changing spark plugs on a '93

Hi,

I'm a wannabe do-it-yourself mechanic and I'm trying to change my own spark plugs on my 93 Grand Am but ran into some trouble immediately.

1)How do you remove the shields blocking 3 of the 6 plugs?

2)How do you gap a spark plug,and is it really necessary? The AC-Delcos I have look OK as is.

the shields come off with the wires, they just make it a pain to pull them off. The proceedure for gapping plugs is a little long-winded to describe here, buy a Haynes or Chiltons.

Actually, gapping a plug is very simple.

find the correct gap spec. for your vehicle, get a gap gauge and bend the L-shaped eletrode jutting off the body of the plug end until it meets the gap space [off the gap gauge] to the firing tip, which is in the body of the end of the plug.

How long-winded was that?

Always good idea to check gap on new plugs.

Most gap gauges have a slot on them, that ya slip on the L eletrode to help bend it in and out.

Ya, If you don't check the gap on the new plugs before you put them in, and they are infact wrong, you could get a loud popping or banging sound when accelerating or going up a hill. Which in return can wreck you engine. SO, making sure you have the correct gap is an important part of changing the plugs!

Just thought I'd put my 2 sence in!

Like timber just said, always check gap before installing plugs, whether new or used.

Knife,

Good description on the gapping, I agree with you "Check the Gap" Like I have said in a previous thread I guess I have been fortunate and have not had to re gap plugs that I have installed lately.

Ayep, Dan, and timber gave good advice too about incorrect gap!!!!!!!!!

Tam