3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Basic Tech : Changing Spark Plugs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-31-06, 11:33 AM
  #1  
The Hammer of Thor

Thread Starter
 
Eggman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Coppell, TX
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Basic Tech : Changing Spark Plugs

All - I know, I know...simple....unless you haven't done it before! Hopefully, this will help others too.

So, my question is, how do you change the spark plugs from the top? Pictures would be helpful, too, if you have them.

Thanks in advance,
Chris.
Old 10-31-06, 11:39 AM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (7)
 
dgeesaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Fort Kickass
Posts: 12,302
Received 16 Likes on 15 Posts
This job can be very simple, especially if you don't have cruise control. Just take a 3/8" ratchet wrench and reach in under the throttle elbow and do it one-handed. I change them one at a time to prevent getting the wires crossed. I guess if you have big arms this might not work, in which case you should lift the front and do it from below.

If you want to change plug wires, it gets more involved since the plug wires are very crowded where they fit on the ignition coils. Then you have to remove the throttle elbow, throttle body, and maybe the oil filler neck.

Dave
Old 10-31-06, 11:47 AM
  #3  
Rotary Freak

 
chinaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Macungie, Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Remove throttle body elbow. Much easier with a STUBBY 3/8" rachet handle.
Old 10-31-06, 12:23 PM
  #4  
Urban Combat Vet

iTrader: (16)
 
Sgtblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Mid-west
Posts: 12,023
Received 866 Likes on 615 Posts
Originally Posted by chinaman
Remove throttle body elbow. Much easier with a STUBBY 3/8" rachet handle.
Agreed. And don't forget Anti-Seize.

Last edited by Sgtblue; 10-31-06 at 12:27 PM.
Old 10-31-06, 01:04 PM
  #5  
Mr. Links

iTrader: (1)
 
Mahjik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 27,595
Received 40 Likes on 26 Posts
I always coincide my spark plug changes with an oil change. So, with the car already up on the jack stands, I just change them from the bottom. No need to remove any parts of the car/engine to get to each plug.
Old 10-31-06, 01:25 PM
  #6  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
treceb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Santurce
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
i change them from the top. bout 15 mins start to finish. i did break a plastic bracket or something a long time ago which makes it easier to change L1.
Old 10-31-06, 02:23 PM
  #7  
Full Member

 
st8uphiphop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
im having the same problem, thanks guys.
Old 10-31-06, 04:30 PM
  #8  
BMW Tech

 
White94RX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do it from underneath, looks a lot easier. But I guess you all don't have a lift, or jack/stands.
Old 10-31-06, 06:07 PM
  #9  
In the Garage

iTrader: (2)
 
oo7arkman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just did mine from above not too long ago. Its really not too difficult. But like mentioned above it may be if you have large arms. I also changed mine one at a time to avoid crossing wires by accident.
Old 11-01-06, 09:36 AM
  #10  
The Hammer of Thor

Thread Starter
 
Eggman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Coppell, TX
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for everyone's feedback. I got two of them *fairly* easily with a little contortion....but the rear two... yikes.

How the hell do you get to them?

Thanks,
Chris.
Old 11-01-06, 10:37 AM
  #11  
Full Member

 
KJL Designs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Side Ways
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Eggman
Thanks for everyone's feedback. I got two of them *fairly* easily with a little contortion....but the rear two... yikes.

How the hell do you get to them?

Thanks,
Chris.
As with any fine lady..... go in thru the bottom!
Old 11-01-06, 01:25 PM
  #12  
Urban Combat Vet

iTrader: (16)
 
Sgtblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Mid-west
Posts: 12,023
Received 866 Likes on 615 Posts
You specified "from the top" in your original post, but it is WAY easier from underneath. Maybe 10-15 minutes start to finish.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
9
03-18-18 11:08 PM
BNR34RB26DETT
Build Threads
42
02-28-18 11:27 AM
alphawolff
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
17
11-17-15 05:57 PM
PhillyFC
General Rotary Tech Support
9
08-21-15 06:36 PM



Quick Reply: Basic Tech : Changing Spark Plugs



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:56 AM.