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spark plug change
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 3:18 am
by Rusty H
Can someone let me know if i need any special tools to change the spark plugs on my 09 Vibe
Re: spark plug change (Rusty H)
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 8:50 am
by star_deceiver
Should be pretty straight forward: Socket, extension, rachet! Might need to move a few things...Welcome to GenVibe BTW!!!
Re: spark plug change (star_deceiver)
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:50 am
by MotoAce51
Needle nose pliers if you dont have a plug socket...
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2015 8:27 am
by PonchoGT
And don't forget the anti-seize compound for the new plugs. Aluminum heads in these engines.
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 1:54 pm
by Mark
An actual spark plug socket, 5/8", is very helpful for both getting the old plugs out and seating the new ones. Something that holds the plug in the socket is almost needed on these. I have something similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/AMPRO-T33338-8-In ... lug+socket
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 2:44 pm
by gtv237
Remember to allow the engine to cool fully. Never remove spark plugs from a warm engine.
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 5:34 pm
by GOF
I have, somewhere around here, a straight spark plug boot stuck to the end of a longer bolt. It has the flexibility to start plugs in tough to reach places while still being able to slip on the plug if you didn't get it started right. No cross threading. Just a simple silly home made rig that I got from my dad back in the 70s.
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri May 01, 2015 7:21 am
by PonchoGT
I always use a section of heater hose to seat my new plugs (after I coat the threads with anti-seize compound) before torqueing them in at the proper tightness.
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri May 01, 2015 9:09 am
by gtv237
PonchoGT wrote:I always use a section of heater hose to seat my new plugs (after I coat the threads with anti-seize compound) before torqueing them in at the proper tightness.
Technically you're not supposed to torque spark plugs if you use any kind of lubricant on the threads. From the factory they are torqued dry.
Re: spark plug change
Posted: Fri May 01, 2015 9:44 am
by PonchoGT
Thanks for that reminder, gtv237. I had the No. 2 plug rust in place on a previously owned car (no one had ever apparently bothered to change it) and I had to use a shot of PB Blaster and a breaker bar on the end of my socket to coax it out of the hole. Ever since, I've used anti-sieze compound on all my plug threads.