How many people change their own spark plugs? (tires, buy, engine)

[wpme]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

I always DIY. I don't trust anyone else to put some anti-seize on the threads,

Most DIY'ers don't have anti-sieze, in that case I recommend they use silicone

[IShootNikon]

Some mfgs don't recommend anti-seize. NGK is one of them.

[Felix C]

Yes. #7 is a pain. Driver's side against the firewall. You would swear it was hidden underneath the firewall.

I too learned a great deal from LS1Howto and a bunch of youtube videos. Previously it would have been Chiltons or similar.

[ukrkoz]

Check. Since 1990.
But you may want to try same on say 2006 Range Rover or 2000 RX300........ No doubt folks will toss in more of plugs fun engines. 2.4L Ford Ranger engine, eg. Must remove intake manifold to do 2 plugs.

[Hoonose]

I'm thinking that my step bros 1974 Nova had to have the engine dropped to get the 2 back plugs...

[wankel7]

Originally Posted by IShootNikon

Some mfgs don't recommend anti-seize. NGK is one of them.

Because the torque specification is for dry threads.

Adding any sort of lubrication can lead to over torque.

However I feel the risk of bimetallic corrosion is greater....so I use anti seize.

[wankel7]

Originally Posted by wpme

That is why spark plugs should only be changed by highly trained certified mechanics, yes, take it to the dealer folks, otherwise you risk destroying the engine

Originally Posted by NickofDiamonds

Thats why you put them in with your fingers and not a tool. It should go in easily and you can feel it better with your fingers.
Put a piece of gas hose over the top of the sparkplug also so the hose will slip before the treads crossthread.

Originally Posted by headingtoDenver

Also, be sure to have someone else put the key in your ignition and turn it due to the slight chance of braking the key off.

Based on the average level of knowledge I see on this forum I cater my replies to the lower end of auto wrencher.

Hence, don't cross thread your spark plugs.

My first diy was spark plugs. I used the rubber hose technique to start the threads. That is good advice.

[IShootNikon]

I use a breaker bar to ensure the plugs are nice and tight in there

[ashpelham]

Took out the front 6 on my wife's Avalon. Waiting to do the back six, as they are REALLY hard to get to. On my 2005 325 BMW, did them all in just a couple hours, while also doing the VCG (valve cover gasket).

Sometimes, you just have to do the work yourself.

[Slowpoke_TX]

Originally Posted by wankel7

While easy to do the consequences of cross treading is a pain to deal with.

This is why, when starting the plug, you turn it backward until the threads drop, then tighten to spec.

Originally Posted by zoomzoom3

Some transverse mounted V-6's are the devil though when it comes to this, so bad that the engine nearly needs to be pulled just to change the rear cylinder bank plugs.

The transverse mounted Cadillac Northstar engine is a royal PITA to change the rear bank...