| Author | Message | ||
     Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 167 Registered: 10-2002 |
How hard is it to change the plugs? Is it pretty much straight forward, un-screw them and replace them? Also, if I was going to change the plugs, should I replace the wires as well? | ||
| micky dee (Kincangokicker) Member Username: Kincangokicker Post Number: 49 Registered: 06-2003 |
you should check the gap and make sure that it is correct. be sure to apply anti seize compound to the treads of the plug. this will ensue that they do not seize in there. and dont be afarid to tighten them TIGHT... replace the high tension leads if you want. check them for cracking. mark the miliage and change them at regular intervals. or follow the reccomend servicing. perform preventive mantaince and then you will need not to curse your corrective mantance | ||
| Shawn McKenzie (Shawn) Member Username: Shawn Post Number: 102 Registered: 10-2002 |
Erik, Not too tough at all. An excellent way to start with vehicle maintenance. Just do one at a time, so you don't have the possibility of mixing up the wires. Micky is right on and the only thing I'd add is put a dollop of dielectric grease inside the boots before attaching them to the plug. You'll find a lot of folks on this board (myself included) like the magnecor wires. www.magnecor.com Just do it! | ||
| Luis Constantin (Luisc) Member Username: Luisc Post Number: 122 Registered: 02-2003 |
If your using platinum plugs, you can't change the gap. To do so will weaken the platinum plating causing it to flake off, thus shorting the life of the plugs. The plugs should come pregapped. If you can, use a torque wrench to tighten. If they aren't in there tight enough, you could end up with a variety of problems, usually blowing out a plug stripping the threads. But you also don't want to over tighten, again, stripping out the threads. It's been 20K on mine so I can't remember what the ft/lbs are. I know when I index them, it's 12 ft/lbs. But you don't want to index. That's mainly for those of us that are power hungry and .001 hp really matters. | ||
| Bill Howell (Billh13) Member Username: Billh13 Post Number: 146 Registered: 03-2003 |
I was looking for the right gap-plug combo for my truck. (Can you say too much time on my hands.) I was changing all 8 plugs and gaping in 45 minutes. Just do it one at a time. | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 160 Registered: 05-2003 |
If your do get the wires mixed up, there is a page on your owners manual that have the correct set up! Just in case you need it. IMHO stay with the OE Champion spark plugs they work good on your truck and they are priced pretty much the same as others. As for the cables change them since this would be the perfect time to do so! Preventive Maintenance is good for this cars. | ||
| Kristopher March (Apexdisco) Member Username: Apexdisco Post Number: 146 Registered: 02-2002 |
I changed my plugs using the one-at-a-time approach. Took a solid hour to complete. I did not change out the wires and I haven't had any problems. Wires will most likely get changed next spring, along with a fresh set of plugs. I did however, put some dielectric grease in each boot. It's my opinion (or ignorance) that the wires don't need changing every time you change plugs. | ||
| Brent (Silly_me) Member Username: Silly_me Post Number: 53 Registered: 07-2003 |
>>>It's my opinion (or ignorance) that the wires don't need changing every time you change plugs.<<< Yeah that would get pricey. I only change mine when arcing occurs or other such problems. |
