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| Basics of Spark Plugs |
| This DIY kit brought to you by Autolite will show you how easy it is to inspect and change your vehicle's spark plugs. |
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Materials: Spark plugs
Feeler gauge
Canned air
Anti-seize lubricant
Spark-plug wires
Socket wrench
Clothes pins The spark plugs in your vehicle use electricity to ignite the fuel-air mixture in each cylinder of the engine (figure A). - If it's been a while since you last inspected your plugs allow your vehicle to cool and begin by disconnecting the battery.
- Clean any debris from around the spark plugs so nothing falls into the cylinder holes when the plugs are removed.
- Attach a numbered clothes pin to each spark plug wire (figure B) so you can put them back in the correct firing order.
- Now remove the first plug and examine it to see if the electrode has become worn or eroded. If it has it needs to be replaced.
- Using a feeler gauge (figure C), check and adjust the new spark plug gap according to your owner's manual.
- Apply some anti-seize lubricant to the threads before hand tightening the new plug, and use a socket wrench to tighten the plug 1-16th of a turn after finger tight for a tapered seat -- or a quarter to half a turn for a gasket seat.
- Now repeat the process for the remaining plugs. All plugs should be replaced at the same time so some plugs don't wear out sooner than others.
- And consider installing platinum or double platinum plugs (figure D). They cost a little more, but they don't need to be replaced as often.
- Once complete, inspect the spark plug wires to see if any are cracked, brittle or frayed -- and replace if needed.
- Keeping your vehicle firing on all cylinders will make your engine run smoother and save you money at the gas pump.
RESOURCES :
Autolite Information
Autolite
39 Old Ridgebury Rd.
Danbury, CT 06810-5109
Website: www.autolite.com
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