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spark plug change

Old Nov 18, 2006 | 11:38 AM
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Default spark plug change


GM re commends 100,000 mile plug change but what do the real experts recommend. I'm at 34000.
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Old Nov 18, 2006 | 11:50 AM
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Getting ready to change all of mine now at 60k
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 06:08 AM
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Take one or two out and check their condition. Look for oil corrosion or signs of overheating. That can tell you if you should change now or not and it's good preventive maintenance. I changed mine at 30K and went with the AC Delco Irridiums.
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 08:38 AM
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IMHO I would not wait until 100k - They could be a bear to get out and you could strip the threads. Don't forget the anti-seize.
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 09:17 AM
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unless the car is modified the stock plugs should be OK for now, typically NGK TR55's are used in N/A(naturally aspirated) modifications

I have shop in South Windsor, if you ever have questions give me a call
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve@CTCorvette
unless the car is modified the stock plugs should be OK for now, typically NGK TR55's are used in N/A(naturally aspirated) modifications

I have shop in South Windsor, if you ever have questions give me a call
And gapped to what???
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 08:56 PM
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Wouldn't hurt to take them out see how they look. Wear isn't going to be an issue at this point but there's no way I'd leave them in for 100k. A bit of anti-seize before you put them back in but make sure you don't get any on the end of the plug as this stuff is conductive and can cause a misfire. What you have to remember is that depending on where you live the quality of fuel can change as well as the additives used in them. This can greatly affect the life of your plugs. The other factor is the mechanical condition of the engine and various components as well as the sensors that control them. Nothing can tell you more about the condition of your engine and how it's running than a spark plug. Yet , they are the least expensive component to replace and something that we can all still do. Why not change those plugs more often and keep your engine running it's best?

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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 09:43 PM
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Here's the best reason to pull your stock plugs ASAP (probably too late already); the stock plugs have a small puck tacked on that inevitably falls off (guess where it goes? In your cumbustion chamber, that's where), radically increasing the gap.

The plugs the car came with should absolutely be replaced, no question.

Last edited by Dan_the_C5_Man; Nov 20, 2006 at 02:05 PM.
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Old Nov 19, 2006 | 10:02 PM
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Just changed all of mine and guess what (60k miles)

all the plugs were missing the puck and had a HUGE GAP

Changed new plugs/wires

That intermittent miss I had is gone and the car runs great.

Bet my gas mileage is back too

Will now change them every 30k miles

CHANGE YOUR PLUGS
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Old Nov 21, 2006 | 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by c3andc5
Take one or two out and check their condition. Look for oil corrosion or signs of overheating. That can tell you if you should change now or not and it's good preventive maintenance. I changed mine at 30K and went with the AC Delco Irridiums.
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Old Nov 21, 2006 | 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Tigershark3
IMHO I would not wait until 100k - They could be a bear to get out and you could strip the threads. Don't forget the anti-seize.
Be sure to wait until the engine is well cooled before removing and do yourself (and your knuckles) a favor by disconnecting and removing the driver's side coil pack as an assembly. One harness plug, four plug wires and five bolts and this is easily done. It will make a huge difference in the amount of room you now have to reach the number seven plug.
HTH,
Robert
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Old Nov 22, 2006 | 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Tigershark3
IMHO I would not wait until 100k - They could be a bear to get out and you could strip the threads. Don't forget the anti-seize.
Yes, used anti-seize when I did it

The plugs on the passenger side were fairly easy to get out. The plugs on the driver side were in pretty tight.
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