Denso Spark Plugs

Replacing spark plugs has always been a favorite task of do-it-yourself auto mechanics. The interesting thing about this maintenance operation is that on some vehicles it is fun and easy.

On other automobiles the task is extremely difficult and sometimes the path of success is plagued with extreme problems that could lead to pulling the cylinder head.

Sometimes when spark plugs are removed from a cylinder head the threads will have traces of metal on them.

Each spark plug removed should be numbered with the cylinder it was removed from and inspected thoroughly for this type of thread damage. This type of car problem happens more often on engines that use aluminum cylinder heads.

If you run into this problem when performing your own sparkplug maintenance it is highly recommended to correct the condition before reinstalling the plugs. Patience and care at this point can save you from major auto repairs down the road.

Bosch Spark Plugs

If you force the plug back into the bore, or they become tight before they bottom the likelihood that the plug will leak or blow out increases.

If compression forces the plug out of the hole while the engine is running, a large amount of damage can occur to the cylinder head.

If this happens to you note that the head should be removed and checked for damage by a machine shop.

The end result may include and require replacement. It is also safe to say when this happens it will scare the hell out of the driver when it blows out.

Replacing spark plug tips

The number one rule for me is to never try replacing spark plugs when the engine is hot. If you remove them on a hot cylinder head The threaded holes can become egg shaped as the cylinder head cools without the sparkplugs to hold or retain the shape.

The number 2 rule for me is that replacing spark plugs should only be done when recommended by the manufacturer or if a plug happens to fail which is very rare.

Just a few years ago plug maintenance was recommended about every 30,000 miles. Now modern platinum plugs can go as far as 100,000 miles before maintenance is recommended (check your owners manual for recommendations).

Spark plug thread chaser

When installing sparkplugs if the plugs cannot be installed easily by hand the threads in the cylinder head may need to be cleaned with a thread-chasing tap.

There are special taps for spark plug holes simply called spark plug chasers. You have to be really careful not to cross thread the new plugs when you’re working with aluminum cylinder heads.

It is also recommended that do-it-yourself car mechanics tighten the plugs with a torque wrench using the correct spark plug socket with out a universal joint if possible.

The following affiliate link will take you to amazons website were you can get special spark plug tools like thread chasers, wire boot pullers, replacement thread installers, torque wrenches and of course inexpensive replacement spark plugs.

Always follow the vehicle manufacturer specifications in your auto service manual.

Recap of the #1 rule: In most cases, automotive manufacturers agree with me that this car maintenance operation should never take place on even a warm engine. Let the engine cool down to the ambient surrounding temperature before you begin your spark plug replacement.

Sometimes people will not think about the in-line gas filter until vehicle problems develop such as hesitation or lack of power. Automobiles and light trucks usually have an in tank strainer and an in-line fuel filter.

This strainer is located at the bottom of gasoline tank and is usually attached directly to the electric fuel pump. This is sometimes nicknamed as the sock because it is made of a finely woven Usually nylon type fabric.

The purpose of this strainer is to prevent large contaminant particles from entering the fuel system. This could cause excessive fuel pump wear or even plug the fuel metering devices. It also helps to prevent the passage of water into the system that may be present in the tank.

Servicing or replacing the fuel tank screen or strainer is not required for regular maintenance. Usually this sock will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. In fact the few times I have replaced this part was due to vandalism. If someone puts sugar or other materials that do not belong in the fuel damage could occur to the strainer assembly.

Where are fuel filters mounted

You will find automotive fuel filters installed in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. Many of these filters are mounted under the vehicle. Yet others are mounted in the engine compartment. Consult your auto repair manual for the exact component location on your specific automobile.

Most fuel filters contain pleated paper elements mounted inside of a metal filter housing. Also note that the fuel filters can be made from either metal or plastic materials. Paper filter elements that are inside of these cartridges are very efficient at removing and trapping the small particles that may be suspended in the gas.

On most automotive fuel filters the inlet and outlet of the filter is identified with an arrow that indicates the direction of the fuel flow. It is very important that you install the filter in the right direction of flow.

The arrow should be pointing towards the engine. Improperly installed fuel filters can cause a reduction in fuel pressure that can develop into a hesitation and lack of power.

On my Chevrolet Blazer, the fuel filter is recommended to be replaced every 30,000 miles. It is very easy to forget about this car part and continue driving well past the fuel filters designed lifespan.

Recently I worked on my neighbors 2000 Chevrolet, 1500 pickup. The original fuel filter was still installed at 110,000 miles. My neighbor had no drivability problems with his Chevy truck. But keep in mind that if you ignore the fuel filter you can damage the fuel pump itself.

Automotive fuel filters cost around 40$ or less to replace on most vehicles. An electric in tank fuel pump can cost $600.00 on some models. Car maintenance saves money in this situation. Find the fuel filter for your specific vehicle below.

when you are buying car maintenance you want to make sure that you receive what you paid for. A good example of this is that if you frequent a dealership and you purchase their 15,000 or even 30,000 mile maintenance service, there are a lot of things that are supposed to be performed on these checklists.

The 15,000 or 30,000 mile service is usually very expensive and includes many important car safety checks. If you are going to shell out $400 for a 30,000 mile service. Please take the time to review what is supposed to be accomplished During this expensive service.

How to buy car maintenance

A good way to verify that some of these vital safety checks were performed is to ask the dealership to provide information about some of the individual items that are checked. For example, there maybe a spot on the service that requires a brake inspection. Ask the dealership to document the percentage of the brakes that are remaining. In yet another example if the tire inflation is to be checked, again ask the dealership to document the tire pressure in all four tires as well.

As a mechanic that has worked at dealerships for more than 23 years, I can tell you that the technician is paid on a flat rate or percentage basis. The mechanic is motivated to move as fast as he can and may take some shortcuts. This means you have not received a good value for your car maintenance dollar.

Take some time to review, what is included in the individual car maintenance service and ask lots of questions about each item to your service adviser. This will put the dealership service department on notice that you are very hands on and involved in what is being done to your car. This will also make the dealership more likely to complete the maintenance service properly and to cut corners and rush on somebody else’s car.

Car maintenace tip

If your service includes a tire rotation take a minute to mark each tire with a crayon. So that you can verify the tires were rotated during the service. Also when the technician sees these marks on the tire.

He is immediately informed that you are watching him and is more likely to perform all the steps that are included in the maintenance service that you have paid hard earned money for.

Would you like to read more stories about car mechanics and what might happen during your auto service

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