How To Change & Inspect Spark Plugs

How To Change & Inspect Spark Plugs. How to change spark plugs in an inline four cylinder engine. Changing plugs in a 1999 Acura Integra is a fairly simple job, however there are some tips along the way worth understanding.

There’s several things you’ll want to look for while inspecting spark plugs. The electrode may be worn out, you may often see it rounded rather than flat. You want to check the plug gap, using a simple tool. For my car the recommended gap is 1.1 mm, you can check your owners manual for this information. You want to look for oil fouling or carbon deposits around the spark plug tip. It’s also a good idea to inspect the gasket where the plug seals with the head, and make sure the electrode insulator is not cracked. It’s important to replace the plugs with what the manufacturer recommends.

NGK recommends not using any anti-seize compounds on the plugs, as the lubricant may cause the installer to over torque the plug. The NGK plugs have a zinc shell plating that is designed to prevent seizure to the cylinder head, as well as prevent corrosion. Often plugs with a shiny appearance have a special coating, thus not requiring the use of anti-seize. Cheaper plugs with a darkened or dull appearance typically will not have a special plating, and in this case it is recommended to use anti-seize.

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[blaineharrison]

As a major noob at anything engineering related, being told i might need to sort my spark plugs made me so anxious I was almost ready to pay more than suggested here. This video has made me feel so much better about it, absolute hero!

[nickkk]

I like your videos, quick to the point, and Ur very well spoken and easy to listen to, keep up the great work!

[DestDroid]

Quite possibly one of the best sponsored videos out there.

[aibbincubus]

Very easy, very comprehensive, and very clear. I hope you inspire others who are not familiar with working on cars to open their eyes on how easy and rewarding it feels to accomplish and complete basic maintenance on their vechicles.

[fonziluis]

I've been working at AutoZone for little less than a year. And ever since then I've become a huge fan of yours, as well as Scotty and Eric. love you guys.

[imreloadin]

Another tip for when getting the new plugs started when installing them is to stick them in a longish piece of snug fitting hose and then the hose will bend and allow you to still tighten them if they're in hard to reach areas. This also helps to make sure you don't cross thread them as the hose will spin on the end of the plug before you are able to tighten them too much to do damage.

[metalhalide]

Great mention about the zinc coating on spark plug threads, torque specs are always for CLEAN and DRY unless specified. Any GREASE or OIL on threads will increase the clamping force by a large percent and thread damage is possible especially with aluminum.

[BlockchainOdin]

Just as I was looking at changing mine, thanks! :D

[pedrosam]

Informative. Consider doing more videos on the basic maintenance items from the owners manual.

[faisalmuhammad]

You provide detailed material information and good in depth knowledge of every work you do... Thats the best part. A big Thumbs up to you man 👍

[larrystoogel]

It should be mentioned that the factory coating on those ngk plugs is only good for the first installation. If you remove to inspect, you no longer have that protection as it breaks away upon removal of the plug. You should use an anti-sieze if reinstalling the same plug.

[ButterySkater]

So knowing about cell walls were more important than knowing this in high school?

[Krabbykrabbkrabb]

Very comprehensive yet brief. I'm left with no questions after yhe vid. Greak vid !!

[howabouthetruth]

1 very important piece of information you failed to mention: The every day driver should NEVER pull plug wires unless the engine is completely cold, because heat causes both the spark plug connector-tip and the wire connectors to expand. This can and often does wallow out the wire connector, causing a poor fit, resulting in a bad connection to the plug. Always inspect/change plugs and/or wires when the engine is totally it's a roadside emergency of course.

[maryferguson]

Thank you for not waffling on. To the point and easy to follow directions.

[The_Super_NOVA]

Thank you! I have been scammed and my car has even been sabotaged by mechanics in the past, so I want to learn basic maintenance like this myself.

[garyboyh]

Very nice. After I watched this, I checked my 98 Corolla last sparkplug changed and just found out its been over 10k lapse already on its regular interval. Now this video becomes handy. :)

[DirtySouthGaming]

Legit. I subbed to this channel years ago. Glad to see you're still making quality videos.

[davidclements]

Question. I really love this stuff. I was a Mechanic in the Military and I want to do basically what you do here. What is your degree? Is it Mechanic Engineering? What route did you take to get to where you're at now? Thanks for your time!

[davidromba]

I like how you did the Integra and not the STI. Just did my WRX plugs recently, what a nightmare.