Spark plugs change for a novice

[JeffreyP]

I had some doubt but finally got the courage to do the work unsupervised. It's was a little intimidating at first but once I got it going it didn't seem to be so bad. I believe most of the advice has been given by G-AMG, ohlord and gregs210, I just want to add a little bit more from non-mechanic perspective for the new diyers, here's my tip:

1. Get all your tools together: 27mm torx bit, ohlord's plug removal tool, 5/8 plug sockets (one with rubber insert and one without), 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets, 3", 4" extensions(for 3/8" ratchet), a Lislie tool and plugs.
2. Lift engine cover and work on passenger side first, remove air box, MAF to free up some room. Use the torx bit to remove coil packs (I'd say label them 1,2,3 with 1 being close to the firewall). Simple rule for plug wires: bottom one always on plug closer to the firewall.
3. Use the tool to remove plug wires, from the front to back. The first 5 wires were easy. The last one, I have to maneuver and can only get it out from top.
4. Use the 3/8" ratchet, 5/8" socket with rubber insert and 3" or 4" extension to remove plugs from front to back. Put a new plug in for each removed plug immediately to avoid dirt/oil to get into the hole. Gently screw them in but DON'T tighten them yet . After all 6 plugs are done, use the 5/8" socket without rubber insert to tighten them (or torque to 28 Nm). I use the non-rubber insert to tighten so I can pull out the socket.
5. Put back the plug wires, from back to front. Each time use the 17"mm tool to snap them back on. I can only hear them click by using both hands pushing down - and it's the reason I suggest working on the passenger side first to have more room to work with and to have a feel for it. For each set (2 wires) reinstall the coil pack.
6. Now for the driver side, it's quite a bit tighter but it's the same procedure from 2-5. It's just more difficult to snap the plug wires onto the plugs tightly. A Lislie to maybe helpful with the twist and push motion (as suggested also by gregs210)
7. Reinstall the air box and MAF and you're done.

Overall it took me total 4 hours but two separated days since I got rain on the first afternoon (darn Florida weather, it was beautiful when I started it). My plugs were still very good for being 10 years old and 85000 miles on them, to me seems like they can go for another 50000 miles without any problem. Afterward, the car didn't seem to sound and drive any differently as it was always smooth before. I'll check to see if I can get better mileage currently at 24.5 for 50/50 driving.

A strange thing was that two of the plugs on the passenger side actually have oil all over their thread while the rest were clean. Any comment? Should I be concern?

[ajent420]

hey great 1, 2, 3 list. I know I'll use it soon.

What is a "Lislie tool"

[ohlord]

those funny shaped pliers,with the 17mm plug tool I've never had to use the pliers for doing the plugs.I just lever the boot tool and then with the coils loose move each coil side to side rtont to back to pop off each boot when they are all off then I move the coil packs out of the way and replace the plugs.
Why don't you wait a bit and when we plan the detailing polish and wax session you can do the plugs and shine the car at the same time
ohlord

[JeffreyP]

Hi ohlord,

two of the plugs on the passenger side actually have oil all over their thread while the rest were clean. Any comment? Should I be concern?

Originally Posted by ajent420

What is a "Lislie tool"

Hi ajent420

It should available at your local auto part, spark plug removal/install tool. Note that it actually help you install wires back onto plugs from the driver side - ohlord's 17mm tool make it easy removing these wires. It looks like this

Lisle 52990 Spark Plug Wire Removal Pliers LIS52990

or cheaper from harborfreight

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[ohlord]

can migrate up the threads if the plugs were not torqued properly,common after years of vibration.New plugs should pose no problems.

those pliers take 10 times the time of the 17mm offset and put a strain on the wires,i never use them.But to each his own.
ohlord

[gregs210]

Originally Posted by ohlord

those pliers take 10 times the time of the 17mm offset and put a strain on the wires,i never use them.But to each his own.

Ten times? Gross exaggeration is alive and well I see.

As far as damage: it is axiomatic that one must exercise care when working on a car. The best tool -- in the wrong hands -- is scarcely better than a hammer. I have yet to damage a plug wire with the Lisle tool, but it, the wrench or anything else could damage the wires if used improperly. As you say, to each his or her own.