replacing spark plug

[VKCOMMO]

i know this is pathetic but i dont know how to replace a spark plug on a car too well. ive only ever done it on planes. can you help

thanks

[greenacc]

grip it with your teeth and turn your head.

[Tom_1569]

Do them one at a time, so you dont get the leads mixed up.

Pull the lead off the plug, put spark plug socket on, and turn anti-clockwise, until it comes out. Install the new one by hand, making sure you get the thread tarted perfectly. Then do it up firm, and a tad more, its hard to explain, but dont over-tighten them, but make sure they are tight.
If your worried you can use a torque wrench (specs are in the manual) so you get a feel of how tight they need to be.
After you've done one, just plug the lead back on, and repeat for the next plug.

[v8commy]

straight forward
1 remove ignition lead
2 use spark plug socket and a ratchet
3 remove spark plug
4 replace by hand
5 tighten plug firm

[VKCOMMO]

grip it with your teeth and turn your head.

thanks, im doing that now..

[VKCOMMO]

yer.. i got that bit but when i was doing work exp as a plane mechanic i used some like metallic paint on the thread

[Tom_1569]

yer.. i got that bit but when i was doing work exp as a plane mechanic i used some like metallic paint on the thread

It was probably a never-sieze compound, Im guessing they have long intervals between changes or due to the extreme heat. Only guessing, I know fark all about planes, except I went on once But yeah no need for that on your car, just straight in.

[VKCOMMO]

we change them quite regularly in planes. but will it do anything for the engine in the vk??

[greenacc]

Its probably a copper based never seize your thinking of. You can use it if you want but not necessary.
Don't get it on your teeth tho !!

[Drewie]

Slightly off topic, but I changed the plugs on the 202 VC a few months back and discovered the mechanic that did the last plug change had used the wrong plugs,
he had used a short reach plug (I think from a V8) and the plugs had been firing in the
threaded part of the plug hole instead of the combustion chamber, I got the new ones in ok but some were very tight due to the carbon in the thread, I had reason to pop a couple out the other day and whilst a few came out with no problems there were a couple that were very very tight, I started to remove them and thought this does not feel good so I did them up again and left well enough alone. Any thoughts on getting them out when the time comes for a change. Thought maybe if I worked them in and out gently they may come out.

[Tom_1569]

As greenacc said you can use it, but not necessary, personelly I wouldnt bother, its not needed, its more effort, and leaves one more thing to go wrong.

[VKCOMMO]

ok.. thanks

[VKCOMMO]

was about to change them this weekend and then i realised that someone had stole the spark plug tool from my socket set...

[ari666]

. Any thoughts on getting them out when the time comes for a change. Thought maybe if I worked them in and out gently they may come out.

more than likely the washer on the base of the thread is jammed on the head and making it difficult to unscrew. just use a bit of brute force/ignorance, as long as you dont try and twist on an angle the plug shouldnt crack.

[Havok85]

most spark plugs these days already come pre gaped.
so its simple as take out and put in.. if your going to change spark plugs your always best to change the leads and the dizzy cap while your at it.