Re: When to replace spark plugs?
Decided to replace the original spark plugs in my 2004 coupe with only 32,000 miles due to the car being 11 years old. I know the plugs can go much longer, but I wanted to get them out to prevent the possibility of seizure. I also wanted, as a matter of pride, to attempt the dreaded spark plug replacement as a personal challenge, and no way was I going to pay a dealer to do it. I also had a leaking valve cover which I first removed to make the plug change easier (I replaced rubber gaskets on both valve covers). I was a little anxious at first after reading all the horror stories on this site, but the job wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated. This may have been due to my plodding geriatric pace and frequent beer breaks. The boot removal tool helps a lot, as does the dielectric grease on the new plugs. Did I mention frequent beer breaks? It also helps to have a torque wrench, universal 3/8" drive coupling, and the proper Torx bits. My advice is to work slowly, be patient, torque the plugs to spec if you have the wrench (otherwise a 90 to 100 degree turn after contact), use anti-seize on the threads (there's some controversy about this) and check the position and tightness of all the wires and boots when you're finished. I double-checked mine and found one boot that wasn't completely seated on the plug. Now the oil leak is fixed and the idle has smoothed out. It was a job well worth the effort. I also decided to install a new serpentine belt. That was a breeze.
Last edited by crymar; Oct 14, 2015 at 07:05 AM.