Nealcrenshaw
Well-known member
Was that bullwinkle?
Moose Explains - Changing Spark Plugs!
- Thread starter Moose-LandTran
- Start date
Well what can you do? I look at plugs at every service interval. I gotta tell ya', the Chrysler motors love to eat 'em. If you're lucky, you can clean and re-gap them--usually I'm not lucky.
babzog
Well-known member
Interesting points. Could you please elaborate as to why it's okay to use anti-seize/oil on older cars (particularly why OBD2 or a cat would preclude its use) and why not on newer cars?
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Nope, that was me, Moose.
-B-
Well-known member
Wow good thread I forgot how to change the plugs in my Ram over 75k ago ( Bosch platinum in a 318)
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Steve from Socal
Well-known member
Moose,
Good job, where is squirrel?
Did you put iridium plugs in that M102? All the Mercedes distributor engines with EZL should use copper plugs. Here in the states many cars that won't pass smog checks and have rough idles are attributed to "fancy" plugs. Also these should use non resistor plugs.
The older Mercedes engines sensitive to the wrong plugs, I had a guy with a 280SL that would not start, told him it was the plugs. Spent two days checking everything fuel and electric only to find he had just replaced the plugs with Iridium plugs.
Steve
Good job, where is squirrel?
Did you put iridium plugs in that M102? All the Mercedes distributor engines with EZL should use copper plugs. Here in the states many cars that won't pass smog checks and have rough idles are attributed to "fancy" plugs. Also these should use non resistor plugs.
The older Mercedes engines sensitive to the wrong plugs, I had a guy with a 280SL that would not start, told him it was the plugs. Spent two days checking everything fuel and electric only to find he had just replaced the plugs with Iridium plugs.
Steve
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Interesting stuff there, Steve. I believe these to be Iridium, the boxes are in foreign. I haven't started it up yet, spent the last 13 hours working on it, still going. It did take a while to start, maybe twice as long as usual, and sometimes idles and runs a little rough. Thank you for the info, will hunt down some copper plugs today!
Here, have an e-beer on me for the help!
I always thought you are alot bigger than that. I don't know how you can keep yourself so clean while working on car. Anyway, nice writeup. Enjoy reading it.
Merkava_4
Banned
That's a cute presentation Moose. 
rhastings80
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2009
- Messages
- 636
Very nice Moose. My wife also thought it was very cute.
riskyvt
Well-known member
Very informative Moose...Thanks for the "how-to" on changing spark plugs. I will be referring to your process at my next change-out. I hope to see more of your insightful automotive photos soon.
BTW: I think "raccoon" from Montreal likes you...
BTW: I think "raccoon" from Montreal likes you...
I liked that a lot. By installment twenty, that little moose is going to be pretty grimy from sitting in dirty engine bays and whatnot.
What do you use to gap the plugs? The plugs I bought for my Formula (stock replacement plugs) were not properly gapped, so I bought a cheap little gapping tool for the job. I'd like to find a more high quality version, though.
What do you use to gap the plugs? The plugs I bought for my Formula (stock replacement plugs) were not properly gapped, so I bought a cheap little gapping tool for the job. I'd like to find a more high quality version, though.
old salvage
Well-known member
Two thumbs up Moose.
-B-
Well-known member
Nice write up Moose, thanks.
The only suggestion I would make for the Novice audience is that you take a few moments before taking plug caps off to put as bit of tape with the cylinder number on so that you get the correct lead on the right plug when you put it back together.
Dave
The only suggestion I would make for the Novice audience is that you take a few moments before taking plug caps off to put as bit of tape with the cylinder number on so that you get the correct lead on the right plug when you put it back together.
Dave
Big Bad Jon
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- Joined
- Jun 14, 2008
- Messages
- 719
Great thread moose, I think you need to do one with a timing belt next 
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
Moose, can you ship your little fuzzy self down here and change the three rear plugs in my wife's minivan? They are really hard for a normal-sized guy like myself to get to. If only I had a couple more elbows in each arm. I will gladly give you a large bag of Moose Chow for your time and cover the shipping costs both ways.
Also, the next time you see your veterinarian, ask him about those fuzzy spots on your antlers.
Also, the next time you see your veterinarian, ask him about those fuzzy spots on your antlers.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Try that on a V6 Chevy S10...
First you jack up the vehicle & remove the front wheels....
First you jack up the vehicle & remove the front wheels....
ozzy214
Well-known member
Minivans are easy to change the plugs. Gms I rock the motor fwd with a special tool or fords etc I crawl underneath. Break them loose with a midget rachet and then buzz them out with the air rachet. Then buzz them in with air rachet and tighten with midget rachet. Take 10 mins...hell takes longer to jack it up.
TNToy
Well-known member
A flate-rate guy, and no picture of the cordless impact beating the plugs down to final torque? You took them out with a ratchet?
Fail.
Fail.
JohnMcD348
Well-known member
Great post. Can't wait to see Moose change the oil.....
I was reading the post expecting a Mr Bill episode or something.
I was reading the post expecting a Mr Bill episode or something.
paramudduck
Well-known member
I kept waiting on Sluggo to drop the hood on the moose.
fomocoforrester
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- Jun 13, 2008
- Messages
- 3,061
Moose - That is so cool, and a brilliant idea, thanks for taking the time to post it.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment - I hope we get to see you in your Snap On overalls!
I'm looking forward to the next instalment - I hope we get to see you in your Snap On overalls!
HOTFR8
Banned
I love it Moose. How about an Oil change and then you can go on to explain the difference between the 710 cap and an OIL cap
tonydanzah
Well-known member
I have never seen anyone torque a spark plug.
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
You have now.
The next installment should be done next week. In fact, there may be a few next week..
arkangel06
Banned
waiting for more
tonydanzah
Well-known member
Was good write up. Whats on tap for next week?
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Changing the oil and filter, the rest of servicing, suspension rebuild, VW-Audi 1J platform rear axle radius bushes.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
That was great!! Give us more!!
Scott
Scott
stewart
Well-known member
Moose, I knew it was a joke the whole time, nobody would really need pliers to pull plug boots!
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Depends on the engine. Certain VWs (VR6s) require a special tool to remove the HT leads from the plug, some of their 8-valve engines need a screwdriver to pop the lead without damage. The pliers prevent damage to the leads anyway.
Adam McLaughlin
Well-known member
VERY, VERY well done.
Adam
Adam
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I'm glad you liked it, Adam. There will be more on the way. I did want to make another a couple weeks ago, but i was pressed for time and the lighting in the garage was terrible. So the Disc Brake Replacement will be covered another time. I do, however, have some pics:
Jacking the car up:
Securing it with axle stands:
Removing the anti-rattle clip:
(Notice my fancy new latex gloves, i also have overalls.)
Just a teaser.
-Moose.
Hey Moose, what might this special tool look like? I'm going to get around to changing the plugs in my 2001.5 VR6 Passat one of these days, soon.