How to change spark plugs on a car
Content
All car parts have a certain margin of safety. The service life of the ignition system depends on the metal at the end of the electrodes. Ordinary (nickel) candles must be changed every 15-30 thousand kilometers. Manufacturers of products with platinum and iridium tips promise their uninterrupted operation up to 60-90 thousand km.
If you know how to change spark plugs, you will not have to contact a service center in case of a part breakage. The repair procedure itself is not complicated, but it requires careful execution and compliance with safety regulations.
How to change spark plugs
All car parts have a certain margin of safety. The service life of the ignition system depends on the metal at the end of the electrodes. Ordinary (nickel) candles must be changed every 15-30 thousand kilometers. Manufacturers of products with platinum and iridium tips promise their uninterrupted operation up to 60-90 thousand km.
It is necessary to check the condition of the candles ahead of time if these signs are observed:
- problems with starting the car;
- the engine power has dropped;
- acceleration became worse;
- increased fuel consumption (up to 30%);
- there was a Check Engine error;
- during the trip jerks are observed.
These defects may be for other reasons, but most often due to wear of the spark plug electrodes. As a result of an increase in the gap, an unstable spark formation in the ignition coil and incomplete combustion of the fuel-air mixture occurs. Residues of fuel enter the catalyst, accelerating its wear.
Therefore, if at least 1 of the defects in the engine is observed, it is better to check the candles and, if necessary, replace them. This procedure is easy to perform in a garage without going to a car repair shop.
How to change spark plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Tools
In addition to new parts, the following devices will be needed for repairs:
- socket bits;
- flat screwdriver to remove the motor cover;
- ratchet with a "ratchet";
- head 16 or 21 mm with rubber seal;
- spark gap gauge.
If the part is difficult to reach, then you can use an extension cord and a universal joint. To facilitate the work, an additional dielectric lubricant, anti-size (antiseize), a dry clean cloth, industrial alcohol, tongs, a powerful compressor or a brush are additionally useful.
Stages of work
Before repair, it is necessary to stop the car, open the hood and allow the engine to cool down. Then remove the protective cover and other elements that interfere with work. Then determine the location of the candles. They are usually found on the side or top, 1 per cylinder. A guide can be a bundle of 4-8 wires with black or insulation.
Removing old candles
First you need to thoroughly blow the work surface with compressed air or wipe it with a cloth soaked in alcohol. Such cleaning will prevent dirt and sand from entering the cylinder when dismantling parts. After that, you can start dismantling.
Procedure:
- Find the high voltage cable connected to the spark plug.
- Carefully disconnect its terminal by pulling on the base cover. The armored wire itself cannot be pulled, otherwise it can be damaged.
- Put a socket wrench on the old part. If the cylinder is in an inconvenient position, use a cardan joint.
- Slowly turn the tool counterclockwise without force, so as not to break the part.
- Remove the candle and wipe it with a rag soaked in alcohol.
- Check the condition of the well thread and clean it of dirt.
It is also recommended to inspect the electrodes. The soot on them should be brown. The presence of oil on the surface of the part indicates a problem with the cylinder head rings. In this case, contact the service center.
We put new candles
First you need to compare the thread sizes of the new and old products. It must match. In addition, the spark gap should be measured. If it does not meet the recommended parameters of the car manufacturer, adjust (standard range 0,71-1,52 mm). Then proceed with the installation:
Installing new spark plugs
Step by step scheme:
- Lubricate the spark plug with an anti-seize anti-seize agent to protect the threads from corrosion and sticking (the composition should not get on the electrode).
- Put a new part in the well at the right angle.
- Screw clockwise by hand to the limit.
- Treat the cap with silicone dielectric.
- Connect the wire back to the spark plug.
| Torque examples | ||
| Thread | Candle with o-ring | Tapered |
| M10 x 1 | 12 Nm | — |
| M12 x 1.25 | 23 Nm | 15 Nm |
| M14 x 1.25 (⩽13 mm) | 17 Nm | |
| M14 x 1.25 (⩾ 13 mm) | 28 Nm | |
| M18 x 1.5 | 38 Nm | 38 Nm |
If short breaks are made during the repair, then open wells should be covered with a cloth so that dust does not penetrate inside. It is better to dismantle and install parts one by one so as not to confuse the sequence of wires. At the end of the work, the tools should be counted. This will make sure that nothing has fallen into the engine.
Safety precautions when replacing spark plugs
Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment:
- glasses will prevent small foreign particles from entering the eyes;
- gloves will protect the skin from cuts.
Spark plugs can only be replaced with a cold engine. If it is hot, then when working with a torque wrench, it is easy to damage the threads of the well. And from accidentally touching a hot part with your hands, there will be a burn.
Where to change spark plugs - contact a car repair shop
This repair is within the power of any car owner. Youtube is full of videos with tips and instructions on this. But, if there is no free time for the procedure, there are no suitable tools and spare parts, then it is better to trust the service station mechanics. The cost of such a service in Moscow ranges, on average, from 1000-4000 rubles. The price depends on the region, the skill of the specialist, the brand of car and the type of motor.
If you know how to change spark plugs, then the procedure is easy to do with your own hands. So the driver will gain useful experience in car maintenance and reduce the cost of repairs at the service center.
