Spark Plug: Service and Repair
SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENTFigure 2 Spark Plug Installation:
Warning: If you smoke while handling coated spark plugs, wear gloves to prevent transfer of coating to cigarette and subsequent burning of coating. Always wash hands after handling coated plugs.
^ Allow engine to cool BEFORE removing spark plugs. Attempting to remove spark plugs from a hot engine may cause plug to seize, causing damage to cylinder head threads.
^ Clean spark plug recess area BEFORE removing plug. Failure to do so can result in engine damage due to dirt or foreign material entering cylinder head, or in contamination of cylinder head threads. Contaminated threads may prevent proper seating of new plug.
^ Use only spark plugs specified for use in the vehicle. DO NOT install spark plugs that are either "hotter" or "colder" than those specified for the vehicle. Installing plugs of another type can severely damage the engine. Spark plugs are identified as shown in.
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Turn the ignition "OFF."
2. Rotate engine. Refer to Rotating the Engine for Service Access.
IMPORTANT: Note position of wires and wire looms before removing.
ROTATING THE ENGINE FOR SERVICE ACCESS.
^ Tool Required
- J 41131 Engine Tilt Strap, Or Equivalent.
1. Remove the air cleaner duct. Service and Repair
2. Put the transaxle in the NEUTRAL position.
3. Remove the engine mount strut bolts. Swing the engine mount struts aside.
4. Install the engine tilt strap.
5. Rotate the engine forward for component access.
6. Spark plug wires from spark plugs.
7. Spark plug(s) from engine.
MEASURE
Spark plug gap on plugs to be installed. Gap the spark plugs to specification. Specifications
INSTALL OR CONNECT
CAUTION: Be sure plug threads smoothly into cylinder head and is fully seated. Use a thread chaser if necessary to clean threads in cylinder head. Cross-threading or failing to fully seat spark plug can cause overheating of plug, exhaust blow-by, or thread damage. Follow recommended torque specifications carefully. Over or under-tightening can also cause severe damage to engine or spark plug.
1. Spark plug(s) to engine.
Tighten
^ Spark plug(s) to 20 Nm (15 lb. ft.).
2. Plug wire(s) to spark plug(s).
3. Return engine to proper position. Refer to Rotating the Engine for Service Access.