New at all this
Discussion
Hi,
I'm trying to learn, all by myself, as no big brother or a dad that has any idea... Lol.
So, wanted to ask a question. I bought an 13 year old car with no service history. Decided I would use this to learn on and service myself. Having no idea what state it was in, I changed the air filter, even though the one in there looked pretty clean, so maybe they had serviced it?? Anyway, i decided to change the Spark plugs, because even though I could have taken them out to look at them, I wouldn't have a clue as to what I am looking at. So I have picture here and if someone can let me know what they think. We're these still pretty good? I know it's good to change them and they have been, but I want to learn as to what I'm looking at, if you know what I mean.
Anyways, any help greatly appreciated.
Eric
I'm trying to learn, all by myself, as no big brother or a dad that has any idea... Lol.
So, wanted to ask a question. I bought an 13 year old car with no service history. Decided I would use this to learn on and service myself. Having no idea what state it was in, I changed the air filter, even though the one in there looked pretty clean, so maybe they had serviced it?? Anyway, i decided to change the Spark plugs, because even though I could have taken them out to look at them, I wouldn't have a clue as to what I am looking at. So I have picture here and if someone can let me know what they think. We're these still pretty good? I know it's good to change them and they have been, but I want to learn as to what I'm looking at, if you know what I mean.
Anyways, any help greatly appreciated.
Eric
Any car I own, I always replace the spark plugs with OE items within a few weeks of getting them. They last so long that most people don't bother, but it always results in a smoother engine. Last time was a car with a full history on £40k. Looked to be 10 years old and thier when it was new.
Make sure you know and follow the procedure for tightening spark plugs correctly - and be aware that it's usually different when refitting used plugs. They have a crush sealing washer so it is not as simple as tighening any ordinary bolt.
Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
GreenV8S said:
Make sure you know and follow the procedure for tightening spark plugs correctly - and be aware that it's usually different when refitting used plugs. They have a crush sealing washer so it is not as simple as tighening any ordinary bolt.
Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
And don't assume that Euro Crap parts, Hellfrauds or GSF will list them correctly. Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
If the plugs are in a deep recess push a piece of rubber or plastic tube over the top & use that to start the plugs in the threads.
Once they've started then finish with a socket.
Considerably reduces the chance of cross threading.
When removing plugs if your socket doesn't have an insert to help lift the fully unscrewed plug out of a deep recess you can use the tube to get the plug out.
Be aware that some plugs still have screw caps so don't unscrew them if you use the tube.
Once they've started then finish with a socket.
Considerably reduces the chance of cross threading.
When removing plugs if your socket doesn't have an insert to help lift the fully unscrewed plug out of a deep recess you can use the tube to get the plug out.
Be aware that some plugs still have screw caps so don't unscrew them if you use the tube.
Pit Pony said:
And don't assume that Euro Crap parts, Hellfrauds or GSF will list them correctly.
Absolutely this, and goes the same for any manner of filter or service item. In my experience, with spark plugs, try and find NGK or DENSO plug code from either the car manufacturer parts catalogue or the spark plug company online catalogues, such that you can double check yourself.
GreenV8S said:
Make sure you know and follow the procedure for tightening spark plugs correctly - and be aware that it's usually different when refitting used plugs. They have a crush sealing washer so it is not as simple as tighening any ordinary bolt.
Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
Thanks, I got the part number from NGK website and it said it was pre-gapped. I don't have a tool to check, but I didnt even consider it honestly. I've installed them and it seems to be ok, but then again, what do I know 🤣🤣 I'm guessing an experienced person might be able to tell by noise, but seems all good.Also make sure you always thread the plugs in by hand and only use a spanner for the final tighten. If you insert them using a socket it's very easy to cross-thread them and do a lot of damage.
Check whether the plugs need to be gapped before fitting.
Use the manual to determine what spec of plug is needed - don't assume that what was fitted previously is correct.
Eric1066 said:
Thanks, I got the part number from NGK website and it said it was pre-gapped. I don't have a tool to check, but I didnt even consider it honestly. I've installed them and it seems to be ok, but then again, what do I know ???? I'm guessing an experienced person might be able to tell by noise, but seems all good.
When you say tool to check, you mean feeler gauges. Can't say I've used them in 10 years. The manufacturing consistency is much better than it was. Used to use them every other bloody week when I had a 2 stroke motorbike in The 1980s. Plugs out, wire brush, quick clean up with emery cloth, regap and refit with torque wrench. Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff