Do I need a special tool to remove spark plugs?

You'll need just a few tools to change out the spark plugs on your car. 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. Most spark plug sockets have a rubber insert that holds the plug snugly in place.

Can you remove spark plug by hand?

Gently grasp a spark plug wire by the boot (the place where it connects to the spark plug), twist it, and pull it straight out. Never yank on the wire itself (you can damage the wiring). The shiny thing sticking out of the engine block after you remove the wire from the spark plug is the terminal of the spark plug.

What tools should you use to remove a spark plug from a cylinder?

Use a spark plug socket paired with a 3/8 ratchet to loosen and pull the first plug from its housing. These sockets are designed to securely grip the spark plugs for effortless removal and may require a socket adapter to use with your current drive tool.

What size is a standard spark plug socket?

Most often, the spark plug will be either a 5/8 inch or 13/16 inch one. Most newer vehicles will have a 5/8-inch spark plug. Smaller engines, such as those in lawnmowers will also have a spark plug of this size.As such, the spark plug socket used is also a 5/8-inch one.

Do you need a torque wrench for spark plugs?

Do I need a torque wrench for new spark plugs, or will a socket wrench suffice? Technically no. But I would be careful tightening it down because you don't want to over tighten it. If the heads are aluminum, it's very easy to cause serious damage.

"Must Have" Tools For Replacing Spark Plugs

What size is a spark plug socket in MM?

Spark Plug Size

The two most common spark plug sizes in modern motorcycles and small cars are 14mm and 18mm. Some automobile manufacturers also use 16mm high-thread count spark plugs and 12mm long-reach spark plugs.

What size wrench Do I need to remove a spark plug?

You'll need just a few tools to change out the spark plugs on your car. 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. Most spark plug sockets have a rubber insert that holds the plug snugly in place.

How tight should spark plugs be?

Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench.

Can you use a regular socket for spark plugs?

no you don't need a spark plug socket to remove and install spark plugs. A deep socket in the correct size will work in most cases, if enough patience is used and maybe some pliers to go along with the socket.

Is it hard to change spark plugs?

Changing spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it's a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.

What happens if spark plugs arent torqued?

A tight plug can also damage the spark plug thread (it gets stripped). The only way to fix the plug thread issue is to replace the head — which is an expensive repair.

How often do you change spark plugs?

Spark plugs are somewhat durable components and don't need to be replaced too often, that said, the general recommendation is about every 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Each vehicle may differ on when they should be replaced.

Can I use WD-40 to remove spark plugs?

Using WD-40 to repel water from spark plugs, distributors, alternators, and batteries is a good way to prevent corrosion and keep moisture away. You can also use it to ease the removal of spark plugs, especially if there is any rust or corrosion.

Which way do you turn a spark plug to remove it?

Place the socket around the spark plug and turn the socket counterclockwise. The spark plug should unscrew easily. If you are having problems removing a spark plug that is too tight, stop before you break it off. You can put a bit of dedicated penetrating oil to help loosen it.

Are all spark plug wrenches the same?

If not, spark plug sockets are individually available in different size varieties to match the spark plug, the most common size being the 5/8 inch size socket. Another common size is the 13/16 inch size socket. You'll need to pick a relevant spark plug socket depending on the size of your spark plug.

What is the difference between a spark plug socket and a regular socket?

As their name implies, spark plug sockets remove or fit a spark plug into an engine. Spark plug sockets are longer than standard sockets, and frequently come with a rubber insert that prevents the spark plug from becoming damaged while the wrench is working. A socket bit is a hex socket with a bit inside.