Need help changing spark plugs Options

[CelicaGT]

I just bought a celi and i want to change the spark plugs but both me and my father were both stumped on how to get the spark plugs out. i know it sounds like a dumb question but they seem to sit kinda far into the head. well whats the best way to get them out. do i use an extension on the rachet or do i have to remove something else to get closer to the spark plugs? Also i have a gt with 100,000 miles on it. Is it ok to start running mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. the car runs strong and was well maintained. What do u guys think?

[jayi12-15psi]

well, I know there is a tool used to extract the spark plugs, but I cant remember the name of it.

but since I dont have that tool, I used the ratchet extension and jammed some duct tape into the extension after I loosened the plug. I used the duct tape to stick to the plug so I could lift it out.

I know its ghetto, but its all I could think of at the moment

[CelicaGT]

right after i posted this up my dad told me a local mechanic told him to do the same thing... lol how about the synthetic oil... my engine should run better with it despite the mileage right?

[Mynzeyes]

get a spark plug socket...they have rubber on the inside in the top of the socket, and that grabs onto the top of the spark plug.... that's teh NON-ghetto way.

-John-

[CelicaGT]

coo, i'll try that out thanx john

[aaronc222]

Yup, I use a 5/8" spark plug socket on a ratchet with a 6" extension.

As for the oil, my ST loved me when I switched from regular Castrol to Syntec(I use 5w30, Toyota says to use 10w30, and if you're racing a lot use 20w50). When I made the switch, I had about 95k, I used the blended stuff for 1 change, then stepped up to the full synthetic. I now have 190k and the engine still feels like new(only replaced a clutch, starter, and alternator).

[Drocay]

synthetic is great I've been Running Mobile one for the past 5,000 miles and it feels like it will run forever and the guy that checks all my engine stuff for me said my car was 10 times better then last check up.

[jayi12-15psi]

hey John, on your sig from pigeon forge, who has that red celica all the way over to the right

did he take out both of his highbeams for an intake or did he just smoke them really dark?

[brandtlj]

I just purchaced a new set of iridium spark plugs and want to install them myself, but I've found that I'm missing the 5/8 inch spark plug socket. My mechanic quoted me 30-40 bucks to do the job, but I feel that would be a waste of money and I'd feel like an idiot for not doing it myself. Also, I believe that the spark plugs need to be torqued to some specification but I don't really feel like buying two $25 tools just to use once (iridium spark plugs are good for like 100,000 miles). Anyway, any suggestions on what to do? I don't have any friends that have these tools, so thats out of the mix.

BTW-about the oil question; I take it that a synthetic blend would be a good step before using pure synthetic oil during an oil change...or does that not even matter? But I've also heard that converting from organic to synthetic oil on a high mileage engine might cause some trouble with the thinner sythetic oil seaping through the engine seals. Is there any truth to that?

[HyperDeathKill]

Yea, everyone I know and everything I've read says you don't want to use synthetic on new or old engines. 190k is definitly too old to be running synthetic. I switched to Mobil 1, 10W-40 synethic at 47k, without doing a synthetic blend first. Runs fine, I don't know anyone who went with a blend before going full. Oh, synethic is expensive =P

Brandtlj, it seems like you have three options:
1) Do not install your new spark plugs, and waste the money you spent on them
2) pay the mechanic to do it for $40
3) buy two tools and pay $50 and do it yourself.

A spark plug scoket isn't going to cost you $25, more like $10-$15 I think. But a torque wrench is going to cost you $100. If you are serious about working on your car though, you need both of these tools. You also need to get yourself a Chiltons Manual. Every other manual isn't worth it. You can find this on amazon.com, and it will tell you how to remove your plugs.

You might need to remove your plugs later also, perhaps to check compression, or to check if you are wasting oil. The torque wrench I use everytime I work on my car. And the chiltons I use even more than that. Always use the right tool for the job.

[phat94celi]

QUOTE (brandtlj @ Jul 8, 2003 - 7:01 AM)

I just purchaced a new set of iridium spark plugs and want to install them myself, but I've found that I'm missing the 5/8 inch spark plug socket. My mechanic quoted me 30-40 bucks to do the job, but I feel that would be a waste of money and I'd feel like an idiot for not doing it myself. Also, I believe that the spark plugs need to be torqued to some specification but I don't really feel like buying two $25 tools just to use once (iridium spark plugs are good for like 100,000 miles). Anyway, any suggestions on what to do? I don't have any friends that have these tools, so thats out of the mix. BTW-about the oil question; I take it that a synthetic blend would be a good step before using pure synthetic oil during an oil change...or does that not even matter? But I've also heard that converting from organic to synthetic oil on a high mileage engine might cause some trouble with the thinner sythetic oil seaping through the engine seals. Is there any truth to that?

Just buy a spark plug socket. You dont need to torque spark plugs, just tighten them down a little past snug. I have never torqued my spark plugs and have never had a problem.

-Kaleb

[CelicaGT]

thanx guys... i actually had a socket for spark plugs in a craftsmen tool set my pops has. and i'm not gonna run synthetic. it doesn't seem like a good idea, plus i don't plan on having this car for more than a year anyway...