Things You'll Need:
- 1. a spark plug gap setter 2. a toothbrush type wire brush 3. a sand paper stick or finger nail file 4. cleaning solution or gas will do 5. a ratchet with a long extension 6. a socket that will f
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Step 1
photo from http://www.istockphoto.com/index.phpEveryone knows that they should always change the spark plugs in their automobile every 3 to 5,ooo miles in order to save fuel and replace any bad spark plugs that might be damaged. Being a do-it-yourself mechanic, I have been getting more life out of my spark plugs simply by cleaning them every six months. Most people who are not mechanically inclined or just do not have the time, or do not want to get dirty, take their vehicle a repair shop and let a mechanic do this, however, every year the mechanic bill for this steadily keeps increasing.
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Step 2
Cleaning your spark plugs is a simple task that requires only 30 minutes of your time and saves you the money that you would have spent on a mechanic (approximately $30.00). You do not have to stop at the auto parts store and purchase any plugs for your type of vehicle, however, if you do not have a spark plug gap gauge, you can purchase one for approximately $1.00. You should also purchase a can of oil degreaser as well. Also ask the counter person to give you the gap setting for your type of vehicle. If you would like to also change the spark plug wires at the same time, this is a good opportunity to do that also.
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Step 3
After you get back home and the engine has had time to cool off, begin by raising the hood. And gently pull the spark plug wire off the first plug and set it aside. Take your ratchet and a spark plug socket (either a 13/16 or a ¾), and gently turn the spark plug to the left, continue this until the plug is completely out of the hole. Holding the spark plug in your hand, inspect it for any damage that may have been caused since the last time you had a tune-up done. If the electrode hasn’t been worn, you can now take a small strip of sand paper and clean the inside of the electrode. Take your small wire brush and brush any dirt off the threads of the spark plug. Using your gap setter, pry the electrode open to the setting that the counter person gave you at the parts store.
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Step 4
Once you have this done replace the spark plug back in its place and tighten it down. Be very careful not to get it turned sideways or it will strip out the threads either on the plug or in the hole. Now if you would like to change the spark plug wire just follow the loose wire back to the distributor and unplug it, replace with a new wire. You should repeat these steps until you have cleaned all the plugs. Now that everything is back in place start the car and make sure it is running right, if you have done everything right you will not hear a skipping noise, and you are finished. If the engine does not sound right you may have to start over, but you can tell which plug or plug wire is not correct.
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Step 5
These steps will save you money, and you will also know which plugs will need to be replaced the next time you are due for a tune-up.
Comments
MariM said
on 3/18/2009 Awesome article. what a great money saving idea.5*recmd
CJTurner said
on 10/6/2008 A better way to widen the gap in a spark plug is to grab the electrode arm and pull back on it with a pair of pliers, rather than putting the gapper in between where you run the risk of breaking off the tip of the center electrode.
Alisiane said
on 9/22/2008 I need to print this article and more like it so that I can become more knowledgeable about my own car other than "add gas and go". I'm getting a little old for that approach :-)
ashiflett said
on 9/6/2008 More people need to learn how to do this. It could benefit the vehicle that they drive, save on oil usage, as well as fuel usage. Great article!