Changing spark plugs
09-08-2005, 09:50 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 138
Changing spark plugs
I don't usually do anything myself on my car because
a) I'm lazy
b) I don't want to mess things up
But lately I realized how much money can be saved and how I can gain some experience through doing things myself.
So here's my question...
I just bought a new toolset and realized that spark plug sockets are included. Just wondering what size would I need. I have a 13/16" and a 5/8" one. I've read up the instructions on how to change spark plugs on vqpower.com but just not sure which one I need. Or do I need to buy a new socket. And my set doesn't look like a cheapie...It has a nice chrome finish and is made by Crescent. Got it at Costco for like $69.99CDN and I see eBay selling it for $90CDN up to $120CDN.
a) I'm lazy
b) I don't want to mess things up
But lately I realized how much money can be saved and how I can gain some experience through doing things myself.
So here's my question...
I just bought a new toolset and realized that spark plug sockets are included. Just wondering what size would I need. I have a 13/16" and a 5/8" one. I've read up the instructions on how to change spark plugs on vqpower.com but just not sure which one I need. Or do I need to buy a new socket. And my set doesn't look like a cheapie...It has a nice chrome finish and is made by Crescent. Got it at Costco for like $69.99CDN and I see eBay selling it for $90CDN up to $120CDN.
09-08-2005, 10:05 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 218
5/8" youre going to need extensions too. Not sure, but like 8" or so. Unscrew the coils, pull them out, dont break off the plugs. and presto.
If youre going to start working on your own car, a tune up is one of the best places to start. Since its your first time, if you have any questions at all, ask. Were more than happy to answer questions or post pics for you. Once you get used to how things on your car work, move up to bigger projects. Oil change, Brakes, cleaning your tb, then vq35 swap and FI..........okay maybe not.
If youre going to start working on your own car, a tune up is one of the best places to start. Since its your first time, if you have any questions at all, ask. Were more than happy to answer questions or post pics for you. Once you get used to how things on your car work, move up to bigger projects. Oil change, Brakes, cleaning your tb, then vq35 swap and FI..........okay maybe not.
09-08-2005, 10:59 PM
#3
just be patient with the rear cylinders, hopefully your new tools are magnetic at the ends . . it has saved me many times from losing things into the pit of doom (somewhere at the bottom of the engine bay) 
09-11-2005, 02:15 PM
#5
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1
I replaced NGK plugs with Bosch... should I worry?
Hello all, I'm a new poster here and just noticed some people posting about problems using Bosch plugs in Maximas. I just replaced the worn NGK's in my Maxima with Bosch Plugs. Should I expect problems with these plugs? Would it be worth the trouble of undoing the work I just did to replace the brand new Bosch plugs with NGKs? The car seems to be running as smooth as ever right now, but I still wanted to get anyone's feedback on this. Thanks in advance!
09-11-2005, 10:55 PM
#6
Originally Posted by mtavel
Hello all, I'm a new poster here and just noticed some people posting about problems using Bosch plugs in Maximas. I just replaced the worn NGK's in my Maxima with Bosch Plugs. Should I expect problems with these plugs? Would it be worth the trouble of undoing the work I just did to replace the brand new Bosch plugs with NGKs? The car seems to be running as smooth as ever right now, but I still wanted to get anyone's feedback on this. Thanks in advance!
PUT THE NGK'S BACK IN !
09-12-2005, 06:41 AM
#7
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2
Is there a trick for popping the coil packs loose from the plugs? All plug boots I've ever worked with have practically bonded with the plug insulators and require a twist with the boot wrench prior to removal. Can a boot wrench be used with the Max coil packs? I've got a '97 Max and am thinking of looking for coil pack replacements in the near future. Is there a GOOD aftermarket source for these coil packs? There are so many excellent aftermarket automotive ignition systems out there that someone has to be making them---Accel, MSD, Jacobs, etc.
09-13-2005, 05:12 PM
#9
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 89
The packs should come right off with a little wiggling. The last time I changed out my plugs it took 30 minutes from start to finish. Take your time and do one at a time. I recommend using air to blow out the hole before you take out the plug. You don't want anything to fall in the plug hole.
As to what type of plug to use....I say NGK. IMO NGK is the plug on the market, no matter what type of engine you have. Go to the stealership, over pay for the OEM NGK plugs, install them and be on your way. Don't mess with a good thing
As to what type of plug to use....I say NGK. IMO NGK is the plug on the market, no matter what type of engine you have. Go to the stealership, over pay for the OEM NGK plugs, install them and be on your way. Don't mess with a good thing
09-13-2005, 05:19 PM
#10
Originally Posted by ThisMaxIsTight
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE SOOO STUBBORN! .. the factory calls for NGK plat. or copper !!!!!!! ... why do people wanna try and be different and put something else in .... the bosch's are gonna eat your coil packs alive... have fun spening hundreds to replace them ......
09-14-2005, 05:58 AM
#11
Originally Posted by ThisMaxIsTight
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE SOOO STUBBORN! .. the factory calls for NGK plat. or copper !!!!!!! ... why do people wanna try and be different and put something else in .... the bosch's are gonna eat your coil packs alive... have fun spening hundreds to replace them ......
PUT THE NGK'S BACK IN !
PUT THE NGK'S BACK IN !
09-14-2005, 11:09 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MA
Posts: 540
if ur gonna replace the spark plugs, use the chep replacement oem ones from an auto parts store. the expensive ones like bosch and whatever actually cause detonation. and you dont want that. good luck
check it out... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2104185
-swazey
check it out... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2104185
-swazey
09-14-2005, 11:12 AM
#14
Originally Posted by Swazey
if ur gonna replace the spark plugs, use the chep replacement oem ones from an auto parts store. the expensive ones like bosch and whatever actually cause detonation. and you dont want that. good luck
check it out... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2104185
-swazey
check it out... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2104185
-swazey
are you talking about? What exactly is a cheap replacement? The recommended plugs for the maxima are NGK laser platinums, which last 60k and run about 8 bucks a piece. You can also use NGK V-power copper plugs, which last 30k, and run 2 bucks a piece. Running any other plugs is not recommended and may result in performance issues, hesistation, bad/low idle, or may run perfectly fine. For something that is replaced at most every 30k, it surprises me that people are that lazy to do the research and use the correct parts. 
09-14-2005, 11:21 AM
#15
glad to see your putting effort into working on your own car. you will save LOTS of money in the long run and if anything breaks you will have a better understanding on how to fix it and dont have to go 2 the stealership cought whoops i mean Dealership to have them steal all your money.
If you plan on continuing working on you car then i would suggest getting a Haynes Service manual. They can be found for 20$ at any car store (pep boys, advance auto, autozone) It is all most essential when working on a car and will help you alot. If you are really interestin in working on your car you can pick up a FSM (Factory Service Manual) from ebay. Can be a bit pricey but has more detail than the hanyes. but plugs are an easy job. check out the Howtos and you can learn alot. good luck. let us know if you need anything, the .org can always help.... most of the time. be sure to read the faqs and howtos before posting bc people here seem to get mean if you dont. Well good luck!
-Sean
If you plan on continuing working on you car then i would suggest getting a Haynes Service manual. They can be found for 20$ at any car store (pep boys, advance auto, autozone) It is all most essential when working on a car and will help you alot. If you are really interestin in working on your car you can pick up a FSM (Factory Service Manual) from ebay. Can be a bit pricey but has more detail than the hanyes. but plugs are an easy job. check out the Howtos and you can learn alot. good luck. let us know if you need anything, the .org can always help.... most of the time. be sure to read the faqs and howtos before posting bc people here seem to get mean if you dont. Well good luck!
-Sean
10-14-2005, 07:10 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by MaximaSpd85
i know thats wut it calls for, i have them now, but all im going to say is i used bosches before this set, nothing bad happened! thats all im gonna say, and to be quite honest, car feels the same with the ngk
I agree with you. When I first got my car, it came with bosch. Never had a problem running them. I replaced them with NGK coppers when I did my tune up, just because that's what's recommended. I didn't notice a difference though. I say spark plugs are spark plugs, but I'll go with what nissan recommends. And if my coils go bad, it won't be because of bosch plugs, it will be because of poor design.
10-14-2005, 08:01 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 888
JUST GO WITH the RECOMMENDED plats if you are so unsure of which to get...!!!!
No problem by getting PLATS RIGHT?? I myself switched out the AUTOLITES and put NGK VPOWER, my mysterious startup white smoke is Now GONE !!!!!!!!!!
No problem by getting PLATS RIGHT?? I myself switched out the AUTOLITES and put NGK VPOWER, my mysterious startup white smoke is Now GONE !!!!!!!!!!
10-15-2005, 10:12 PM
#22
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
OK, well I'm about to replace the plugs in mine... Basically, what I'm seeing is that I should definitely go with NGK ones, however, I saw someone post about getting either the Copper, Platinum, or Iridum...
I'm definitely a n00b at this, as you can probably tell, but I was wondering which to get. What's the difference? I want POWER, and I don't care about the cost.
THANKS!
EDIT: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? I'm trying to learn here...lol
I'm definitely a n00b at this, as you can probably tell, but I was wondering which to get. What's the difference? I want POWER, and I don't care about the cost.
THANKS!
EDIT: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? I'm trying to learn here...lol
10-16-2005, 12:43 AM
#24
NGK V-powers won't show up as OEM for your car, however you can use them just fine. I believe they show up as the part number for the 240sx or whatever. There's countless places to find the exact part number, just grab that, head down to the parts store and grab 6.
LEMAR
LEMAR
10-16-2005, 05:12 AM
#25
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
I was looking at NGK's site... What about the "Iridium IX" plug....Are these the best plugs I can get for performance?
Specially designed to meet the needs of serious enthusiasts, Iridium IX Spark Plugs offer outstanding acceleration, high fuel efficiency and long life. When you demand the most from your engine, rely on the proven performance of NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs.
10-16-2005, 05:20 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
--But wait, maybe it's the v-power's... Which are the best for performance? I dont car about cost, or how long the plugs last...
More complete combustion not only provides more power, it also means less harmful emissions...
NGK V-Power Spark Plugs also are ideally suited for race cars and high performance street cars. Today's performance engines are high compression/high stress applications. Many are supercharged, turbo-charged or nitrous oxide fed...
NGK's patented v-groove design allows the ignition system to easily spark in these dense air/fuel mixtures. The flame kernel will quickly grow and allow the engine to potentially make more power since it now is operating more efficiently...
NGK V-Power Spark Plugs also are ideally suited for race cars and high performance street cars. Today's performance engines are high compression/high stress applications. Many are supercharged, turbo-charged or nitrous oxide fed...
NGK's patented v-groove design allows the ignition system to easily spark in these dense air/fuel mixtures. The flame kernel will quickly grow and allow the engine to potentially make more power since it now is operating more efficiently...
10-16-2005, 06:44 AM
#27
Although ur spark plugs are important to the performance of the car, i dont think the difference between the ones ur lookin at would be THAT significant bro. i dont think ur gonna gain 10 whp just by choosing V-power over Iridium IX. If im wrong somone please enlighten me too...
10-16-2005, 07:23 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 323
Good for you, doing some of your own maintenance. Replacing the plugs isn't that difficult. As recommended earlier, get a Haynes manual for the car.....invaluable for torques and fluid capacities info. Also they have a bunch of tips. One of these tips was the worth the cost of the manual for me. Buy a 12" length of "heater hose". The opening should be small enough that it will fit over the top of your new spark plug snugly. Use this "tool" to initially start threading your new spark plug by hand......presto no cross threading, then finish off with your ratchet. BTW, don't forget to put anti seize compound on the threads of your new plugs. Lastly, you NEED to buy a torque wrench to ensure the proper torque on the plugs and it will come in handy for other things as well. Try Harbor Freight, they're online and you can buy tools fairly inexpensively. For plugs you'll need a torque wrench that goes from 0-80 lbs. I've got 2, one 0-80 and the other 0-150 lbs (I think). If I remember correctly, the torque on the plugs is something like 12 foot lbs. Lug nuts are around 80 ft lbs, things like fstb are around 29 foot lbs and on and on. They're handy and when you need them, well you need them. As to plugs, I agree with staying with the NGKs. I'm using the NGK Iridiums and they work fine. Good luck! Cheers
10-16-2005, 09:11 AM
#30
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
Originally Posted by mtavel
Hello all, I'm a new poster here and just noticed some people posting about problems using Bosch plugs in Maximas. I just replaced the worn NGK's in my Maxima with Bosch Plugs. Should I expect problems with these plugs? Would it be worth the trouble of undoing the work I just did to replace the brand new Bosch plugs with NGKs? The car seems to be running as smooth as ever right now, but I still wanted to get anyone's feedback on this. Thanks in advance!
the bottom line is you have the facts, now make a decision whether to replace them with ngk's
10-16-2005, 09:51 AM
#31
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Well, I went ahead and picked up some NGK v-power plugs fromk Advance Auto... they told me to go with these plugs for performance and that the Iridiums were just like one step better than OEM...
Thanks for all the advice and help... I have just printed out the tutorial, and I am going to change them now... Wish me luck!!! lol
Thanks for all the advice and help... I have just printed out the tutorial, and I am going to change them now... Wish me luck!!! lol
10-16-2005, 12:08 PM
#33
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Well, I just finished... No lost screws or anything into the pit of darkness...
Did a little test drive and I think the butt dyno can even feel a bit of a difference...
SWEET!
Thanks a bunch for everyone's help and suggestions... I really do appreciate it!!!
-Andrew
Did a little test drive and I think the butt dyno can even feel a bit of a difference...
SWEET!
Thanks a bunch for everyone's help and suggestions... I really do appreciate it!!!
-Andrew
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