i know this may sound dumb but whats the safest way to tkae out your spark plugs?????

766 Views 19 Replies 8 Participants Last post by 71dsp, Mar 30, 2001

Ng Luder

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2001

since i just got my zex installed awhile ago, i want to just check up on the spark plugs. i do kinda know how to tell if its performing well or not by appearance already. what i need to know here is the best way to safely take out my spark plugs.

i know u take off the middle cover first. carefully pull the wires STRIAGHT out and not to bend them. now, is there a certain order of which i should check my plugs in? is there a certain way i should take them out/put them in? very tight? not too tight? any tips? etc...

i just want to be 100% safe in doing something i have never seen done before...

thanks in advance!

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Crystal Blue 99' SS Lude (born on 7/1/99)~when i got it
CURENT MODS:
-AEM CAI (silver)-DC Sports CC 4-2-1 Headers
-Tanabe Racing Medalion -Apexi V-AFC -autometer A/F gauge -autometer EGT gauge -zex kit w/ plugs running 55 shots -NOS purge kit
HAVE AND INSTALLING SOON:
-UR pulleys set SS
FOR SALE:
-AEM cam gears (blue)for $90 each.

screen name: CBFORMULA

[This message has been edited by Ng Luder (edited March 27, 2001).]

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G

· #2 · Mar 28, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ng Luder:
now, is there a certain order of which i should check my plugs in? is there a certain way i should take them out/put them in? very tight? not too tight? any tips? etc...

i just want to be 100% safe in doing something i have never seen done before...
</font>

Very tight? Not too tight?? That's what torque specs are for!! Do you have a torque wrench? Don't torque them down too much, or you won't be able to get them out. Spark plugs hardly require any torque, so don't tighten them as much as you can.

Order doesn't matter just make sure they all look the same.

You might want to clean them as well before you reinstall them.

G

· #3 · Mar 28, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ng Luder:
now, is there a certain order of which i should check my plugs in? is there a certain way i should take them out/put them in? very tight? not too tight? any tips? etc...

i just want to be 100% safe in doing something i have never seen done before...
</font>

Very tight? Not too tight?? That's what torque specs are for!! Do you have a torque wrench? Don't torque them down too much, or you won't be able to get them out. Spark plugs hardly require any torque, so don't tighten them as much as you can.

Order doesn't matter just make sure they all look the same.

You might want to clean them as well before you reinstall them.

------------------
Billy
North Texas Prelude Owners Group
www.ntpog.org

Migs

· #4 · Mar 29, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ng Luder:
since i just got my zex installed awhile ago, i want to just check up on the spark plugs. i do kinda know how to tell if its performing well or not by appearance already. what i need to know here is the best way to safely take out my spark plugs.

i know u take off the middle cover first. carefully pull the wires STRIAGHT out and not to bend them. now, is there a certain order of which i should check my plugs in? is there a certain way i should take them out/put them in? very tight? not too tight? any tips? etc...

i just want to be 100% safe in doing something i have never seen done before...

thanks in advance!

</font>

you have to make the sure is no warmer than 72 degress F. The humidity is no more than 70%. And, it has to be a full moon outside.

Yes, there is a certain order you need to take them out. Pull em out of cylinder #5 first, then to 4, 3, 2, and last but not least, #1. =)

Ng Luder

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 29, 2001

2

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 71dsp:
Very tight? Not too tight?? That's what torque specs are for!! Do you have a torque wrench? Don't torque them down too much, or you won't be able to get them out. Spark plugs hardly require any torque, so don't tighten them as much as you can.

Order doesn't matter just make sure they all look the same.

You might want to clean them as well before you reinstall them.</font>

cool thanks 71 dsp, i could always count on u

i dont have a trq wrench though, those things r too expensive in my opinion unless i was gona use it for alot of things (which i probably wont).

and migs... thanks for your great knowledge

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OvaDaLimiT

· #6 · Mar 29, 2001

What's the torque setting?
I think mine doesn't range that low...lemme know...if it works you can use it. Besides...i always have it in my car

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nighttime

· #7 · Mar 29, 2001

Well, before you take ANY of the plugs out, make sure that nothing is inside of the spark plug wells. My prelude only has 450+ miles on it, so I dont know how they are about getting dirt in there, but some cars can get a suprising amount of dirt, sand, grit, and small gravel in there. So what do you think happens to that dirt/grit/etc when you pull out the plug? Goes right in the cylinder. Not nice at all. I use my compressor to blow away any dirt before I remove plugs. You can also use a shop vac to do the same thing if you dont have access to a compressor. BTW, a torque wrench can be had for $50-60 at Home Depot. Is that to much to make sure your Prelude stays in top shape? You want your baby to be happy dont you? Dont you?!? I thought so.

You can use it on your plugs, your wheels, your suspension....

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G

· #8 · Mar 29, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ng Luder:

cool thanks 71 dsp, i could always count on u

i dont have a trq wrench though, those things r too expensive in my opinion unless i was gona use it for alot of things (which i probably wont).

and migs... thanks for your great knowledge

</font>

13 lb*ft if I remember correctly.

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Billy
North Texas Prelude Owners Group
www.ntpog.org

95Luder

· #9 · Mar 30, 2001

Just make sure you dont do it when your car is running!

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quickprelude

· #10 · Mar 30, 2001

2

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by nighttime:
Well, before you take ANY of the plugs out, make sure that nothing is inside of the spark plug wells. My prelude only has 450+ miles on it, so I dont know how they are about getting dirt in there, but some cars can get a suprising amount of dirt, sand, grit, and small gravel in there. So what do you think happens to that dirt/grit/etc when you pull out the plug? Goes right in the cylinder. Not nice at all. I use my compressor to blow away any dirt before I remove plugs. You can also use a shop vac to do the same thing if you dont have access to a compressor. BTW, a torque wrench can be had for $50-60 at Home Depot. Is that to much to make sure your Prelude stays in top shape? You want your baby to be happy dont you? Dont you?!? I thought so.

You can use it on your plugs, your wheels, your suspension....</font>

I once had a well full of water!. I had to suck it out before I could pull the plug

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</A>

AIM: quickprelude

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quickprelude

· #11 · Mar 30, 2001

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<A HREF="http://hondaprelude.com/setups/setupsdsply.asp?id=63&gen=4&orderby=last_updated" TARGET=_blank>

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AIM: quickprelude

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krue92

· #12 · Mar 30, 2001

Quickprelude please don't post messages with no text. Thank you.

quickprelude

· #13 · Mar 30, 2001

2

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<A HREF="http://hondaprelude.com/setups/setupsdsply.asp?id=63&gen=4&orderby=last_updated" TARGET=_blank>

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AIM: quickprelude

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Ng Luder

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 30, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by krue92:
Quickprelude please don't post messages with no text. Thank you.</font>

what the.... whos this guy? came outa no where...

anyways, thanks for all the advice on this topic

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krue92

· #15 · Mar 30, 2001

I am Kevin. Why do you gotta bag. I was just doing a little moderating you senior member.

Kool-Lude

· #16 · Mar 30, 2001

The thing that drives me nuts is my spark plug socket pops loose from the extension when i'm lifting it out after tightening. Then i gotta wiggle it loose from the plug to get it out.. which i hate doing - fear of damaging the plug.

Next time i'm gonna try using the spark plug socket to get it out, and maybe a regular socket (w/out the rubber sleeve) to put it in... Any other suggestions??

Btw, 71dsp's trq spec was correct: 13 lbf*ft.

G

· #17 · Mar 30, 2001

Use Sears' locking extensions. You still have to wiggle it a bit, but it works better.

You need to use a socket with the rubber insert to hold the plug in place. How else are you going to lower it down? Drop it? Bad idea. I suppose you could use a tool claw and drop it down in there, but you could just use the locking extensions too.

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Billy
North Texas Prelude Owners Group
www.ntpog.org

Kool-Lude

· #18 · Mar 30, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 71dsp:
Use Sears' locking extensions. </font>

I didn't know they exist.. I have a locking rachet that locks onto the socket, but how does the socket lock onto an extension?

And I agree, putting the plug back in using a socket w/out the rubber insert would be bad.. if it fell in. I never tried..it was just a thought, as i said before.

Ng Luder

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 30, 2001

sheesh i totally forgot about the process of putting the plug bac in. where can i get these locking things to hold on to the plugs when i put them back in? sears? and what exactly r they called anyways?

G

· #20 · Mar 30, 2001

Ask for Craftsman 3/8" drive locking extensions!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Billy
North Texas Prelude Owners Group
www.ntpog.org

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