How to Reinstall Cleaned Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in an engine are small, but crucial parts of the ignition system. The plugs are located in the head (or heads) of the engine and deliver the spark that ignites the mixture of air and fuel being delivered to the motor. Over time, spark plugs can become dirty and may eventually foul and fail to deliver a spark to the engine. Spark plugs can sometimes be cleaned and reinstalled if they are dirty and performing poorly, or not at all.
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Instructions
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1
Wipe the holes where the spark plugs thread into with a rag and a quick drying cleaner such as carburetor cleaner. Wipe the threads out and ensure that there is no oil, grease or dirt present on them.
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2
Check the gap on the plugs by sliding a gapping tool between the end of the plug and the electrode, so that the proper gap is set. Consult a workshop manual for information on your specific car; consult the spark plug manufacturer for the correct spark plug gap.
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3
Apply a small layer of anti-seize to the spark plug threads. Thread in the spark plugs, by hand. When installing them, make sure that they do not go in crooked, as this could damage the threads on the head. Tighten the spark plugs as tight as they will go in, using your fingers.
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4
Finish tightening the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench and then a torque wrench. Consult a workshop manual for your specific make of vehicle for the exact foot-pound setting that the plugs should be tightened to.
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5
Slide the end of the spark plug wire over the spark plug, so that the boot seats firmly onto the end of the plug. You should feel a slight pop when the end of the plug wire seats onto the plug. Ensure that the spark plug wires are installed in the proper order. When the plugs were removed, they should have been marked so that they are properly reinstalled.
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Install the coils onto the spark plug, if your engine uses a coil-on-spark-plug design. Install the bolts that hold the coil in place and plug the wiring harness into the end of the coil. Repeat for the remaining spark plugs.
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