Spark plug change
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 3
From: Iowa City Iowa
Spark plug change
For those of you putting off changing your spark plugs in your C5, wait no longer. I changed mine this morning for the first time, and it took less then a hour and a half. And 15 minutes of that was looking for one of the spark static arrestors that fell off one of the wires as I removed it. I never did actually see it, I just wedged my hand down by the steering rod and finally felt it and pulled it out.
Changing the plugs and wires was really no big deal, #7 was a bit tougher though. Just make sure you have a spark plug wrench with a flexible joint build in and a series of different lenght 3/8 extensions. I also have a 3/8socket handle with a flexible joint built into it and it came in handy. A few minor scratches on my arms/hands ( yes, gloves would have been a great idea) and it purrs like a kitten. Good luck with your plug/wire change should you decide to do it!
Changing the plugs and wires was really no big deal, #7 was a bit tougher though. Just make sure you have a spark plug wrench with a flexible joint build in and a series of different lenght 3/8 extensions. I also have a 3/8socket handle with a flexible joint built into it and it came in handy. A few minor scratches on my arms/hands ( yes, gloves would have been a great idea) and it purrs like a kitten. Good luck with your plug/wire change should you decide to do it!
Last edited by RSchleder; Sep 13, 2009 at 02:00 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Ewing NJ
If you search for it, there's a nice step by step explanation of how to do it here on the CF. I printed it out for future reference. Besides the articulating socket extension, a Taylor boot removal tool helps. The main thing is to apply a little anti-seize on the threads of the new plugs. I'm using Taylor Spiro Pro wires and E3 plugs.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
Its always more fun working on your own car. I do all my work myself, I dont really trust anyone else!!!
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Good job getting the plugs changed. Only one I had a bit of a problem getting out was #7, but even that wasn't all that bad.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 3
From: Iowa City Iowa
The plugs and the wires were in very good visual condition, I was surprised. I think they were orginal as the plugs and wires both were the factory part numbers. The gap of the plugs was .060 to .065, but the tips were in good shape. I bought the car in 2004 with 38K miles so I believe they had not been changed by the previous owner. Interestingly, they had a brown semi-sticky material on the threads of the plugs, did the factory do this?
I bought the plugs and wires from Gene and thought it would take like 4hrs after reading some of the experiences folks have had here on the forum. After it took much less time, I just had to encourage others to get after it if they had been considering the change.
I bought the plugs and wires from Gene and thought it would take like 4hrs after reading some of the experiences folks have had here on the forum. After it took much less time, I just had to encourage others to get after it if they had been considering the change.
