Spark plugs are the critical park to most of the engines and are basically high voltage bridge for electricity. When the electricity crosses the bridge inside the engine, it ignites the spark and creates gas vapors that make the engine go off. The durability of the engine depends on the purity of the fuel, driving habits therefore it is important that they are replaced every time and are not a waste of money. The oldest type of spark plugs is replaced with platinum tipped and multi ground plugs, that has 2 or more ground electrodes and does not typically need gapping of the hook spacing.
Inspection of the Spark plugs:
It is important to check the wires, when one has to change the spark plugs; a quick inspection is desired to save one from unnecessary stress. When the engine is switched off, the user has to start at the distributor end of the plug wire and look for something that is not smooth and pliable rubber. Bend the wire slightly to look for cracks, and check at the boots at the distributor end of the wires to be sure that they are not cracked or torn. At the end, check the wires at the end of the spark plug by pulling the wire off the plug and inspect the end for cracks and tears. It is also important to inspect for darkening and burning at the end. If any damage is observed, it is important to buy a new set at a cost that depends on the application.
Replacement of spark plugs:
The various steps involved in the replacement of spark plugs are discussed here:
1.If you are replacing the spark plugs for the first time, plan to do the replacement 3 or 4 hours after the engine cools, ascertain that replacing spark plugs is difficult than replacing air filters, mowers and flat tires.
2.Ready through the manual of the vehicle and learn where the spark plugs are located from it. Also learn how many plugs are actually present to understand the right size socket that would be necessary to remove them. The details could be found on the emissions label found under the hood.
3.Shop at the local auto parts spare shop and find the correct spark plugs that matches the make of your vehicle.
4.Learn from the manual if the spark plugs that are to be replaced, needs to be gapped. Some modern plugs need not necessitate gapping, though others have different gaps, based on the cylinders in their engine.
5.The next step is to open up the engine compartment, let it cool for several hours to reach room temperature, so that they do not end up damaging the threads.
6.Adjust the distance between the two electrodes in a wire gauge spark plug tool. One electrode would be made of an L shaped metal and the other is a metal prong centered directly across it.
7.Collect all the needed tools and spark plugs and learn the direction through which the socket wrench switches to get unscrewed.
8.Locate the spark plug cables and wires and the number of wired would be equal to the number of spark plugs in the engine.
9.Mark these wired for where they connect, for the engine runs very badly with crossly plugged wires. Seek professional help if desired.
10.Remove the spark plug cable by pulling the caps; they come off very loose with intense pulling and twisting.
11.With the help of a pressurized engine cleaner or compressed air, clear all the debris that has collected around the plug.
12.With the help of spark plug socket, remove all plugs from the engine and replace them with a new spark plug.
13.Replace the spark plug cables with the same plugs they originate from and then remove the masking tape.
