I'm not sure if theres already a how-to on this, I tried searching for quite a while. Well, I'm expecting my Pulse Plugs early next week and i was hoping its possible to change them myself. Are there any how-to's on the forum? / Can anyone give me any pointers? If not do I have to get it done in the shop? Thanks in advance guys.
Changing Spark Plugs
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Joined
·
13,112 Posts
Hey guy,
If you can change a tire or fill your own gas tank with gas you can do your own spark plugs its really really really easy my man. There is a how to on the forum on here you may just need to look alitte harder, maybe PM a admin or mod, to point you in the right direction since they've seen all the threads, but what you will need is a socket wrench with a long extention and a special spark plug socket that you can buy at any auto parts store, what this socket is, is its made just for removing spark plugs when your loosing them it acutally sucks it up (that's wat she said) and holds onto the spark plug so u can pull it out smooth it should take u as a newbie 10 mins to do, only dangerousness is that you have to be patient, you can't rush this if you screw up the thread pattern or damage the walls u can get in some doo doo but its very unlikely PM if u don't find it and I can walk you thru it.
If you can change a tire or fill your own gas tank with gas you can do your own spark plugs its really really really easy my man. There is a how to on the forum on here you may just need to look alitte harder, maybe PM a admin or mod, to point you in the right direction since they've seen all the threads, but what you will need is a socket wrench with a long extention and a special spark plug socket that you can buy at any auto parts store, what this socket is, is its made just for removing spark plugs when your loosing them it acutally sucks it up (that's wat she said) and holds onto the spark plug so u can pull it out smooth it should take u as a newbie 10 mins to do, only dangerousness is that you have to be patient, you can't rush this if you screw up the thread pattern or damage the walls u can get in some doo doo but its very unlikely PM if u don't find it and I can walk you thru it.
5/8 spark plug socket (tapered or w/boot)
8"+ extension
Hold the ratchet steady with left hand while turning with your right. If you try to turn while the ratchet is not straight you can easily break the porcelain part of the plug. Plugs are easier to remove when the engine is cold.
When reinstalling you can add a TINY amount of dielectric grease to the plug's treads. If you do, ignore torque specs. Lower the plug into it's seat. With the extension only, turn until the plug is hand-tight. Done.
If you're installing them to the torque specs and want to use dielectric grease, reduce the torque value by 1/3. It essentially comes out to hand tight.
8"+ extension
Hold the ratchet steady with left hand while turning with your right. If you try to turn while the ratchet is not straight you can easily break the porcelain part of the plug. Plugs are easier to remove when the engine is cold.
When reinstalling you can add a TINY amount of dielectric grease to the plug's treads. If you do, ignore torque specs. Lower the plug into it's seat. With the extension only, turn until the plug is hand-tight. Done.
If you're installing them to the torque specs and want to use dielectric grease, reduce the torque value by 1/3. It essentially comes out to hand tight.
Joined
·
10,689 Posts
FWIW, I've never heard a good review of those Pulstar plugs in this engine. You should really stick with OEM style Iridiums for optimal efficiency and performance.
[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=137465.msg3513737#msg3513737 date=1264447984]
FWIW, I've never heard a good review of those Pulstar plugs in this engine. You should really stick with OEM style Iridiums for optimal efficiency and performance.
[/quote]
I never hard ANY good review of a pulstar plug. When i worked at the zone customers would bitch at me for offer them the pulstars.
FWIW, I've never heard a good review of those Pulstar plugs in this engine. You should really stick with OEM style Iridiums for optimal efficiency and performance.
[/quote]
I never hard ANY good review of a pulstar plug. When i worked at the zone customers would bitch at me for offer them the pulstars.
Joined
·
262 Posts
Speaking of, There is a thread about the pulstars(sucking horribly) i saw a while back. In it there was some good info for people changing their sparkies. If i find it ill repost with the info.
Specifically someone that uses a Dyno and some sort of "look inside" device specified 2 things.
Specifically someone that uses a Dyno and some sort of "look inside" device specified 2 things.
A better gap distance than stock (for power and mileage)
The "Best" plugs for the 3
Joined
·
1,490 Posts
Pull off the engine cover. Find the four coil packs on top of the engine near the oil cap. Plugs will be under those.
Can't miss them.
Can't miss them.
Joined
·
10,689 Posts
It's the only set of 4 identical black plug looking contraptions on the top of the engine... you really have no way of picking the wrong thing...
Joined
·
1,490 Posts
Don't mind the topic of the post. Just use it as reference to the picture:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=127850.0
It's those 4 cylinders with the plugs going into them that cali_axela is referring to.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=127850.0
It's those 4 cylinders with the plugs going into them that cali_axela is referring to.
Joined
·
262 Posts
reccomended gap was .44 vs .51(stock) for better gas mileage.
Joined
·
10,689 Posts
Heh, that's what I run after tuning too, but not for gas mileage...
Joined
·
27 Posts
Whats up guys, I am actually planning on changing my spark plugs as well. What brands/model would you recommend from like autozone or kragen? Or do you suggest that I get them from the dealer?
Ive gotten a tune up before at the dealer, but im just to save some mooolah by doing them myself.
Ive gotten a tune up before at the dealer, but im just to save some mooolah by doing them myself.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
