Spark Plug change tips

[BadTrainDriver]

I'd like to personally thank everyone that's contributed to this thread!

In anticipation of Lozic's ECU tune, I replaced my spark plugs today. NGK M45iL, gapped to .024". With all tools recommended in hand, it took maybe fifteen minutes on the driver's side, and a little less than an hour on the passenger side. Everything came apart and went back together in one piece, and the car runs fantastic.

I'm letting it be known, if you live anywhere in Ohio, and you're willing to drive to me in Powell, I will change your spark plugs if you're not comfortable, nor don't want to buy the tools. I actually found it kind of fun!

7,200 miles on the stock plugs, and they looked great. Only Shell 93, unless I absolutely have to fill up somewhere else.

Oh, and I changed the air filters to AEM dry panel drop in's, and added the Mishimoto Oil Catch Can.

Thanks again guys!

 

[MikedUp15]

Are the 2.0L Stinger plug dimensions the same as the 3.3L? I am buying a billet spark plug gapper and would like to confirm this. Thanks!

 

[monusa]

Are the 2.0L Stinger plug dimensions the same as the 3.3L? I am buying a billet spark plug gapper and would like to confirm this. Thanks!

Nope.............2.0 dimensions below: believe the 3.3 are 14mm threads....

• Thread Diameter12mm
• Thread Pitch1.25mm
• Seat TypeGasket
• Reach26.5mm (1.04")
• Hex Size5/8" (16mm)
• Terminal TypeRemovable Nu

 

[monusa]

Pay attention to "reach". Some plugs come in a 12 mm thread but have a shorter reach which would not be a good thing on the car.

 

[MikedUp15]

You lost me there..I’ll be installing another set of HKS M45XL this weekend. All good?

 

[monusa]

that is the length from the top of the thread to the bottom......if this is not correct, misfire or damaged piston....

 

[madpolar]

I got mine done this weekend and so far so good. The Driver's side took 10-15m even the first time and me doing the spark plugs in this car for the first time. Now, the passenger's side was a whole different story (as expected). The 10mm bolts on the passenger's side were a b**** to reinstall, The coil packs came out surprisingly easy, especially if you separate the coil pack. Making sure the spark plugs were tight and torqued correctly was very tricky when you have like 1-2 swivels... Good thing is, JB4 is going in next!

 

[mattEG]

I finally put Denso's in last night. I read this thread and then realized, the simplest way to do it that worked awesome for passenger side was to use a 1/4" ratchet + extension with a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, wobbly socket & spark plug socket on the end. Was able to do whole job in just under an hour, having never done it before. Hopefully that helps someone.

Interesting enough, I measured factory gaps on the 40k KM NGKs and got:
1 - .36
2 - .30
3 - .35
4 - .34
5 - .38!!!
6 - .35

#5 had a cylinder misfire issue - I wonder why?

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

I finally put Denso's in last night. I read this thread and then realized, the simplest way to do it that worked awesome for passenger side was to use a 1/4" ratchet + extension with a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, wobbly socket & spark plug socket on the end. Was able to do whole job in just under an hour, having never done it before. Hopefully that helps someone.

Interesting enough, I measured factory gaps on the 40k KM NGKs and got:
1 - .36
2 - .30
3 - .35
4 - .34
5 - .38!!!
6 - .35

#5 had a cylinder misfire issue - I wonder why?

Yeah, I once did 30k miles on Denso 1-steps and when I pulled those plugs it was ugly. Not much electrode left.

 

[turboAWD]

I finally put Denso's in last night. I read this thread and then realized, the simplest way to do it that worked awesome for passenger side was to use a 1/4" ratchet + extension with a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, wobbly socket & spark plug socket on the end. Was able to do whole job in just under an hour, having never done it before. Hopefully that helps someone.

Interesting enough, I measured factory gaps on the 40k KM NGKs and got:
1 - .36
2 - .30
3 - .35
4 - .34
5 - .38!!!
6 - .35

#5 had a cylinder misfire issue - I wonder why?

Sounds similar to what my stock NGKs had. 40k km? Wow.. with Covid, I'm at just over 15k km in 2 years..

 

[ChaneRZ]

When I removed my stock ones, they were at .028.

 

[jthrelf]

What's the consensus on gap for plugs replaced just for routine maintenance? No tune involved.

Have quite a bit to go until then, but just curious.

 

[ChaneRZ]

If I was running stock and time to change my plugs, I’d gap them to .024 or .026.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

What's the consensus on gap for plugs replaced just for routine maintenance? No tune involved.

Have quite a bit to go until then, but just curious.

This is from the service manual for the 3.3L. I might go a little narrower but I don't think you need to go all the way to 0.024, stock.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Not sure why everyone is trying to change spark plugs without removing manifold. Took me less then 15 min to remove it. Also, it gave me a chance to clean intake valves, which had pretty noticeable build up at 40k miles.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Not sure why everyone is trying to change spark plugs without removing manifold. Took me less then 15 min to remove it. Also, it gave me a chance to clean intake valves, which had pretty noticeable build up at 40k miles.

Because you don't need to?

 

[ChaneRZ]

Didn’t have to remove mine. Don’t want to mess up the seals/gasket.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Because you don't need to?

I guess, from reading this thread, i got an impression that people are still struggling with plugs replacement due to the lack of room. And wanted to bring an attention to how easy it really is to remove it. Which also gives you an option to clean intake valves.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Didn’t have to remove mine. Don’t want to mess up the seals/gasket.

It is made out of high quality silicone. I bet you can reuse it. Which i did, and have no problems since.

 

[mattEG]

It is made out of high quality silicone. I bet you can reuse it. Which i did, and have no problems since.

To each their own? I'm a big believer in not opening stuff up if I don't have to. With the 1/4" trick it took me hardly any time at all and didn't have to reseat a gasket.