(1) What special steps need to be taken when changing spark plugs? The service manuals don't seem to have any warnings about contamination caused by debris falling into the open holes (although this may be a no-brainer). What do you use to clean away dust and other debris?

(2) What types of spark plugs will result in the best performance (i.e. acceleration)?

(3) How likely is it that changing spark plugs will result in the need to replace other parts such as spark plug wires?

I'm not sure when the PO last changed the plugs, so it's time I do so.

 

Dave,

Remove the wire from each plug, then use some compressed air to clean out the hole. Make sure you use eye protection.

I use the Bosch +4 and have had good results.

Your wires should be fine unless they are really old. Just make sure you carefully unseat them from the heads and pull slowly.

Good luck.

 

What are the symptoms of plugs that need to be replaced?

 

To check plug wires:
In a dark garage, start your car, open the hood and look for "fireflies". Unless the PO was completely **** about the car, the wires are probably original and could use replacing. Might as well do the plugs while the wires are out. If all are original, you probably will notice a difference with new wires.

 

Also: try adding a very small dab of silicone dielectric grease the the tip of the plugs (external of course) before re-seating the plug wires. This helps prevent corrosion and arcing due to loose or worn plug wire hats. Very cheap and available at pretty much any parts store.

 

Big D. Asked:

>> (1) What special steps need to be taken when
>> changing spark plugs? The service manuals don't
>> seem to have any warnings about contamination
>> caused by debris falling into the open holes
>> (although this may be a no-brainer). What do you
>> use to clean away dust and other debris?
>>
>> (2) What types of spark plugs will result in the
>> best performance (i.e. acceleration)?
>>
>> (3) How likely is it that changing spark plugs
>> will result in the need to replace other parts >> such as spark plug wires?


OK, in order:

1-- The plug wires have boots that preclude crud from getting down into the well where the plug sits. Clean any loose stuff away before pulling the boot and all should be fine. If you must, use compressed air, and direct the flow across the top of the hole with the wire removed.

2-- Bosch +4's are quite popular these days. But- regular bosch plat's will do as well unless you like to leave the plugs in for a -long- time between changes. Even Bosch admits that the +4 is intended only to allow manufaturers the option of offering a 100k plug change interval.

3-- New plugs actually reduce the electrical strain on the wires, cap, and rotor. Biggest risk is to wires, which end up doing all the bending and flexing as part of the plug change.

HTH!

 

Dave:

In addition to the above, BE PATIENT! I just changed mine about 3 weeks ago. Ordered the standard plugs from Devek. Not a lot of room to work, so remove anything that will give you more of it (i.e. cross brace, hood switch, etc.) I used the plug tool that comes with the car as well as a "normal" plug wrench with an extension when I could. Snug them in securely but don't over tighten. My plug wires (assuming they are original) seemed okay but, frankly, if I had the $$$ probably would have replaced them as well.

Good luck!

 

Re: Plug Wires

Make a close visual inspection of physical condition of entire plug wires. Look for cracks, decay of rubber, etc. If your wires are original 1985, they most likely need to be replaced.

Was in process of changing plugs in my 1986 last fall and discovered that several of my plug wires had decayed. They literally crumbled in my hand!