Changing Spark Plugs - Question

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 2:17 pm

I've never changed spark plugs before and just had a question.

I took the 2 mounting nuts off the other day, and pulled the coil off of the spark plug, and it looks like you just take the old spark plug out and put a new one in, and then stick the coil back on top of it.

My question is why have I read that you have to disconnect the wiring or something from the coil pack?

(2) Disconnect electrical connector from coil by
pushing downward on release lock on top of connector
and pull connector from coil.

What does that have to do with anything?

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 2:50 pm

Just a lot easier to disconnect the wires from the coil packs then pull up off the spark plugs, otherwise you have to stretch the wires and twist them to get the coil pack up off the plug. So in a nut shell it is just easier, I have two of mine that will come up off easy but the rest are easier if I disconnect the wires.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 2:58 pm

Thanks.

I must have just happened to deal with one of the easy ones.
I just unscrewed the mounting bolts and pulled it right off with no trouble at all, but I didn't really look at the other ones.

I'm only at 20,000 miles, but from what I've read it sounds like they may be pretty worn already.

It'll give me some practice anyway.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 3:04 pm

I change mine at 25/30,000 all the time, well done it 4 times so far and each time they were worn down some and ready almost to be changed

Pote · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 3:08 pm

is there also some clearance issue about getting the last coil beneath the reserve bottle?? some say they can get in without moving it while others say its got to be moved to have access...year specific or just a case of having giant hands??

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 3:10 pm

Pote wrote:

is there also some clearance issue about getting the last coil beneath the reserve bottle?? some say they can get in without moving it while others say its got to be moved to have access...year specific or just a case of having giant hands??

Well I can do it with out taking the reserve out but its easier to take it for me, only takes a minute of time so no big deal

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 4:42 pm

The factory service manual says it's very important to use a torque wrench and to torque the spark plugs to 20ft/lbs.

Should I buy a torque wrench, or are they exaggerating?

I have already bought some new sockets and a new wrench, so if I don't really need to buy a torque wrench that would be ok with me.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 5:07 pm

well....with the heads that are on the KJ you have to be careful not to tighten the spark plugs too tight and 20 lbs is not really that much, also I put just a little anti-seeze on the threads so they dont stick when trying to remove them , with that said I have been turning wrenchs since I was 14, (almost 40 years :cry:

) so I don't use one, I can feel pretty close to what it should be, just be careful and when you feel it hit the bottom just a little bit more is all that is needed.

DryBones · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 10:10 pm

swivel socket adapter and an extension was all I needed to get to my #6 plug.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 11:12 pm

Just did mine tonight. wobble extenstions and a swivel/universal as well. sitting on my ARB helps ;-)

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2008 11:46 pm

Make sure you used compressed air to blow all the crap and sand that gathers around the plug out. Wouldnt much like all that falling on top of the piston when you take the plug out. :shock:

DryBones · **Posted:** Fri May 16, 2008 12:03 am

actually blow the crap off before removing the coil pack. pretty clean down inside mine but the top of the coils was a different story.

Changing Spark Plugs - Question

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