GM 19354415 Spark Plug Asm,Gasoline Engine Ignition

Spark plug is an important component required for smooth and efficient working of the engines and if about spark plugs removal and installation information is obtainable. When changing spark plugs it is advised to use spark plugs of the same heat range and type as the old ones; the heat range and type number is stamped on each spark plug. The amount of spark varies with the spark plug gap; to set this, use a feeler gauge and adjust the outer plug electrode while making sure that the central electrode does not get bent in the process since the insulation will be damaged in that state. As for the appearance of the spark plugs, a white color of the insulator nose means a lean mixture or too high temperature of the spark plug, while the black coarse substance on it points at the richness of the mixture. Black and oily plug usually indicates that the engine is worn and the mixture is rich, while light grey to light brown colour indicates that the mixture is right and the engine is good. If there is brown, long, tapering-shaped stains on the white part of the plug, then the joint is bad, and has to be replaced to avoid compression loss. It is always important to make sure that spark plugs are tightened just enough to the right torque not over tightening it.

Effective spark plugs must strike the engine efficiency and they should always be replaced with similar specified heat range and type through its series of numbers and letters stamped on the plug body. The gap between the spark plug is known to be very crucial, as if the gap is too wide or too narrow it would affect the size of the spark and efficiency as well. To fine tune the gap, one has to use a feeler gauge and; bend the outer electrode, ensure that the center one must not be bent because it may result in insulation complications. The condition of the spark plugs provides insight into the engine's health: A thin white deposit on the insulator nose commonly points to a leaner mixture, and wherein the plug is emanating heat, then it is an indication that the mixture is extremely lean. A black and oily plug may tell of engine-wear, together with a rich mixture in the air-fuel mixture while light tan to greyish brown deposits may indicate correct choice of the mixture and healthy state of the engine. If there is any residual long brown colouration present on the white portion of the plug, it implies that the joint is also defective and therefore requires substitution. It is crucial to always make sure that spark plugs are tightened to the normal torque and not over tightened.

These are fitted on the above and below side of the engine and may in most cases be hidden from view particularly when the car has the additional features like air conditioning or power steering which may require an extension or swivel spark plug. A spark plug wrench or even spark plug socket that screws on a ratchet wrench should be used to remove or fit spark plugs, but the wrench should be insulated to protect the porcelain insulator of the spark plug, a feeler gauge must be used to measure and set the spark plug gap. If the vehicle has HEI ignition between 1975 and 1980, this spark plug wire removal tool is advised for disconnecting the wire boot from the spark plug. Although most of the spark plugs can look similar, it is recommended to buy new spark plugs in advance, set the optimum spark plug gap and install spark plugs one-by-one while choosing the right spark plug type for the specific engine, preferably according to the tune-up decal data. Before the removal, ensure that the engine has cooled and also examine the new spark plugs for any kind of defects and also to check the gap using a thickness gauge to ensure that it is as per the specifications required. Tie the fenders to avoid scratching the paint, the spark plug wire should be pulled by holding the boot, it might require twisting to release, and used compressed air to clean the spark plug. Take out the spark plug working anticlockwise with the help of the wrench or socket and then check it to a reference so as to know the condition of the engine while running. Put a new plug and tighten it delicately and if it does not turn easily offer it every other angle so that it does not interlock with the other thread. Torque the plug with a wrench/socket, although a torque wrench should be used for proper seating, then before connecting it, ensure the plug wire is arranged appropriately its located away from the exhaust manifold. Do the same for other spark plugs by swapping them until all of them have been replaced, but never at the same time to get confused with the wire connectors.

Resistor type, tapered seat spark plugs are commonly used.

To attach the spark plug wire to the new plug, use a twisting motion to ensure a secure fit, while also avoiding contact with the hot exhaust manifold.

Use a spark plug wrench or socket to remove the plug counterclockwise.