HOW TO: Change your Sparkplugs

[C-Spec]

Be sure to read though before starting, to make sure you have all the necessary tools to complete it.

notes
- when tightening the spark plug use a torque of 25 Nm or 18 ft-lb
now i just retighten the new plugs to about the same feel as the old ones, because i didnt have a torque wrench. i have had not had any problems
- a spark plug socket would be nice and easy, but not necessary

Step 1:
disconnect battery using a 10mm wrench or socket. -always a good idea to remove power while working on the engine. plus once you are done, reconnecting the battery will reset the ecu. w/ fresh plugs in.
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_01.jpg




Step 2:
remove engine plug cover. use a phillips head screwdriver or a 10mm socket
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_02.jpg

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_03.jpg

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http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_05.jpg




Step 3:
remove spark plug wires and unplug wire harness - use a 10mm socket to remove the 3 screws on the plug
note: the plug wires are set in good. meaning its gonna take some effort / pull to get the wires out. dont be afraid - yank on them

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_06.jpg

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_07.jpg

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http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_11.jpg


after plug wire removal you can see the spark plugs set deep in the engine block

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_12.jpg




Step 4:
you will need a deep set socket with extension to reach the spark plug in its location. i used size 13/16 deep well socket to reach and unscrew the plug.

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_13.jpg
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_14.jpg

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_15.jpg


you can use this weird looking thing in bototm picture, or some source of magnetic stick.Â* Or if you get an specific sparkplug socket than you don't need any of this because that socket will have an ruber thingy inside to grab the spark plug O0

http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_16.jpg
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_17.jpg




Step 5:
replace your old spark plugs with new ones
i have read that its recommended to replace your spark plugs every 6 months if you run your car hard. i used the cheap, but effective NGK BPR7ES as easy replacement


http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10991/Change%20Spark%20Plugs_19.jpg




Step 6:
put everything back together, reconnect battery and feel the difference. it amazes me the simple changes that you can do to this vehicle to see or feel it running

[thugline]

Do you have to gap those spark plugs that are in the picture or do they come pre-gapped? If so, where can you buy those?

[DTunedEvoX]

Do you have to gap those spark plugs that are in the picture or do they come pre-gapped? If so, where can you buy those?


Got to gap them yourself- and any competant shop should sell those coppers ... Pep Boys, Autozone, etc ..

[thugline]

What type of measurment should I use to gap them and how much should I gap them?

[BabyBlueDragon19]

.026

[thugline]

Rob @ (RRE) GAPPED THEM @ .26 for me!

[DTunedEvoX]

ehhh .24-.26 lol

[Myevo8]

ehhh .24-.26 lol
+1 Shiv recommended on my tune my plugs to get regapped at that range cuz of a very slight misfire he felt up top when he did a after dyno tune road test drive. At that time my plugs were at .28 =X

[trinydex]

the main concern with tightening plugs is to not over tighten them, a stuck plug is a done head.

also it's a good idea to put antiseize on the threads of the plugs and put a dab of dielectric grease in the plug booties.

Edit by mod: content

[C-Spec]

just torque it at 18-21lbs

[trinydex]

The IX uses different spark plugs than the VIII, so here are the part numbers if you're in need of new plugs:

Here's the OEM part number which goes for around $11/plug: ILFR7H
http://www.ngk.com/results_cross.asp?pid=ilfr7h

Here's the OEM equivelant which goes for around $7/plug: LFR7AIX
http://www.ngk.com/results_cross.asp?pid=lfr7aix




one thig nice about IX oem spark plugs is that, they are gap at .20mm-0.22mm from the factory/recomendation also.