Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
The Civic has always been a staple in the import compact car scene, making it more of a Goliath in David's clothing amongst its competitors. Outwardly, the 1997 Civic appeared to be available in only three body types: coupe, sedan and hatchback. But, among these options were a variety of trim levels and engine types to suit the needs of a wide range of buyers. The Si trim level, with its 1.6-liter dual-overhead-cam VTEC B16A2 engine, is very desirable among import car enthusiasts. Honda recommends that you change the spark plugs every 30,000 miles on most of the available engine…
If your house has cast-iron drain plumbing, the main soil stack probably features a brass cleanout plug at the point where it connects to the sewer, and possibly at one or two other places as well. The cleanouts are there to give you access to insides of the pipes in the event of a blockage, and if you ever have to use one, you have to remove the plug. It has a square nut you can grip with a wrench, but because it isn't often used, it may not turn very easily.
Gasoline is becoming more expensive every day. At at average gas price of $4 per gallon, the thought of poor fuel mileage can make anyone cringe. Replacing the spark plugs in your 2001 Toyota 4Runner can help maintain the engine's efficiency and keep you from losing that precious fuel mileage.
Magnets and magnetic fields are not only fascinating, but also baffling to many people. On your vehicle it is hard to imagine that a magnetic field is used to turn 12 volts into about 40,000 volts or more in order to fire a spark plug. With something this amazing occurring in your 1999 Chevrolet Blazer ignition coil, there is little room for failure in this system. The good news is that if the coil fails on your Blazer, you can replace it with common tools.
Iron and wrought iron chairs last for many years with proper upkeep. Since they are made from metal, the bottoms of the chair legs can damage floors and wooden decks without protective caps in place. Caps or glides are usually included with new furniture, but over time may break, wear or fall out. A chair missing even one cap is also prone to wobbling. Replacement caps are available in home improvement and furniture stores in a variety of sizes; for best results, bring an existing cap with you to the store to select the proper style and size.
Spark Plugs - Changing and Maintenance. Part of the Auto Center series. Get tips on how to properly change and maintain your spark plugs.
The Pontiac Fiero was born in 1984 as a two-seater mid-engine coupe with lots of potential. Whether that potential was eventually realized or not, the addition of a V-6 engine option in 1985 was a step in the right direction. The high-energy ignition system of either the base four-banger, or the V-6, operated on the same basic principles, with similar components. Ignition module failure occurs abruptly, with a finality that provokes disbelief. Any car of this vintage may be prone to breakdowns, but certain design characteristics of the Fiero make the ignition module more susceptible to demise than similar modules…
With a base model offering a 2.5-liter six-cylinder and an automatic transmission, the 1998 Mazda Millenia has decent and reliable power. Even while the technology existed to have individual coil packs for each spark plug, Mazda decided to continue using a camshaft driven distributor to direct current to each spark plug. Mazda also decided to integrate the ignition coil into the distributor housing so that it mounts as a whole unit and doesn’t require an extra wire to deliver current to the distributor. Replacing the ignition coil isn’t any more difficult to do than replacing the distributor cap and is…
Based on the idea of economy the base Jeep Liberty offered for the 2005 model year came with an inline four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Despite the nice trim package it seems Jeep wanted to make life difficult on even top mounted spark plugs by placing the throttle body over the middle two cylinders, requiring you to remove the throttle body to even access the plug wires. It may sound like an in-depth job for a quick tune-up, but the throttle body is quick to remove and install and will only add about five minutes of extra time…
Your MTD 24-inch snow blower is equipped with a 5 horsepower air cooled engine and can shoot snow about 5 to 6 feet away from the area you’re clearing. Aside from normal maintenance like oil changes and cleaning, you also have to replace the spark plug and wire from time to time. A good rule of thumb is to replace the spark plug every season; at only a couple dollars, it will help keep your engine at an optimal performance level. You can replace your spark plug wire pending visual inspection, but at one point or another it will have…
Funny how things happen in a big corporation like GM. The Firebird had been Pontiac's flagship ponycar for decades when the fourth-generation car debuted in 1993. And, being Pontiac, you'd think that Pontiac's own V-6 would have been the hottest choice for the sub-V8 model Firebird. But no; instead, Pontiac turned to it luxury sister-brand Buick to source the fantastic 3.8-liter that motivated the legendary Grand National a scant 10 years before. But Pontiac wasn't alone, as GM adopted the design and made it the "corporate" 3.8-liter of choice for every division. Coil testing procedures for the Corporate, nee Buick,…
The 1999 Chevy Malibu came with a 3.1-liter six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The spark plug wires on your 3.1-liter transfer current from the coil pack to each individual spark plug. The spark timing is electronically control by the ECM and is based on the location of the crankshaft and camshaft. Replace the spark plugs is a straightforward task well suited for the home mechanic. Chances are if you need to replace your spark plug wires your spark plugs should also be replaced to ensure optimal performance of your engine.
Sebring coupes and convertibles of the 1997 model year share their suspension platforms and some engine options with Mitsubishi models of the era. Few reports of engine problems have been registered, regardless of configuration. Smooth operation is offered by V6 mills, which were exclusively mated to automatic transmissions. The four-bangers horsepower ratings neared that of the larger engines, and they could be partnered with manual transmissions, yielding a more spirited disposition. A Sebring of this vintage that has been favored for daily use, may well be in need of some scrupulous maintenance. Certain systems or items, left unattended, can be…
Introduced in 1983, Chevrolet's Blazer was a three-quarter-sized SUV for people who needed an SUV without the full-size hassles. So, GM's own "three-quarter small-block" seemed like a natural fit for the chassis. Essentially a 350 V-8 with two cylinders hacked off, the resulting 4.3-liter was powerful, compact, and had an exhaust note unlike anything this side of a V-8. Coil-testing procedures for the most prevalent Vortec 4300 version are understandably identical to those used for the engine's V-8 siblings -- and just as easy.
While Chevy's small-block has gotten the most attention, the Buick 231 V-6 has one of the most interesting success stories of all GM engines. This motor actually started out as an all-aluminum V-8, introduced in 1961, and sold to England's Rover Company in 1967. Rover used this V-8 to power all of its offerings for almost another four decades, while GM re-tooled the design as a V-6. The Buick 231 saw widespread use throughout the 1970s and 1980s, sprouting along the way turbochargers, fuel injection and multiple coil packs. Even today, GM's 3800 V-6 can trace its design roots back…
Some roads are paved with good intentions, others with broken dreams; still others are paved with broken down cars, formerly driven by people with good intentions. Lubricating spark plug threads is one of those things that seems like a good idea at the time, until you realize all the reasons that you shouldn't do it.
The ignition timing should be checked on your 1966 Ford Fairlane as part of the normal tune-up procedure. Correct ignition timing ensures that the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber is ignited at the correct time. Incorrect ignition timing can cause pre-ignition -- or pinging -- that lead to engine damage. Incorrectly set ignition timing can also negatively affect fuel mileage. Checking the ignition timing in your Ford can be done with a timing light.
The tubular rubber cushion inside a spark plug socket is meant to hold the plug squarely in the socket during installation or removal. It is also intended to keep the socket from skewing and binding on the plug, which can break the ceramic insulator of the new plug. The cushion can be made of hard, or foam, rubber, and is glued into the socket during the manufacture process. The glue often fails due to the temperatures and grime encountered during repeated use. Professional mechanics remove the inserts from the sockets before ever employing the tool. They also select sockets with…
Automotive aftermarket products meant to boost engine performance are most effective when provisions are made to take full advantage of their benefits, features and functions. Substantially increasing the size of a carburetor will render no benefits unless the fuel pump can meet the additional supply demands, and the engine has been modified to accommodate the increased air and fuel flow. Likewise, a high-performance ignition coil can produce superior electrical energy, but without sufficient means to distribute the amplified power, no noticeable improvement is realized.
Specific spark plug designs and characteristics are selected by engine manufacturers to optimize the operation of a particular combustion chamber. Different engine configurations and uses often dictate the requirements to be fulfilled by a spark plug. The plug reach, or threaded length must be appropriate for the plug electrodes to be in proper position in the cylinder. The way a seal is formed at the plug seat depends on the mating surface of the engine. The heat range of the spark plug recommended by the engine manufacturer is intended to provide peak performance in that engine. Several factors may lead…
Like most ponderings in automotive repair, the question of removing spark plug wires from a running engine isn't necessarily so much one of "could" as it is of "should." Technically, yes, you can yank the plug wires off of a running engine just as easily as you could one that isn't running, but it may not necessarily prove conducive to you or your car's good health.
Back in the days of Nirvana and Clinton, Ford's trademark Explorer wasn't quite the beast that it would become in later years. Originally, the Explorer landed somewhere between the Ranger and F-150 in terms of weight class and came only with a 4.0-liter V-6. But, while fairly large for a V-6, the 4.0-liter didn't rely solely on its displacement for power; its computerized control system and coil pack ignition helped to make the most of every drop of fuel going in. Though this system has historically proven pretty reliable -- at least compared to older distributor-driven systems -- time and…
The LT-1650 was a riding mower produced by White Outdoors for residential use. The LT-1650 was powered by a 16-horsepower Brigg & Stratton-built L-twin engine that allow the mower to tackle most jobs that a homeowner could face. Regular maintenance is an absolute must to ensure that the mower is ready for action season-after-season. As such, the engine's spark plugs should be replaced after every consecutive 100 hours of use, or at the beginning of each Spring season. Replacing the spark plugs does not require any type of special tools, save for a spark plug socket, and can be accomplished…
The 1995 Volkswagen Jetta base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a five-speed manual transmission. The ignition system used on your 2.0-liter has a single ignition coil that feeds to the distributor cap via an ignition wire. Because one coil is used to supply the electricity to the distributor, a faulty coil will cause your engine to run rough, and in some cases, not at all. In order to test the ignition coil, you will need to use a multimeter to read the resistance of the ignition coil.
Oil on the ceramic portion of the spark plug is from an external source. If the oil is on the electrode only, there is an internal problem. This must be located not only to stop the leak, but to protect the spark plug wires as well. Hot oil will cause the spark plug wire boot to swell and soften. The high voltage ignition systems used in late model vehicles can blow a hole through the boot, resulting in a short against the engine block and may even allow water to pool in the spark plug well.
As of 2012, the Ninja ZX-14 is the largest model in Kawasaki's sport motorcycle lineup. The ZX-14 was provided with a closed-loop electronic fuel-injection system directly from the Kawasaki's manufacturing facilities, whose sole responsibility was to provide a steady mixture of air and fuel to the engine under a preset range of conditions. Changes made to the ZX-14's intake or exhaust systems can create an imbalance in the air/fuel ratio that the EFI system cannot compensate for on its own. The addition of more air through an air leak or through the replacement of the stock air filter with a…
Adjusting the time on an iPad is something you can do with a few key taps of your finger. Adjust the time on an iPad with help from a mobile strategist in this free video clip.
Spark plugs can get rusty for a variety of different reasons, and not all of them are necessarily your fault. Learn about why spark plugs get rusty with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
Removing oil from a spark plug well requires the right tools and a little bit of know-how. Remove oil from a spark plug well with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video clip.
The first Corvette came fitted with an underpowered 150-horsepower, 235 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine. The 2006 Corvette’s base-level LS2 6.0-liter V-8 engine cranks out nearly three times the horsepower of its 1953 counterpart. This 400-horsepower V-8 engine uses a distributorless ignition system and has one coil for each individual spark plug. Replacing the ignition coil on this high-powered machine is fairly simple, considering its high-tech design.
In 1982, General Motors increased its embrace of the compact-truck market by eliminating the Isuzu-built LUV and replacing it with two nearly identical GM-built compact trucks. The GMC version of this compact truck was the S-15 Sonoma. The 2002 GMC Sonoma came standard with a 120-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that used a distributorless ignition system. This ignition system had two coil packs mounted to a single ignition control module, and each pack delivered electrical current to two spark plugs. Replacing a coil pack on the base 2.2-liter engine is a straightforward progress, but it requires access to the underside of…
The 1998 Ford F-150 was equipped with a 4.2-liter V-6 in the base, two-wheel drive model and produced 210 horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. The ignition module or coil pack provides the spark to the plugs. The spark in the ignition coil is controlled by the engine control module. Bad ignition coils can cause issues with the engine running and idling. Replacing the ignition coil requires removal of other engine components.
The S-10 Blazer hit showroom floors in the 1983 model year as the first true mid-size SUV. It gave buyers who wanted an off-road capable machine, but still needed it to be driver-friendly a solution. With the Blazer’s release, Chevy launched the now-hot mid-size SUV marketplace, nearly a decade before anyone realized it was a lucrative market. The 1995 model year marked the renaming of the full-size Blazer and the subsequent deletion of “S-10” from the mid-size Blazer’s name. The 1995 Blazer came standard with a 200-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 engine, which required a spark plug replacement every 30,000 miles.
The spark plugs on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3.4-liter engine, should be replaced every 30,000 miles. At the time of replacement, the spark plug wires must be inspected and replaced if you find any signs of defects. The engine must be cold when replacing the spark plugs to prevent the possibility of destroying the threads in the cylinder heads. Replacing the spark plugs should be done one at a time to prevent crossing the spark plug wires.
Ignition timing refers to the point at which the spark plugs ignite the fuel within an engine’s cylinder. Proper timing is all-important to the thermo-efficiency of the engine. The first thing to keep in mind is that fuel burns at a certain rate in an engine regardless of the rpm.
Electricity is employed in a multitude of uses in the average automobile. Relays, switches and motors abound, and controls range from simple timers to complex computer circuits. However, the most dynamic use of "juice" may take place inside the ignition coil. Electrical engineers might not be impressed with this basic transformer, but the voltage produced is more than worthy of appreciation and respect. Ignition coils amplify meager battery-powered sparks into a force that mimics the awesome abilities of lightning.
The Bucher QRM rejector is named after Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. engineer Elmer Bucher, who worked with the company in the early part of the 20th century and became a respected figure in early radio operations. It is a simple and useful device that helps eliminate unwanted signals interfering with a crystal radio set reception when placed in series between the antenna and the set. Ready-to-build kits are readily available, but it can be easily constructed provided you have access to the right materials.
In 1997, the Chrysler Sebring turned just two years old. This Mitsubishi Eclipse-based vehicle came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which it also shared with its Mitsubishi donor, that cranked out an impressive-for-the-size 140 horsepower. Chrysler recommended swapping out the old spark plugs on this 2.0-liter engine every 30,000 miles as a part of normal maintenance. Changing the plugs is a straightforward process, but finding them may be a little tricky to the untrained eye.
In the 2000 model year, Ford redesigned the Taurus for the third time in its 14-year history, dropping the excessively oval-shaped body in favor of a far more conservative look. The 2004 Taurus, still bearing the 2000 body style, had three 3.0-liter engines available. The base-level engine in the 2000 Taurus was a 3.0-liter overhead valve configuration, which Ford named the “Vulcan” engine. Replacing the spark plugs in the 155-horsepower Vulcan engine is a task that Ford recommends performing every 60,000 miles. Overall, the task is a simple one, but accessing the rear plug can be a tight squeeze for…
The 1993 Ford E-150 vans equipped with 5.0-liter gasoline engines use spark plugs to provide an ignition source for the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber. Spark plugs are considered a maintenance point due to wear caused by normal operation and should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Installing new, properly gapped spark plugs at the recommended interval is important to maintain the power, fuel economy and emissions levels of the engine. Access the spark plugs in the E-150 by removing the engine cover in the passenger compartment.
In 1997, Chevrolet ended the confusion by ending the Lumina APV minivan, which had virtually no relation to the Lumina sedan, and replacing the Lumina minivan with the Venture. The 1997 Venture featured a 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine, for which Chevrolet recommended changing the spark plugs every 100,000 miles. Chevy shoehorned the 3.4-liter engine into the Venture’s engine compartment, so replacing the rear spark plugs requires you to rotate the engine, using a special General Motors tool, which you can rent from most auto parts stores.
Modern spark plugs are more durable than most previous designs. Until recently, spark plugs rarely lasted beyond a few thousand miles, and chains of tune-up shops thrived by offering this vital service. Professional technicians and astute hobbyists inspect spark plugs to gauge engine and ignition system conditions. The appearance of the business end of any spark plug may often reveal a discrepancy in that particular cylinder. The clues proffered by the condition and wear pattern of the plug electrodes often help diagnose symptoms ranging from improper ignition timing to poor driving habits. Accurately reading your spark plugs can render more…
Eliminating the ignition source for the cylinder exhibiting rod knock does seem to make the defect disappear. However, a rod knock indicates a mechanical problem at the bottom end of the piston-connecting rod. The connecting rod is so-called because it connects the piston to the crankshaft. The small upper end of the rod loops around a pin that runs through the piston, while the larger bottom end loops around a journal of the engine crankshaft. A shim-like metal bearing in this loop prevents wear of the rod and crankshaft while maintaining the precise clearance needed for lubrication. Should this bearing…
Once the pinnacle trim level of Chevrolet’s legendary Chevelle, the Malibu is now a front-driven family car. The 2006 Malibu had three engines available: The base level was a 144-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine, the optional V-6 engine was a 3.5-liter and the top level engine, which came only on the SS trim level, was a 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V-6. The only engine that has obstructed rear spark plugs is the 3.9-liter-equipped SS model, as there is a large plastic cover on the engine that impedes your access to the rear plugs. Once you remove this cover, swapping out the rear plugs is…
Pontiac introduced the L82 3100 3.1 liter V-6 in the Grand Prix for the 1994 model year. The new engine brought with it 20 more horsepower than its predecessor by way of higher compression and a sequential fuel injection system. In order to take full advantage of the heightened performance, Pontiac recommends replacing the spark plugs every 100,000 miles. While diminished spark plug performance may not be noticeable from the driver seat, worn spark plugs greatly reduce fuel efficiency and throttle response.
Proper spark plug maintenance is an important factor in preserving performance and exhaust gas emissions in the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo with the 3.2-liter engine. The manufacturer recommends periodic checks of spark plug condition. Cleaning, adjusting or replacing the spark plugs as necessary helps ensure good engine performance. Problems with the engine can significantly shorten spark plug life.
Polaris installed a two-cylinder, 760 cc, electronic fuel-injected engine in the 2005 Polaris Sportsman 800 all-terrain vehicle. The ATV’s ignition coil delivers high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air charge in each cylinder. Spark plugs wear over time and must be inspected or changed as part of regular maintenance. Polaris recommends inspection of the spark plugs every 100 operating hours, 12 months or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first; and replacement as necessary.
The MTD Yard Machines 41M series mower was produced from 2008 through 2011. The push mower was equipped with a 158 cc Briggs & Stratton Series 500 engine. The engine was a vertical shaft gasoline engine that produced 5 foot-pounds of torque. The mower was built by MTD for Yard Machines, with a 21-inch cutting deck and six-way height adjusters. The spark plug on the Briggs & Stratton engine is located in the front of the mower, between the air filter housing and the upper engine cover.
The ignition control module on a 1993 Ford Thunderbird is designed to supply spark to the distributor through the ignition coil. The ignition control module also helps calculate and control the duration of the spark. This module is constructed from a combination of ceramic and copper output drivers mounted on a metal base plate, secured inside a plastic housing. When the ignition control module fails, the engine may not start or may exhibit poor performance. Replacement ignition control modules are available from most auto parts stores.
In the 2003 model year, Chevy redesign its full-size van, the G-series, and renamed it the Express. The base level 2003 Express van was the half-ton version, which Chevy dubbed the Express 1500. The 2003 Express 1500 shared the Vortec 4.3-liter V-6 engine with the S10, Blazer and Silverado. Replacing the spark plugs in the base level 2003 Express 1500 requires disassembling a portion of the lower part of the dashboard so you can access and remove the engine cover. Once you get this cover off, the spark plug replacement process is a cinch.
