Spark Plug change tips

[RUFFSTUFF]

Harbor Freight here I come!

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Used the tips from the video and this thread to knock it out quickly, thanks guys! Below was my setup.

1. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Socket - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ25YJU
2. 3/8" Drive Universal Joint - https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Universal-Joint-Drive/dp/B00GWBLLQ8
3. 3/8" x 6" Extension - https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-14208-8-Inch-6-Inch-Extension/dp/B000NY6RD2/
4. 3/8" Drive Wrench & 3" Extension - Pickup locally at a hardware store, could probably pickup #2 & #3 there as well.
5. 10mm 60-degree offset wrench (not pictured) - https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W80620-Offset-Bleeder/dp/B000N35LKI/

The offset wrench was incredibly helpful for getting the coil packs off. Note that the purpose of the 6" extension and the 3" extension is so you can remove one as needed depending on what you're doing or you'll be too high and hitting the hood.

View attachment 17748

About to attempt this with your setup... Whoop!

 

[Jonathan Lasich]

Used the tips from the video and this thread to knock it out quickly, thanks guys! Below was my setup.

1. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Socket - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ25YJU
2. 3/8" Drive Universal Joint - https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Universal-Joint-Drive/dp/B00GWBLLQ8
3. 3/8" x 6" Extension - https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-14208-8-Inch-6-Inch-Extension/dp/B000NY6RD2/
4. 3/8" Drive Wrench & 3" Extension - Pickup locally at a hardware store, could probably pickup #2 & #3 there as well.
5. 10mm 60-degree offset wrench (not pictured) - https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W80620-Offset-Bleeder/dp/B000N35LKI/

The offset wrench was incredibly helpful for getting the coil packs off. Note that the purpose of the 6" extension and the 3" extension is so you can remove one as needed depending on what you're doing or you'll be too high and hitting the hood.

View attachment 17748

Maybe I'm wrong, but I would think that a similar 1/4" setup might allow slightly greater flexibility and slightly more room than a 3/8" setup?

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Well, just finished replacing the plugs and it wasn't too bad. Had an issue with the coil pack bolts on the driver side for some reason, so I upgraded all of them to ones that aren't so soft. Less than 5 bucks for a pack of 7 bolts... I'll take it.

Now to install the JB4... whoop.

 

[asciidic]

I had problems with the driver side bolts as well. I never was able to get the middle one back in - it just refused to bite. What did you replace them with?

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

I had problems with the driver side bolts as well. I never was able to get the middle one back in - it just refused to bite. What did you replace them with?

Picked up a (7) pack of M6x1.00 20mm bolts from AutoZone. The are slightly shorter than the OEM but they worked perfectly and like I said, <$5.

 

[Zek]

Hey guys what did you torque the plugs to and did you adjust the gap of your new plugs? I heard new plugs should be gapped to 0.26 is this what you guys have done?

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

0.022 as recommended for the JB4, torqued with my calibrated arm.

 

[GreySpector]

Hey guys what did you torque the plugs to and did you adjust the gap of your new plugs? I heard new plugs should be gapped to 0.26 is this what you guys have done?

Check your gaps, don't trust that they're gapped at whatever they claim.

 

[oddball]

Hey guys what did you torque the plugs to and did you adjust the gap of your new plugs? I heard new plugs should be gapped to 0.26 is this what you guys have done?

A gap anywhere between 0.022" and 0.028" is good. The stock 0.032" is just too wide.

As for installing the plugs, these are the normal flat gasket seat (the gasket is on the plug when you pull it out of the box). When you install them you'll feel the gasket crush, then stop. Roughly 20 ftlbs.
Taper seat plugs that don't use gaskets are a bit more choosy on install torque.

 

[asciidic]

Picked up a (7) pack of M6x1.00 20mm bolts from AutoZone. The are slightly shorter than the OEM but they worked perfectly and like I said, <$5.

Worked like a champ! I used class 10.9 yellow zinc coated (Fastenal part # 0128749) and it threaded in instantly.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Worked like a champ! I used class 10.9 yellow zinc coated (Fastenal part # 0128749) and it threaded in instantly.

AWESOME!

 

[Ahawk1968]

If anyone is unclear, like I was. This is how the coil packs come apart. Once you understand that, it makes the whole process of that plug under the intake much easier to deal with.

 

[Kamauxx]

Hey guys what did you torque the plugs to and did you adjust the gap of your new plugs? I heard new plugs should be gapped to 0.26 is this what you guys have done?

I did 025 on stock plugs.

Been over 1 year and about 11k miles with no problems on Map 1-3.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

If anyone is unclear, like I was. This is how the coil packs come apart. Once you understand that, it makes the whole process of that plug under the intake much easier to deal with.

Mine came out fairly easily in one piece...

 

[Shrikecorp]

FYI if anyone manages to lose any coil bolts like I did, the part # is 1141706256K



This is where I ran into trouble. Going to have to wait until I can enlist the help of someone with smaller hands because there's no way I'm removing that connector with my fat clumsy mitts.

Yep. My 13-year old proved to be extremely helpful...my hands were hopeless. Many thanks to @DiabloStinger and others for the good info. Can't wait for the JB4 (on order) to arrive. Now to order some good octane booster real quick - any recommendations? No E85 nearby, best I'm seeing is 92 octane at the local pumps.

 

[Ahawk1968]

Mine came out fairly easily in one piece...

I think I was pushing and pulling a bit too hard.
I was driving myself crazy trying to understand how I could wiggle the pack out from the intake manifold even before I started. It was SO easy to just pop out the coil first then the plug wire.

 

[nhcowboy28]

I think I was pushing and pulling a bit too hard....

Happens on everyone’s first time...

 

[Ahawk1968]

That's what SHE said....

 

[yunis]

After putting this off for a few months, I finally gave it a shot and changed out all the plugs tonight. I must say the process was easier than I thought it would be, so just want to thank you all for contributing to this post as it really did help a novice like myself!
Now I can finally fire up the JB4!