what are the basic complete tools for changing spark plugs


honey bee.:) , Monday, 9th of August 2010 08:09:50 PM

l have no problems changing the plugs on the 4 cyl where just one plug may 
honey bee.:)
be a bit obstructed by an alternator, but what tool set will allow me to 
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handle all, or nearly all,plug changes without getting underneath the car 
Joined: Friday, 23rd of April 2010, 13:39:04
or becoming a contortionist.l have one swivel socket, 5/8, an extension, 
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and a red plastic thng l use to start the plug I am placing into the 
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socket which l then turn by hand, followd by a turn from the socket wrench 
to tighten completely. I've been asked to do plug changes for the local 
senior complex..Thanks.
 
 
 
 
 

santa's lil helper , Tuesday, 10th of August 2010 10:09:05 AM

Here is a basic list of tools that will cover most of the  
santa's lil helper
situations you encounter:  
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Joined: Sunday, 6th of June 2010, 23:30:04
- 5/8'' thin-wall spark plug socket  
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- 13/16'' thin-wall spark plug socket  
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(There are 2 different sized plugs. Make sure they are thin-walled as  
some plugs are recessed in small holes. Good sockets will have a rubber  
grip insert inside to hold the plug while you remove it so it doesn't  
fall, you could also use it as a plug starter & leave it on the plug &  
just plug in the extension & tighten. You can also get sockets that have  
built-in swivels on the ends that you can use with the one you already  
have if needed.)  
- 3/8'' drive ratchet  
- 3/8'' drive extensions of various lengths (1 3 5'' 11 19'' are the ones  
I have & can be combined together as needed. The reason for the long ones  
are that sometimes the best way to access plugs are through the wheel well  
with the car jacked up slightly. Also nice for plugs in the back so that  
you aren't crawling onto the car to reach them.)  
- flashlight  
- mirror on an pivotable extension shaft (they make them just for  
automotive type of work. Get a decent sized mirror of 2''x4'' or so to  
make it easy to use.)  
- plug gap gauge (usually around $1-$2 at an auto parts store)  
- can of compressed air (to blow dirt out around the base of the plug  
before removing it (find at most computer stores around $2-$4)  
- plug wire puller may help for those tight spots  
 
Sometimes it is necessary to move or remove engine parts (i.e. alternator,  
PS pump, A/C compressor, etc..) to gain access to certain plugs. A good set  
of metric & SAE combination wrenches & 3/8'' drive sockets can come in  
handy.  
 
Hope that helps. Best of luck.  
 
 
 
 
 

Angel , Wednesday, 11th of August 2010 04:27:25 PM

the basic tools are a socket, extension, ratchet, and a spark  
Angel
plug gap gauge..don't take for granted that the plugs will come pre-set.  
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you may also want a wire puller.just so you don't mess your spark pug  
Joined: Monday, 3rd of May 2010, 16:50:05
wires up. i know it sounds easy to change plugs in your car, but there is  
Posts: 224
much more to it than you think..best of luck  
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Baby Shoes , Thursday, 12th of August 2010 09:38:01 PM

quality sockets with a nice fitting rubber, preferablly with an  
Baby Shoes
extension built in so as not to drop or pulloff.and a way to clean the area  
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around the plug before removing.. allways hand start the new plug (after a  
Joined: Saturday, 22nd of May 2010, 20:32:16
gap check) with a low torque devise like an old plugwire boot or length of  
Posts: 867
fueline hose.. if it doesn't FEEL right going in it may be  
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crossthreaded.and always wait for the engine to cool. best is overnight  
before removing plugs from allow heads..  
 
 
 
 
 



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