Spark Plug removal instructions

1slow370 · 02-18-2014, 12:01 AM

there are several tricks that make the plugs much easier to remove, I won't have to do it for a long while but when i do i will make a writeup on the 20minute plug change procedure. the 370 is really not all that bad, any fwd v6, boxer, or the z32's make it look like child's play. If somebody needs new plugs near me i'll do it, for the price of a case, although it will take longer to do all the photos.

jwick · 02-18-2014, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC671

There was an removal write up here somewhere that I book marked when I changed to the GTR plugs.

I had to remove my intake manifold to get better access to some of the plugs along with the disconnecting the throttle bodies. One of the more longer processes to change the plugs than other cars that I have owned. Yes a 14mm THIN walled Deep socket is needed. PITA to find for me.

Will the 12pt one they sell to service BMWs work or do you need a six point?

JC671 · 02-18-2014, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwick

Will the 12pt one they sell to service BMWs work or do you need a six point?

Never use 12 points they will round out your bolts or anything that require a good amount of torque to remove. I would not want to round out the spark plugs.

fitxpert · 12-16-2014, 08:20 PM

This might sound like a dumb question...but where the heck can I buy a

thin walled, deep, 14mm hex spark plug socket...???

I'm having the hardest time finding one online.

is there an alternative way to just use a regular 14mm thin, deep socket? Or is the spark plug socket a must?

Thanks guys.

90 ST · 12-16-2014, 08:43 PM

You can use a regular deep socket, then as mentioned already some vacuum line to "grab" the plug up and drop it back in after. That's the only real difference with a deep and a spark plug socket, the rubber boot that holds the plug for you.

90 ST · 12-16-2014, 08:45 PM

I have to change my plugs again soon, if no one has a DIY done by then i'll take a bunch of pics and do one up.

Spooler · 12-16-2014, 10:11 PM

It's a piece of cake. Only issue is if you have leaky valve cover seals at the plug holes. Then it is replace the entire valve cover. You may be able to get seals, but the problem is getting them in and out without breaking the plastic valve cover.

juld0zer · 12-17-2014, 12:47 PM

I work on BMW and Minis. The 12pt double hex sockets are fine for this job as the single hex is hard to find. Even a regular length double hex socket costs about AU$40 for a Japanese made Kokon brand socket. Not cheap but these are good tools. Use the tool properly and you wont round the head - ie. keep some downwards pressure on the ratchet head and hold it so the socket is square on the plug. The insulator section of the plug is what prevents most of the wonkyness because the socket's plug gripping mechanism centres it at the same time.

MJB · 12-17-2014, 12:56 PM

I bought a 12pt 14mm BMW spark plug socket on Amazon. Worked great for me. Couldn't find a 6pt and I went to every auto parts store in town.

jwick · 12-17-2014, 01:03 PM

I bought this

Amazon.com: Motion Pro 08-0512 14mm Spark Plug Socket: Automotive

FLUJOKE · 12-17-2014, 03:50 PM

When's the first time they should be changed?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

90 ST · 12-17-2014, 03:58 PM

about 100k IIRC.

fitxpert · 12-17-2014, 05:26 PM

Thanks guys. I ended up finding one on ebay - it's an inch shorter, but I figure I'll be ok with an extension. It is specifically made for the Denso plug we use. If anyone is interested pm me and I'll send the link. I think I bought the last one - but who knows, they may list more.

Elmo370z · 12-17-2014, 05:31 PM

still no pictures

Rusty · 12-17-2014, 05:52 PM

14mm deep well 6 point spark plug socket. Got one.

https://store.snapon.com/Retention-S...t-P645027.aspx

02-18-2014, 12:01 AM	#16 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7251	there are several tricks that make the plugs much easier to remove, I won't have to do it for a long while but when i do i will make a writeup on the 20minute plug change procedure. the 370 is really not all that bad, any fwd v6, boxer, or the z32's make it look like child's play. If somebody needs new plugs near me i'll do it, for the price of a case, although it will take longer to do all the photos. __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50

12-17-2014, 12:56 PM	#24 (permalink)
MJB A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tacoma, WA Age: 41 Posts: 1,498 Drives: a POS truck Rep Power: 496	I bought a 12pt 14mm BMW spark plug socket on Amazon. Worked great for me. Couldn't find a 6pt and I went to every auto parts store in town. __________________ 09 Nismo #0483 sold. Viper or C7 next time around.

12-17-2014, 01:03 PM	#25 (permalink)
jwick A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 14,532 Drives: '10 G37 6MT Rep Power: 2465056	I bought this Amazon.com: Motion Pro 08-0512 14mm Spark Plug Socket: Automotive DYNAZOR and Smashley like this. __________________ '10 G37T 6MT Graphite/Graphite - BP - G37T Build

12-17-2014, 05:52 PM	#30 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,190 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684437	14mm deep well 6 point spark plug socket. Got one. https://store.snapon.com/Retention-S...t-P645027.aspx __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

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12-16-2014, 08:20 PM	#19 (permalink)
fitxpert Base Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 34 Drives: 09 370Z White MT TRG Rep Power: 12	This might sound like a dumb question...but where the heck can I buy a thin walled, deep, 14mm hex spark plug socket...??? I'm having the hardest time finding one online. is there an alternative way to just use a regular 14mm thin, deep socket? Or is the spark plug socket a must? Thanks guys.

12-16-2014, 08:43 PM	#20 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	You can use a regular deep socket, then as mentioned already some vacuum line to "grab" the plug up and drop it back in after. That's the only real difference with a deep and a spark plug socket, the rubber boot that holds the plug for you.

12-16-2014, 08:45 PM	#21 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	I have to change my plugs again soon, if no one has a DIY done by then i'll take a bunch of pics and do one up.

12-16-2014, 10:11 PM	#22 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,803 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684392	It's a piece of cake. Only issue is if you have leaky valve cover seals at the plug holes. Then it is replace the entire valve cover. You may be able to get seals, but the problem is getting them in and out without breaking the plastic valve cover.

12-17-2014, 12:47 PM	#23 (permalink)
juld0zer Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 428 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 139	I work on BMW and Minis. The 12pt double hex sockets are fine for this job as the single hex is hard to find. Even a regular length double hex socket costs about AU$40 for a Japanese made Kokon brand socket. Not cheap but these are good tools. Use the tool properly and you wont round the head - ie. keep some downwards pressure on the ratchet head and hold it so the socket is square on the plug. The insulator section of the plug is what prevents most of the wonkyness because the socket's plug gripping mechanism centres it at the same time.

12-17-2014, 03:50 PM	#26 (permalink)
FLUJOKE Track Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: earth Posts: 770 Drives: car Rep Power: 2067	When's the first time they should be changed? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-17-2014, 03:58 PM	#27 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	about 100k IIRC.

12-17-2014, 05:26 PM	#28 (permalink)
fitxpert Base Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 34 Drives: 09 370Z White MT TRG Rep Power: 12	Thanks guys. I ended up finding one on ebay - it's an inch shorter, but I figure I'll be ok with an extension. It is specifically made for the Denso plug we use. If anyone is interested pm me and I'll send the link. I think I bought the last one - but who knows, they may list more.

12-17-2014, 05:31 PM	#29 (permalink)
Elmo370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: st. petersburg Posts: 5,709 Drives: 09 nissan 370z Sp M6 Rep Power: 295378	still no pictures