changing spark plugs on a '93

[B. Combs]

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.

[richtazz]

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.

[Knifeblade]

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?

[Knifeblade]

Always good idea to check gap on new plugs.

[Knifeblade]

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

[Timber492]

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!

[Knifeblade]

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

[Hoags]

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.

[Knifeblade]

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

Tam