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How to Change Spark Plugs
From your 4-wheel drive/SUVs Guide

A quick how to on changing your spark plugs.

Difficulty Level: Easy    Time Required: 40 minutes for a V8


Here's How:
  1. Get a service/repair manual before you start any of your own work on your vehicle.
  2. Make sure your motor is off and cool before you start.
  3. Make sure the gap on the spark plugs is right before you install them. (see tip one)
  4. Take just one spark plug wire off one plug by grabbing the spark plug wire boot and not the wire itself. Or use a spark plug wire puller.(see tip one and two)
  5. Make sure there is no dirt and/or oil around the spark plug.
  6. Take out that plug with the proper tools by turning the plug to the left (counterclockwise). Usually the tool is a 13/16s or 5/8s deep socket. You may have to have a swivel joint and an extension also.
  7. Replace it with a new one turning the spark plug in by hand until hand tight.
  8. Use the same tool you used to take out the old plug to snug up the new plug.
  9. Connect the spark plug wire onto the new plug. Make sure it is on. They usually kind of snap on.
  10. Follow steps three through eight until all spark plugs have been replaced.


Tips:

  1. While you are at the parts store you might want to get a spark plug gaper and spark plug wire puller. Even though the gap is pre set on new plugs it is a very good idea to check it. The wire puller saves the wires from pulling apart from the boot.
  2. Doing just one plug at a time helps you to keep everything going where it is suppose to be. A crossed plug wire means a miss.
  3. Take a good look at the old plugs. They can tell you a lot on how your rig is running. The manual you made sure you had before you started will help you with this usually.

Related Information:




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From Jim Walczak,
Your Guide to 4-Wheel Drive / Offroading.
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