Spark plug replacement

1. Equipment

Gather the following equipment to complete this guide. The links below direct you to the exact products I used.

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• 3/8 inch ratchet
• 3/8 inch extension
• 3/8 inch 14mm thin walled spark plug socket
• Duct tape
• Spark plug gap gauge
• Spark plug gap reduction tool

2. Removal

1. Open the bonnet.

2. Unclip the ignition coil clip by lifting it up. This should also loosen the connector slightly.

   This clip can be stubborn, so use two hands if need be.

   

3. Remove the cable.

   

4. Stick a finger under the rubber tab on the coil and pull up whilst twisting and pulling up the coil with the other hand. They can feel like they're super glued but little patience, twisting and pulling should do it.

   

5. Grab your 3/8 inch ratch, extention and 14mm thin walled spark plug socket and piece them together.

   Wrap a small piece of duct tape around the end of the socket to hold it onto the extension. This helps stop the socket from getting stuck on the spark plug and coming off the extension when you tighten the plug or pull the ratchet back during installation.

   

6. Lower the socket onto the spark plug and give the top of the ratchet a little push so you know the inner rubber on the socket is firmly set on the spark plug.

   

7. Unscrew and lift out the spark plug. They can be quite stiff but dont be afraid just go for it.

   

8. Repeat steps 1 - 7 for as many spark plugs as you're replacing.

3. Gapping

1. Next, we need to ensure the new spark plug gap is between 0.7 - 0.8mm.

   Grab your spark plug gauge tool and check the gap. Start by slotting the spark plug onto the thinnest part of the gauge and slowly slide it along until there's just enough friction to stop it.

   Slower is better, never force it as you could damage or bend the center electrode, tis not fun I tell ya.

   

2. If the gap is too large, you'll need to grab your spark plug gap reduction tool.

   Slot in the spark plug and very slowly turn the dial, until the spark plug is snug.

   

3. Now, very slowly tighten it in extremely small increments and repeat step 1 until the you're gap is in spec.

   

4. If the gap is too small, you'll need to use the gauge to pry open the ground electrode.

   Slot in the spark plug ground electrode into the hole on the gauge and very slowly pry in extremely small increments and repeat step 1 until the you're gap is in spec.