| Preventive Maintenance - Servicing Spark Plugs and Wires |
From "Car Care Workshop"
episode DCC-104 |
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Spark plugs create the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in the engine. This process is the basis of the internal-combustion process that powers your vehicle. If the vehicle is missing, backfiring or running rough, it may be because not all of your spark plugs are firing properly. If the problem isn't corrected, the engine may eventually fail to start. Poor spark-plug performance also robs your vehicle of power and reduces its fuel efficiency. An engine tune-up typically includes replacing the spark plugs and spark-plug wires. Improved technology has done a lot to lengthen service intervals for newer cars. Whereas some older vehicles should be tuned every 30,000 miles, some newer ones can go as far as 100,000 before the first major tune-up. Even if you have a newer model, it's a good idea to check your spark plugs about every 60,000 miles. If you determine that your spark plugs need changing, replace the spark-plug wires too. Check the owner's manual to make sure you purchase the correct replacement plugs. Use masking tape and a marker to number the old wires so it will be easier to install the replacements in the correct order. Work on one spark plug and wire at a time in order to prevent a mix-up. Materials: Socket wrench, extender and spark-plug socket
Torque wrench
Feeler gauge
Masking tape
Dielectric grease
Antiseize lubricant
- Disconnect the wire from the spark plug, leaving the other end of the wire attached to the distributor cap. Disconnect by grasping the wire's rubber boot and twisting it away gently.
- Remove the old spark plug, using a socket wrench, an extender and a spark-plug socket.
- Prepare each new plug before installing it: Use a feeler gauge to "gap" the new plug. Check your owner's manual or a service manual to determine the correct gap, then slide the appropriate-sized feeler between the electrodes (figure A). The feeler should slide out freely, with only a slight drag. If the electrode needs to be adjusted, use the adjuster on the end of the tool. Apply a small amount of antiseize lubricant to the threads on the new plugs (figure B) to make sure they can be removed the next time the plugs need replacing.
- Install the new plug, using the extender and the spark-plug socket. Take care not to cross threads. Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the proper specifications (figure C), as indicated by your owner's manual.
- Apply some dielectric grease to the ends of the new wire to ensure good contact (figure D). Reconnect the wire by carefully replacing the boot over the plug.
- Repeat the process for each plug and wire.
Note: Your new set of wires will contain one extra wire -- the one that leads from the distributor to the coil. Once the process is finished, you'll probably notice an improvement in the way your vehicle drives.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Saturday Mechanic
Model: 0688178081
Author: Popular Mechanics Staff (Editor)
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
William Morrow Books / Hearst Books
Website: www.harpercollins.com
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