How To Replace Spark Plugs Like A Professional
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- We get it. It’s just spark plugs. What could be so difficult. Well, come along with us as we show you step by step how we do it. Maybe you’ll learn something you can add to your arsenal for the next time you do them. We also understand that everyone has different ways of doing it. This is what has worked for us for the past 20 years. We don’t have comebacks. That’s the most important thing. We hope it helps. Enjoy!
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I've been a shade tree for 60 years or so. Before I do anything, I always blow compressed air into the depression where the plug resides. Then I loosen the plugs and blow them again. If, like most, the car has a COP, I blow off all around the COP, then remove it. Only takes a minute or so, and keeps sand, small pebbles and the like out of the combustion chamber. Please take this as I wrote it...a hint, not a knock on you. You have forgotten more than I ever knew. Great videos and kindness to spare.
Great video guys. I worked for LAPD for 21 years and i torqued all suspension bolts, nuts, spark plugs and of course all brake caliper bolts and even bleeder screws. You'd be surprised how many people didn't even torque the lug nuts or the intake manifold bolts. I have all the torque wrenches, quarter drive, 3/8 drive and half inch. Plus i marked every bolts to make sure that i torqued them. Thanks for reminding all technicians to be professional at their job.
Can u get me a job there? lol
@@midnightroush97 you can apply lol. I’m retired already👍
Great work! Glad to see and hear mechanical taking specs seriously.
@vickenkaragozian2041 where can one apply? I've been looking online, but no luck
Every time I get brake pads replaced. I have to get new rotors, (because nobody uses a torque wrench on lug nuts).
I have been changing sparkplugs for over 40 years and have never used anti-seize on the threads. I was told years ago that the addition of anti-seize to the threads will mess with the torque specs if you use a torque wrench to torque them down. I have read that some manufacturers do not recommend using it, but I can't remember which ones off the top of my head. I have always used dielectric grease in the boots though. Great video as usual.
I agree, but a drop of light silicone spray lube doesn't hurt. With dry threads, the specified torque doesn't always even crush the seal.
I've heard that same thing when I was at the factories main engine training center.
Cast iron heads and aluminum heads are vastly different. Always use anti-seize on aluminum heads.
@@abovetherimrob891 I have owned a car with aluminum heads since 2006 and have never used anti-seize on the plugs and never had issues removing them when replacing plugs.
Always use antiseaze unless the mfg says not too. It helps heat transfer and will extend the life of the plug aswell as helps ensure proper torque.
Great video. Thanks. I’ve seen the debate over use of anti-seize. I’m a DIY person who uses it with no issues. I’m sure they’ll be comments about what can go wrong but those people never seem to show any videos about the “wrongs” happening but just prefer to comment and troll on other people’s videos.
I've been in the grind professionally about 40 years.
Love your videos.
The most impressive thing about this video is the fender covers.
...and that dog. :)
This would be a great video in an apprentice guide play list for young people just getting started. It's been my experience that a lot of older techs will tell an up and comer to do somethingbut they skimp out on the why it it needs to be done a certain way. Great videos
I always spray brake clean followed by air after removing boots. Then remove the spark plugs. Thanks for the videos as I do not work on vehicles for a living. I just thirst for knowledge. Love the diag videos as well. ❤
Great advice! In addition to your process, I will take a shop vac or compressed air and clean out any debris in the plug recess prior to removing the spark plug. Yes, it's overkill, but you may be surprised what can get in that recess.
Nice video. I was taught 55 years ago to break all the plugs loose, replace plug wires, start the engine, and rev it a couple of times. This breaks the carbon built up at the end of the plug and combustion chamber. If you don't, there is a chance a piece of carbon that breaks loose can strike the spark plug electrode on start up. The carbon could close the gap, messing with proper spark.
Before fully removing the plugs, use air pressure or vacuum to clean the area around the outside of the plug.
Hope this helps.
The electrical connectors unlock more easily if you push the connector in further to relieve pressure on the lock tab before attempting to release it.
I recommend blowing the area around the plug out with compressed air after loosening the plug a couple of turns to prevent any debris from falling into the cylinder.
I used to use anti-seize on aluminum heads when they first became more common ~40 years ago and it was common for plugs to seize in the heads. Probably different aluminum alloys and/or coatings on plugs seem to have solved the seizing problem a long time ago. I can't remember the last time I wasn't able to remove a plug without some sort of damage.
As you can see, the lowly spark can generate alot of conversational opinion. We are all still apprentices after 45 years. Keep producing the videos. 👍
If you want an active comment section, just make a spark plug video and take a side on the antiseize vs. no antiseize question. Guaranteed flack in coming. It doesn't matter what side you take. Just take one.
I really enjoy your very deliberate method of working.
Excellent.
I'm glad to see that even super professional mechanics struggle with connectors, makes me feel not as dumb.
A few additional things to consider , #1 Make sure the springs are still inside the boots when your putting the coils back on , sometimes they fall out without you even realizing it. #2 Look inside and clean out the wells before removing the plugs. Many times the wells are filled with oil / debris. #3 inspect the boots for any signs of arcing. Even a pinhole is going to be a problem.
Why not replace the rubber boots so you don't have an issue before the spark plugs require changing again. With some V6s the intake manifold has to be removed to change the spark plugs. It would suck to have to do that work again.
I would have never pulled those plugs out without blowing out the well, cracking the plug lose and then blowing the well out a second time.
Getting a gap tool after watching this. Great video and yes in the Prius once you get the wiper items out of the way, very easy.
Once again, I came, I saw, I learned. Thank you for doing these videos.
Thank you for showing us the gap check out of the box. Never thought about that. Great video 😁👍🏼
I've heard that new plugs don't require antisieze I'm old school like you Sherwood I always like to use it. Thank you for your verifying this. Great video's on showing quality work 👍👍,,,Don
Exactly the video I needed to tackle a DIY spark plug replacement job on an LS4 engine. Very timely and well done! Thank you for your time and professionalism!
Love your attention to detail and vast knowledge from experience. Happy to become a subscriber.
I love your philosophy/work ethics on cars. Great video! 👍
Thanks again for another great video, I learn from them all. I would like to add something to this video. In all cases before removing any spark plug blow into the cavity with an air nozzle to remove any oil or road debris that may be present. I have seen spark plug boots submerged in oil from a leaky valve cover gasket. This means more work is needed before finishing the job.
So glad I found this channel. Been following your guide to do my brake pads on my Nissan Silvia 😅
The gapping method you showed worked perfectly for me. Thanks for the video!
literally wouldnt change a thing. great vid guys
I'm really glad you talked about some (Ford) spark plugs that should be remove on a hot engine. Of course on a Ford truck, it will be the one in the back. That is the hardest to get to, that will break.
I perform a BG induction service then remove with 3/8 impact gun hot..
I think the reason the rear plugs are difficult to remove is that they're often skipped because of limited access.
Amazing informative video!!!! Thank you for all the details!!
Awesome video you guys, I really enjoy watching your stuff, I look forward to seeing more scope videos. We do the same procedure at our shop with the exception of we replace the coil boots at the same time as the tune-up/spark plug replacement, pretty frequently we see corrosion build up at the coil contact points under the boots
Wow! The measuring. Never would have thought that pre gapped plugs could be wrong. Makes me want to check mine!
Really enjoyed it ! Thanks for producing another training video ! 👊🏼 🔥
Perhaps it would be a good idea to wipe the porcelain portion of the spark plug with isopropyl to clean off the oils from your fingertips. Some manufacturers of spark ignited engines do recommend doing it. Great Video. 👍
Great Comment!
I just avoid touching the porcelain.
@fascistpedant758 How can you possibly know that you or others haven't touched the plugs along the way? The factory doesn't give the option of " if you or others haven't touched the porcelain, then you can skip ....". You need to wipe it down if you're going "to replace plugs the professional way." It is professional to wipe the plug as any beads of finger oil can cause flash over. I can send you pictures of what we have experienced in the lab.
Excellent video smart wise and informative. Anti-seize copper got to keep that in mind.
You guys give such great instructions!! VERY helpful to us home mechanics trying to help friends as well as our own family save a bit of money at the shop.
Please do a 5th gen Explorer (like 2013) with all wheel drive. When I had the dealer change my plugs they said "Well it's a transverse mounted engine so we have to take a LOT of stuff apart in order to reach the back 3 cylinders" and they charged me A LOT of money to do that. I paid up cuz I didn't have the tools nor the time to do it. BUT that's since changed and I would LOVE to do this myself some day. I would also love to see how y'all do it.
Thanks for all you do to empower us DIYers!! Really appreciate your channel.
Great video and always a learning curve
Great video Sherwood. I like your meticulous work ethics.
Thanks for the tip about the combustion chamber cleaning and hot engine plug removal for stuck plugs. I tried to remove and inspect the plugs on my wife's 2019 Civic with now almost 200k miles on it, and they were (are) stuck so badly I gave up as I don't have the ability to install threaded inserts if I stripped out the aluminum head! I guess this job is going to be for the dealership. :(
Very informative. Thanks again..
It's called reading your spark plugs to understand how ur engine is running, nice job Sherwood.
@Unit_450Real mechanics can't work on older stuff then. They have to farm the work out to realer real mechanics who really know their stuff.
@Unit_450 One leaking fuel injector can have you chasing your tail trying to figure out the fuel trims. But an inspection of the spark plugs will give you an immediate clue. Also, spark plug condition will tell you about your valve guides, piston rings and spark timing.
@Unit_450 That's nice. No one said anything about a misfire.
@Unit_450 Not true.
Great stuff gentlemen.
Appreciate the content. Re: anti-seize, modern NGK and others are coming coated out of the box and warn that any form of anti-seize will change torque values. Not always the case but something to watch for.
You do a great job nice work.
All I have to say down here is that yeah, plugs seem like one of the easiest jobs, and in many cases they are, but they're spooky, and mission-critical. I know a lot of the trucks have absolute nightmare plugs, many of the cars do, and even on "easy" inline 4 cylinders it's always a relief when they come out clean and don't bring the threads with them, and another relief when they snug down firm and don't keep spinning with the wrench.
Never heard a better description of spark plug jobs.
1:15. Guy just wants to replace them and get paid…..
1:57 Guy jams whatever is available in
12:46 the can't be good....
15:10 NGK SAYS NO ANTI SIEZE FOR THEIR PLUGS DIRECTLY ON THEIR WEBSITE
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SPARK PLUGS
1. Anti-seize
NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize.
Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
But these aren't ngk
@@483SGT they said they use ngk and they said always use anti seize and surely all premium plugs work the same way. this is old school tech stuff that never kept up with the times.
Just like he taps the plug to gap it
The brand doesn't matter. What's important is whether they are plated. Some brands are nickel plated. It they are plated, you don't use any anti-seize. If they are bare steel or black oxide, then you use anti-seize.@@483SGT
Don’t drink milk because it’ll make you fart
Might be an edge case, but I drive a Honda Fit that uses NGK plugs and they recommend using anti seize on the threads in their service manual. The manual did update to call for 20ftlb instead of 13ftlb on the plugs though so I would wonder if calling for anti seize was the reason for them to increase the torque spec.
Great informational video
A sprits of interior detailing spray on those connector clips helps a lot, lubricates them so they slide apart.
Thanks for your video. I've never used ant seize on spark plugs, but I see it because of the complexity of these new cars . Great advice about not using gun on them, coil bolts people have gone crazy using gun on everything on these cars .That makes sense about calibrating your elbows once in a while using torque wrench .
Glad to see you using a dab of antiseize, a touch of silicone, and hand starting as well. On top of that, I always clean and blow out the spark plug well before removing the old plug. Always have the new plug ready BEFORE hand so the time for the exposed hole is minimal. Also, I use a thread ROLLER (TIME-SERT; 👍 this is NOT a thread chaser) and finally install the new plug
He is right bout torque, some engines (Ford) spark plugs become so lose and cause terrible misfires.
"Royalty auto service"!
For the descendants of George Washington amusing name.
Very interesting and helpful vid, and as a DIY driveway monkey very impressed with the spread of tools and equipment.
FYI my son's Jaguar and wife's BMW, the spark plugs were £25 each from the main stealer .(each having the car makers name on)
A little after the event, research, revealed both used a specific NGK spark plug, at nearly half the price.
Thank you
For the video
Good to know
You guys are amazing!!!
i gotta admit im surprised by this video from you guys. longtime subscriber to your channel and a ASE Master with L1, L3 and L4 here myself.
1st never use a gap gauge on most modern spark plugs. Feeler gauges or those set wire gauge. 2nd a big no no is to add anti seize to the threads. Most every spark plug manufacturer will tell you that.
a neat trick to start the spark plus is to use a piece of rubber fuel line to start them. I have the plug starters made by a few people but also have rubber fuel line in different lengths 6in, 12in and 18in in my plug tool drawer
The rubber hose trick is a good one for sure! I'll do some research on the anti-seize. I know the use off aluminum anti-seize is a big no but I haven't seen anything on the copper. I'll definitely post an update.
Excellent video here on the anti seize on plug threads question: th-cam.com/video/fpixgNQHvVM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=79KyUOsOho8Yyx04
Can you elaborate on not using a gap gauge? Will be doing my plugs soon so interested in knowing why.
@@MrNewff cause a gap gauge can damage the electrodes on new style plus with precious metal ends. Uss a wire gauge or feeler gauges
I'm trying to learn an possibly do my spark plugs for the very first time. So I watch your videos. A few weeks back I changed my breaks with the help of your videos. Its especially hard for me cuz my back after 2 car wrecks but I'm trying...
Let me tell you sir, the best brand spark plug i have used is the brand Beru. This brand is known to have a very reliable spark for a long time!
Second brand for me is the Ngk. Outside of these 2 brands, I've noticed power loss to my experiences.
but I have also noticed that some cars only run well on the Oem spark plugs, and other than that sluggish.
I always use spark plugs from the dealer original only. Some want a different better long lasting brand but there is a downside to using these other brands that last longer. The longer your spark plugs stay in your engine the more likely they are to seize with the heat and corrosion over time.
Great video. I believe the general guidance with regard to anti-seize that the torque needs to be reduced by 20% from the spec torque. The reason for this is your introducing a hydraulic compound on the threads and the plug shouldn’t be torque to full value because in fact with the compound you’d be overtorquing them as well. As well, there is some debate about reducing torque when using anti-seize, but the general consensus said it should be reduced. That said I appreciate your video and your expertise and how you do this.
I feel so stupid for dropping spark plugs down the hole now. Never thought about that. Thank you for these videos.
The brownish residues on the outside of the ceramic mentioned around 19.45 actually are corona stains.
He’s correct about the residue being carbon pushing past the ceramic to thread seal
The original spark plugs in the truck were NGK IR. They are Iridium spark plugs designed to last 100k miles. That is why they looked in great shape after 30k miles 🙂 . If they were platinum plugs, I would change them at 30k with IR plugs.
OMG, a stumpy tailed cattle dog! Win! I have one as well.
NGK for the win. Use them on everything.
Yes, NGK were the only plugs I ever found that stood up to Nitrous Oxide.
We use only NGK in all our race engines.
Great video.
I never use a socket to start the threads. It is too easy to crossthread them. I always use a small piece of rubber tubing on the porcelain end to feed it into the hole and now you will not have enough torque to damage the threads if it isn't perpendicular to the hole because it will spin around the end before getting stuck. I turn the plug left to loosen it until I feel/hear it drop and change direction because I know the threads are lined up. You can't feel that through a socket either.
Many cars such as Mercedes and Infiniti require properly torqued plugs because they are indexed, meaning the spark has to be at the correct angle and direction to ensure proper combustion.
Do manufacturers make the gap small so that as the plug ages the gap increases into the oem spec? I replaced plugs on a VW last year, and the OEM recommended new plugs had gaps that were all 0.2 mm too small out the box. I double checked it with two plug checkers, being sure not to damage the platinum coating. I used the exact brand specified by the dealer repair manual. After a little head scratching I decided to grab the neutral pole in a vice (on the sides so the platinum coating was not affected) and gently increase the gap, but I wondered if I might have been better to simply install them with a small gap....
Antiseize reduces the torque specification per NGK.
If that ram is a 13 or newer it’s 100k interval or 10 years. Older ones are 30k Good vid guys keep it up.
I use a rubber hose to get the plugs started instead of the fancy magnetic spark plug socket for hard to reach plugs
Champions belong in Mopars and lawnmowers, autolite in Fords and AC in GM. That's my story and I'm sticking to it cuz it's always worked. lol
Motorcrap in Fords
Some plug manufacturers recommend only a wire gapping tool for precious metal plugs.
Hi Folks, any chance you have a part no for your gap gauge? Really like the looks of it compared to the other styles but struggling to find the same style over here in the UK. Keep up the good work! I’ve been sending most of your content out to my technicians because it’s so clear, educational and just the right way to do things.
I found that style on Amazon. I ended up getting the round version, but they were available in higher quality than the generic ones under the brand name Lisle and some others that I don't recall now. The difference in price was only a couple bucks.
So glad you picked the "easy side". 🤣
I use Vacuum Hose or Vacuum Hose and a Screwdriver to pull and start the Plugs. Flexible and Aimable. Not Everyone has Spark Plug Sockets that retain. It's faster and easier. Cool Vid. I'm much in agreement.
That's good stuff right there. This video could have been an hour long.
I bought a kit from Mac for spark plugs and I love the thing I still use it to the day that rubber boot is still inside of them they grip good. I love them not sure if you’ve tried those.
Thanks a lot for the video..
Question regarding anti seize: why copper as opposed to aluminum? Especially with the aluminum heads….dissimilar metals isn’t an issue??
Put a light film of copper anti seize on your wiper blades. It makes the wipers last twice as long and keeps the window clean as can be. :)
Good one 🤔
I watch these guys not because idk how to do it but more as to why I am doing it.
I have been using aluminum Anti seize for spark plugs. I am curious why it is a good practice to use copper. Does using aluminum grease react with the metals? Look forward to your response.
As stated multiple times anti- seize is not recommended.
The video states this a a 2016 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 l engine.
The plugs being installed are clearly champion 9055 .
If you look up the spec for these plugs they come pre-gapped to 0.054. they make it sound like some how they came gapped incorrectly or have been damaged in shipping.. This clearly not the case.
Champion states when using these plugs in this application they need to be gapped down to 0.044". .
Tech tip here. just because you buy a spark plug for a certain vehicle does not mean they are drop in.. al;ways look up the specifications of the part being installed.
These guys cleanly did not do this
I wish I could learn how to be this type of tech
I've seen the same spark plug used on 2 different engines, with 2 different gap specs
NGK specifically says do not use anti-seize.
All plug manufacturers say no anti-seize. There is a nickel coating from the manufacture for said reason
Never beat on the spark plug to change the gap on the electro that is unbelievable
Shouldn't you reduce torque when applying anti-seize to the threads?
The car care nut says if you torque your spark plugs to spec you don’t have to use anti-seize and I never had an issue on my Toyota..
You have a link or a part number for that gapping tool I love it
The torque (23Nm) for Mercedes plugs Direct Injection (GDI) engines is to correctly clock or align the OPEN side of the ground strap toward the fuel injector (+/-45°). Not sure that 's the case for all GDI engines. Maybe make a follow-up video about that.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the threads are coated on todays spark plugs and is not recommended to use anti seize on them. NGK spark plugs feature a trivalent plating and states not to use anti seize because it can be detrimental.
Not sure about champion but NGK spark plugs have a coating on them and they say don’t use anti seize on fresh spark plugs but if you pull a plug out and put it back to use some anti seize. But no anti seize on fresh NGK plugs out of the box.
Why copper and not aluminum antiseize? Ive always used the aluminum since its going into an aluminum head (most of the time).
Push pull connector Sherwood
Why not the aluminum anti-seize ( grey ) on spark plug threads?
Ford states not to use dielectric grease on most of their coils if you're familiar with wsm amd ford procedures
oops i had previously used the aluminum antiseize.
In May 2024 I will have 40 years as a certified mechanic,33 years as a Master. I also have master tech with Toyota,Nissan,Chrysler/Dodge and BMW.
But who cares about that.
I do know that during Chrysler factory training in Ontario California we would joke that someone from Champion plug’s took someone from Chrysler to some nice dinners and probably (other places) My point is that as a Master mechanic I wouldn’t even put a “ Champion “ plug in my lawnmower , that was the general consensus among us factory mechanics.
Yep absolutely agree
Champion back in the day were horrible but, like many things, times change. We haven't had any problems with them in years. But you were definitely right about the way I used to feel about them.
That snap-on Torque wrench tho
I'm pretty sure Chris asked me to leave a nightclub once. He's got that Bouncer energy!
What is your thinking on not using aluminum anti-seize on spark plugs? What is different from the copper stuff? FYI, I like to think I follow the five or so best mechanics on TH-cam, and most of you agree about using anti-seize on plugs, but at least one of the others uses aluminum. I'd really appreciate your insights (and that of any others who may read this). Thanks!
Aluminum head = aluminum / nickle antiseize?
@@juicebox22a Are you saying that the anti-seize needs to be of a different metal than the plug and the head?
@TStheDeplorable The opposite. Use aluminum antiseize for aluminum. I would not use copper antiseize with aluminum as I would think they are dissimilar and could react.
Locktite makes a non-metallic antiseize paste that Bosch specifies to use on spark plugs used in industrial machine applications.
@@juicebox22a I wondered about the dissimilar metals and the possibility of an electrolytic (?) reaction. Thanks for letting me know about the Locktite paste!
Do not use anti-seize with modern engines or spark plugs. No manufacture uses anti-seize and most modern spark plug manufactures say it will ruin the special coating.
Is it true MB 157 plugs need to be clocked ?
I really like how you explain even the simple things! 👌
15:46 Don’t some spark plugs come pre-greased or coated from the factory?
Doesn’t putting anti-cease on the plugs change the torque setting?
(I’m just curious. Greetings from The Netherlands 🇳🇱)
I always put my anti-seize on the upper part of the threads so as not to squeeze it into the cylinder accidentally