what tools are needed to remove spark plugs

Tools needed to remove the seized spark plug:

• Spark plug removal tool.
• Wooden or rubber mallet.
• Spark plug socket.

Full Answer

What tools do I need to replace a spark plug socket?

The most important tool is a socket wrench with an extension and a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets come in two sizes: 5/8 inches and 13/16 inches.

What do you need to remove spark plugs from a car?

A spark plug socket To remove spark plugs, you need a spark plug removal tool that grabs and twists the spark plugs inside your vehicle's engine. Because spark plugs can be in awkward positions, you may also need an extension for your spark plug socket.

What size socket do you need for a spark plug?

Universal 5/8" to 13/16" Spark Plug Socket with Wrench by Performance Tool®. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of... Universal 4-piece 3/8" Drive 9/16" to 13/16" Spark Plug Socket Set by Sunex®.

How to remove a stuck Sparker?

Here is how to remove a stuck sparker. Step One: Locate The Plugs. First, you need to know where the plugs are located. Typically the front sparkers will be easier to access than the rear plugs . Depending on the type of vehicle, you can access the rear plugs from under the car.

How to reduce torque on spark plugs?

Apply just a drop of anti-seize to the spark plug threads (don ’t get any on the electrodes or the porcelain). Then reduce the recommended spark plug torque by about 10%. The anti-seize prevents the plugs from permanently bonding to the cylinder head threads.

What happens if you loosen spark plugs?

Over-tightening can destroy the threads in the aluminum cylinder head. But if the spark plug is too loose, it can blow right out of the head, taking the threads with it.

How does carbon tracking affect spark plugs?

After years of distributing high-energy sparks to the spark plug towers, the carbon tip at the base of the center tower can wear down and interrupt the electrical flow from the ignition coil to the individual spark plug towers. Centrifugal force then expels the ground-up carbon around the inside of the cap, causing “carbon tracking.” Carbon tracking causes spark plug misfires. Replacing the distributor cap every time you replace spark plugs is an inexpensive way to keep your ignition system working at maximum efficiency.

What size spark plug socket to use for iridium?

Spark plug swivel socket with extension. If a standard 5/8″ or 13/16″ spark plug socket isn’t enough to remove old iridium spark plugs or other kinds of spark plugs, use this special swivel spark plug socket. Its built-in swivel takes up less room so it can fit it into tight spaces. In fact, it takes less room than an ordinary spark plug socket ...

Why are spark plug wires spaced?

Spark plug wires are spaced in a certain order to prevent arcing-to-ground and cross firing. Wire loom spacers help prevent misfires that can kill gas mileage and possibly destroy the ignition coil, ignition module, or even the powertrain control module.

Why is my spark plug boot stuck?

Spark plug boots tend to get stuck on the plug over time. Pulling directly on the wire can damage the connection, separating it from the boot. Avoid unwanted damage by using spark plug boot puller pliers to grab the boot and gently work it loose.

Do spark plugs come gapped?

These days, spark plugs do come gapped, but it's a good habit to confirm with a gauge. To use this gauge, find the gap specification and insert the gauge between the plug's center and side electrodes.

How to make sure spark plugs are the right distance apart?

You use a gapping tool to make sure the gap between the spark plug's center electrode and the ground electrode above it are the right distance apart. This is where the spark fires on your spark plug.

What is torque wrench?

Torque wrenches have a gauge that displays the torque you've applied when turning the wrench. While most modern spark plugs come pre-gapped from the manufacturer, a gapping tool is good to have on hand.

Can you tighten spark plugs too far?

If you can't maneuver a wrench and extension in the space around your spark plugs, a universal joint may help. When replacing spark plugs, it's important to avoid over-tightening the plugs. Tightening a spark plug too far could damage the plug or the threads in the cylinder head.

How to get spark plugs off a car?

Repeat the process of tightening with the spark plug socket wrench and applying penetrating oil. Repeat this process until the spark plugs come off. If you are having problems, start the engine for a short while to provide heat and then let the engine cool before attempting to remove the plugs..

How to avoid problems with spark plugs?

To avoid problems later on, ensure the new sparkers are appropriately tightened. Tightening the plugs will ensure this does not happen. Something else you can do is regular maintenance. Regular maintenance will help expose any problems with the spark plugs.

How to access rear spark plugs?

Step One: Locate The Plugs. First, you need to know where the plugs are located. Typically the front sparkers will be easier to access than the rear plugs . Depending on the type of vehicle, you can access the rear plugs from under the car. In some other models, you may need to remove some components first to access them.

Why do spark plugs build up carbon?

The buildup of carbon on the threads will occur if the plugs were not appropriately tightened during installation. If the spark plugs are left unchanged for a long time, corrosion can build up in the threads, making them difficult to remove. Most car manufacturers today recommend regular maintenance.

Why are my spark plugs stuck?

There are several reasons why your spark plugs may become stuck. The first is due to the buildup of carbon in the combustion chamber. This buildup can line the threads, making them difficult to remove.

How long should a socket wrench be?

Alternatively, you can use a wrench extension of at least six inches in length on the socket wrench . However, if removing rear sparker from under the vehicle starting the engine may not be a good idea. When you are under the car, you will have to rest your hands on the exhaust manifold, which will be hot.

Where are the spark plugs located?

First, you need to know where the plugs are located. Typically the front sparkers will be easier to access than the rear plugs . Depending on the type of vehicle, you can access the rear plugs from under the car.

What is the best tool to remove spark plugs?

You’ll need extra leverage to remove spark plugs buried deep in the engine compartment. A bent handle with an integral flex head is the best tool for the job. It’s longer than a normal ratchet and the flex head allows you to maintain the leverage while still fitting into tight places. Ratchet handle types.

When to remove spark plugs?

Carmakers always recommend removing and replacing spark plugs when the engine is COLD. That way, the spark plugs, and spark plug threads have the least amount of thermal expansion, so removing spark plugs is easier and there’s less chance of damaging the spark plug threads.

What size spark plugs are needed for a large engine?

However, the newer engines require small spark plugs. • 13/16″ Older vehicles (large engines. Spark plug sockets are available in 6-point and 12-point versions.

How to prevent spark plugs from seizing?

When long-life spark plugs were first introduced, spark plug manufacturers recommended applying a light coat of anti-seize compound to the spark plug threads to prevent them from seizing in the cylinder head. That recommendation is now obsolete! Modern spark plugs come from the factory with a nickel plating to prevent seizing in the cylinder head. If you apply anti-seize on top of that coating, chances are you’ll over-torque the spark plug and distort the metal shell, causing the spark plug to leak and misfire. Do NOT apply anti-seize to a spark plug unless specifically recommended by the plug manufacturer!

What is a spark plug socket?

A spark plug socket is really just a socket that’s deep enough to slide over the entire tip and porcelain area and still engage with the hex portion of the shell. In addition to the added depth, most spark plug sockets also include a rubber insert that keeps the socket centered over the plug, preventing the socket from twisting and breaking off ...

Why use a single extra deep socket?

That’s where a single extra deep socket comes in handy because it eliminates “fishing” the smaller socket and plug from the spark plug tube. A spark plug socket with an integral flex joint also comes in handy for use in tight spots. Straight, flex and extra deep spark plug sockets.

Why do spark plugs have nickel plating?

Modern spark plugs come from the factory with a nickel plating to prevent seizing in the cylinder head. If you apply anti-seize on top of that coating, chances are you’ll over-torque the spark plug and distort the metal shell, causing the spark plug to leak and misfire.