Spark Plug removal instructions
 

I was wondering if anyone has posted step by step instructions on how to removal the spark plugs in the 370z? Preferably with PICTURES so that someone like myself (typically doesnt work on vehicles) could do it.

I searched this forum and have come up empty....:shakes head:

No one has that I recall. But very easy IMO.

BASIC
1. Remove strut bar
2. Remove air intake
3. Unplug and remove throttle bodies. They do have a coolant line attached to them but won't leak much.
4. Unplug coilpacks, unbolted, and pull out.
5. Remove spark plugs with spark plug socket, extension, and ratchet.
6. Then reverse for order to put back.

I'm about to do a write up with pics cause so many people have been asking lately.

You'll need a 14mm spark plug socket. Kind of an odd size, had to order mine online since I couldn't find one locally.

Shouldn't the battery be disconnected first?

He did preface with "basic instructions".

Also, I didn't use a special spark plug socket. I used a regular deep socket and some 6mm vacuum line. Worked like a charm.

Yes. You should remove that with any thing you do.

Keyword ''BASIC'':tup:

Huh? The most common spark plug size....not odd at all.

*ok, should have said it needs to be a thin walled type of socket.

Has anyone done it yet?

I found this amusing in comparison to changing the plugs in my 'vette.

1. Pull spark plug wire.
2. Remove plug.
3. Installation is just the reverse.

Technology comes with a cost in additional labour for some very simple tasks.

I swapped mine, the throttle bodies need to be disconnected but not removed, it can be pushed out of the way without completly coming off, other than that its really simple...I also used the vacuum line to lower the new ones in, its a far drop through the head otherwise. Maybe you can find a diy for an HR 350z, should be almost identical.

Good installation tip.:tup:

Any pics?

5/8 or 13/16 are the most common followed by 18mm and 3/4 if you do small engines, at least thats the US, so whatever is in chinese cars nowadays is going to be the most common seeing as how they are or will be the number one producer of auto mobiles. the most common plug THREAD is M14 but the z has a 14mm hex

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I bought this

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

When's the first time they should be changed?


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about 100k IIRC.

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.

still no pictures

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

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

I just used a strong magnet extenter to remove after its loose and then again to get the threads started. ;)

Hey guys, on the strut tower brace - what did you use to break free the bolts with the white thread locker? Do I need a breaker bar or impact socket for this? They're on tight. I tried a regular ratchet and a torque wrench with a little more leverage...no dice.

Thanks.

breaker bar or impact gun but a breaker bar should be enough. you need a deep socket for the nuts.

No recommendation for antisieze on the threads??

I always do a touch on the plug threads on vehicles with aluminum heads.

Use the nickel anti-seize on the threads. But try not to get any on the tip. LOL

0 SH1ZuH! L00K @ diz guys....Nstalled from the KneeZ0n FAC...an off center ELEC-Tr0de :eek:...,y u shuld install ur 0wn NGKs ASAP!
This was Cyl 4 plug in my VQ37VHR...POS! Go+ c0pper plugs in N0W!
:cool: (Yes, I kno the jp3g is shi++y!)

I have no clue what you just said

L0L! Basically I said if u take ur Z34 seriously as a "performance" car...U will have pulled n changed the spark plugs ALREADY! ;)

Went to OEM gt-r plugs with the turbo install :tup: