How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE)

Just did this now, really simple didn't take long at all. Thanks for the write up.

 

Did mine again today at 59066. Stock NGK coppers again. They were about .055 when I pulled em out. Not sure which to trust, champion spark plug wheel deal or my vatozone performance tool feeler gauges. According to feelers they came gapped a little over. 040 according to champion tool they we're like .050, I left em as is as I was more inclined to believe the feeler gauges.


Guess I'll test em against the snap on feelers at school and check against a mic


Happily all the plugs looked dry and in good shape except the normal erosion.

 

Good info. NGK recommends against using anti-sieze for this reason -- if the plugs are shiny. The stock NGK plugs are, as they're coated with a special coating that has an effect similar to anti-sieze. I did however use just the tiniest amount anyway.

 

Changed my spark plugs this morning with Densos, only took about 90 minutes. I bought a 2006 DCLB used a month back with 112K+ miles. Done a bunch of fluid changes and more to get a good baseline to take it another 100K miles hopefully.

The stock plugs from manufacturing were still in it, Denso passenger side, NGK driver side. The old plugs were consistently 0.09 and higher in gap. The Denso set I bought from Rock Auto were all dead on at 0.040 after checking each. For a truck with 115K miles, it drives like a new car to me.

Thank you for the original "how-to". This forum rocks! I'm saving money doing all this work myself and I get the pleasure of doing it, doing it right and using better parts and fluids than I would get from a generic auto shop.

 

Thanks "Chris4x4" for taking the time to make such an informative post.
It was very helpful.

Best regards,
MWD

 

Thanks for this great write-up Chris!! Me and a buddy of mine both did our trucks at the same time and it took us just over 1 hour to get both trucks done so it was super quick!! Here is a few pics of my plugs and I procrastinated and didnt change them at 30K. These plugs have just over 50K miles on them.

Driver side is on the left. They look to be a little more used and abused.


Driver side


Passenger side

 

Look like my old ones.

 

Did mine yesterday. Thanks for this awesome write up.

 

solid write up thanks man!!!

 

sub'd. newb question here, please don't bash me haha. I don't have a 3/8" torque wrench, the only torque wrench that I have is 1/2". is it possible to just hand tighten the spark plugs?

 

Go to your local autozone/homedepot/(I found one at walmart) and buy a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter

 

what brand, and how much was it?

 

Just to clarify, you don't have to have a 3/8" torque wrench. The only reason I needed an adapter was because my spark plug socket was for a 3/8" wrench an I also didn't have a 1/2" extension that was long enough.

The one I bought was in a set that included another extender and a swivel neck so I don't remember the price:

If you are just using it as something to have in your garage I don't think the brand matters. If you were using it a lot with an air powered gun in an auto-shop then the durability might matter. To torque spark plugs, most will do.

Here's a couple links:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Performance-W1136C-1-2-inch-to-3-8-inch-Reducer-Adapter/15085516

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...e-adaptor/_/N-2633?itemIdentifier=482534_0_0_

You can go to any local store that sells tools and ask them if they have it, if they don't they should know where you can find one.

 

thanks man.

 

Thnx chris - awesome write up - made the work seamless.
Changed my plugs this morning.
My drivers side NGS(1-2-3) were gapped .047 and Denso(4-5-6) pass side were .044 after 40k.
Glad I checked my 'pre-gapped' plugs from dealer as couple were off.
So check/set all .040

 

Nice ,,,job thank you Bill R....

 

Went to Iridiums this past weekend, at 136K miles. Ran copper the last 25K. First 3 tank fulls almost 2 miles to the gallon better, better response, smooth again. Never ever again copper.

 

Finally got around to changing my plugs today. I had 71 thousand miles and they still look pretty darn good, probably could have made 100k. Anyways, this is an excellent write up! It made the job very easy for a 61 year old such as myself. If I can do it anybody can. Much Appreciated!!! Next week I'm going to tackle the Serpentine belt.

 

I used the tape on socket method. Made my socket get stuck in valve cover. Took me 5 fking hours to get it out!!!! maybe il try again next week. Don't use tape! Use a magnet if socket gets left behind. Pissed off beyond belief