[Jack Daniels]

Do you really need to change the plugs at 30k?

 

[RedKatanax9]

Do you really need to change the plugs at 30k?

Yeah, I am wondering too, mine is at 42K and I still haven't changed them.

 

[goldstar]

P5 and Sedan:
spark plug gap: .040-.043" (1.0-1.1 mm

tightening torque: 11-16 ft/lbs (15-22 N/m)

If you get the correct plugs from the dealer, they will be pre-gapped to spec.

According to the FSM, the plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles.

 

[JOS3]

mazda recommends that the plugs be changed at 30K miles

(RTM)

 

[RodVette]

Are plug wires connected to the spark plugs? I was trying to take the first one off to get to the plug and it was rather hard to come off. Should I just pull harder or is there a certain way to get it off?

 

[RX]

Pull harder...and what kind of car do you have?

 

[toucci]

Are plug wires connected to the spark plugs? I was trying to take the first one off to get to the plug and it was rather hard to come off. Should I just pull harder or is there a certain way to get it off?

they just sit on there. be careful to not pull by the wire and they'll come off, but they go back on much more easily

 

[KpaBap]

Plugs will look like s*** and start performing poorly at around 10-12k miles. Considering new plugs cost like nothing and it takes like 12.66 seconds to change the plugs..... Do you really need to wait till 30k miles? Penny wise I guess...

 

[Jack Daniels]

Plugs will look like s*** and start performing poorly at around 10-12k miles. Considering new plugs cost like nothing and it takes like 12.66 seconds to change the plugs..... Do you really need to wait till 30k miles? Penny wise I guess...

10-12K miles?? WTF kind of crappy plugs are in this thing? I've got 90k on the wife's Regal GS's platinum plugs and it's running fine. I am going to change those soon however.