Changing Spark Plugs on 2.4L

SnipesXxX · 06-22-2007, 10:20 PM

I know how to get to them from searching but I have heard from different mechanics that sometimes the boots stick to the plugs and are hard to get off. I was thinking about having a mechanic do all the work but I always hated to pay someone to do something that I think I can do myself. I've had to put a fuel pump in it before and succeeded.

My only concerns are the boots and how much I need to tighten the spark plugs once finger tight? I don't have a torque wrench. Also wondering when removing the old plugs will the metal washer type thing fall off because it might be hard to get to. Do I need to use the metal washer thing that comes with the new plugs?

xeroinfinity · 06-23-2007, 11:38 AM

The boots just twist off, they are inexpensive and should be replaced anyway from time to time.

The washer should not fall off the plugs.
Plugs torque to 156 IN LBS and should be gaped @ .050.
If you dont have one then try to tighten them all the same without stripping them out(the threads in the head is what will strip).

SnipesXxX · 06-23-2007, 02:43 PM

Are Autolite plugs decent? I found this on there site for if you don't have a torque wrench:
http://www.autolite.com/carcare/tech/TorqueSpecs.pdf

Which should I turn it according to that if anyone knows? Is the gasket they are referring to the washer? About gapping the plugs the ones I was looking at says no gapping does that mean I don't need to gap them?

xeroinfinity · 06-23-2007, 05:59 PM

Yes thier torque specs look OK.
156in lbs/12=13ft lbs aprox

The plugs probly are 14mm, since it's a 15mm socket.
and the washer is the gasket....

Most plugs come pre gaped but it never hurts to check.

SnipesXxX · 06-23-2007, 11:26 PM

sorry for all the questions but does tapered seat plug mean putting the plug on without the gasket/washer? Does it matter if you use it or is it just a preference thing?

so about 1/2 turn with gasket/washer and 1/16 without?

xeroinfinity · 06-24-2007, 12:11 AM

Its not preferance on the plugs, it's how the hole seat for the plug is cut into the head(s).
Yours should have a washer, but when you buy plugs for your car they'll only be one way.

It's easy as pie

jessman1128 · 06-24-2007, 12:15 AM

For what it's worth, the only serious problem I had when I replaced the plugs and boots in my '96 2.4L was getting all of the boots to seat properly on both ends - the plugs and the top housing. You can't get them to seal until you put the housing cover on, and then once the housing cover is on you can't see them or access them to make sure they're seated properly. I kept having one that wouldn't seal, so the engine was misfiring when I started it. I kept trying and trying and trying and eventually succeeded, but it was a royal pain for me. Maybe I was just doing something wrong, I don't know. At any rate, after you get it done if you start the car and it sounds like a cylinder is misfiring, you probably have a boot that's not seated properly.

SnipesXxX · 06-24-2007, 11:34 AM

well I did the change today. The plugs I got from Advance didn't have the gasket but the ones that came out if it didn't either. It was dirty around each of the old plugs and one had little oil in it from where I have a slight oil leak I cleaned them out best I could but don't think I got all the dirt and stuff. I know its bad to get stuff down in there but how do you know if any fell in the cylinder? Anyway I guessed on the tightness of each plugs and just snugged each new plug nice and tight.

Put the cover back on and it fired right up no problems. I am guess if one of the boots hadn't seated right I would defiantly know it?

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