Hello. I've been eyeying my engine compartment lately trying to figure out where everything is. And I've found the ignition coils with all 6 wires to the 6 spark plugs. I was wondering, is it possible, or even recommended I change the spark plugs and wires myself? Or should I have a professional do this? I also hear about cold/medium/hot spark plugs. On a N/A 3800 application, what's recommended? There are probably guides or manuals out there which may help familiarize me with all the items under the hood, but where might I get one of these?

 

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Just stick with stock spark plugs NA- unless you're getting really crazy with mods, the stock platinums are fine.

How much mileage do you have? Stock ones are supposed to be good to 100k, so unless you have a problem- I'd just pull a couple and see how they look. As for the wires- OEM is the way to go there too.

Just follow each wire to where it goes onto a plug (opposite the coils)- twist it and pull it off, then take a spark plug socket and remove the spark plug (its just like removing a normal bolt- just with a special socket). Only do 1 at a time so you don't mix the plug wires up.

 

You might have difficulty changing the back plugs cause the engine needs to be tipped forward to get access.

 

If you have problems with them- you can see the two dogbones holding the engine in place- unbolt both; and then you can rock the engine around. You can either wedge something between the engine and firewall, or use ratchet straps or something to keep it held forward (or numerous other ways).

 

Thanks for the replies. How do I know what sort of socket to use to unbolt the spark plugs? I'd just like to take them out and examine them. I'd been looking to adding the NGK laser cut Iridium plugs, supposed to be better for your engine, fuel economy, very slight power booster. I doubt I'd feel a difference, but if it gives me an extra 1mpg and extra 10,000 miles on the engine I'll consider it worth while.

 

stock plugs will be fine. (how many posts do i have to say this to you)

and you would actually look for a socket connector that is specifically made for spark plugs (they have a slit in them so the wire has a place to go whole you unscrew)

 

Go to the store and buy a "spark plug socket". Pretty easy.

Also, I'd not waste your time/money trying to gain power with plugs. If your plugs aren't trashed from some sort of engine problem (they shouldn't be unless you're over 75k miles), then I'd just stick them back in.

I think you're thinking of an O2 sensor socket. The spark plug socket shouldn't have a slit- its just different sized with a rubber plug inside.

 

LOL oops, so my descriptions got mixed up, but I knew there was a spark plug socket

 

I second everyone's advice so far about changing the spark plugs.

Just wanted to add two things.....
First, they may be a pain to get undone, as the boots seem to be glued to the plugs from the factory but they will come off. I recommend getting a packet of dielectric grease and greasing the insides of your new wire boots to prevent them sticking again.

Also, either a tiny bit of anti-seize or a dab of oil on the threads of the new spark plugs works wonders if you need to pull them out again.

Other than that, like someone mentioned before: the rear plugs can be a bit difficult to get to, so rocking the engine forward might save you a bit of frustration on your first time changing the plugs. It will give you much better access to the rear bank.

You can def find a spark plug socket at just about any hardware or auto parts store. Not much more than a deep well socket with a soft lining inside to protect the ceramic part of the plug.

Finally......
I don't know if the gap comes pre-set on the platinum plugs, or if they are able to be re-gapped, but I would definitely double check that they are set to the recommended gap.

-Riggs.