Spark Plug install?? - LotusTalk

cspak71 · 08-06-2009, 11:32 PM

Hi.

Been searching the forums for a while now and I can't seem to find any posts directly related to this. I'm mechanically inclined, but would like to make sure I do it right the first time.

Is there anyone out there who has done a spark plug change and documented the process? I have no clue as to how easy or difficult this process is.

Also, the recommended spark plug for the stock engine is a heat factor of 6. Is this correct?

Thanks for all your help guys.

Klint · 08-06-2009, 11:38 PM

why are you changing it? how many miles do you have?

cspak71 · 08-06-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klint

why are you changing it? how many miles do you have?

46k.

Klint · 08-06-2009, 11:47 PM

hmm well i cant find a guide (in celica forums) but all you do is take the coil pack off and spark plugs are down in there. For the celica its best to use Denso or NGK Iridiums.. i think its the same with the lotus since they are the same engine but im not exactly sure what your owners manual says to use... so use that.

toedrag · 08-07-2009, 04:22 AM

It's very easy and will only take a few minutes. See pages IG-1 through IG-7 (pg 270-276) of the Celica Repair Manual, Vol 2. Snippets below:

Name: IG-6.JPG
Views: 375
Size: 41.3 KB

Next, use a 16 mm (0.63 in.) plug wrench, remove /install the spark plugs. Torque: 18 N m (184 kgf-cm, 13 ft-lbf)

The Celica Manual recommends these spark plugs:
DENSO made, SK20R11
NGK made, IFR6A11

But, you might look around both here and newcelica.org to see what people are using these days.

Have Fun

fpitas · 08-07-2009, 07:52 AM

I have nothing to add besides advising you to put some dielectric grease in the spark plug boots. It will help insulate and keep moisture out, which has sometimes been a problem.

tesprit · 08-07-2009, 08:10 AM

The only thing I would add would be to direct a compressed air blast into each spark plug hole after removal of the coil packs and before removing the spark plugs. This will ensure that if any loose object has fallen into the spark plug tube it will be expelled and not fall into the cylinder when the spark plug is removed. Also plug each tube opening with a clean rag if you do not put the new plug in right away. There is nothing worse than dropping a tool like a small socket or a small nut or washer only to see it fall into a spark plug tube and into the cylinder. The only way to get someting out of the cylinder is to pull the cylinder head and that is not something you want to do.

Addictedto · 08-07-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tesprit

The only thing I would add would be to direct a compressed air blast into each spark plug hole after removal of the coil packs and before removing the spark plugs. This will ensure that if any loose object has fallen into the spark plug tube it will be expelled and not fall into the cylinder when the spark plug is removed. Also plug each tube opening with a clean rag if you do not put the new plug in right away. There is nothing worse than dropping a tool like a small socket or a small nut or washer only to see it fall into a spark plug tube and into the cylinder. The only way to get someting out of the cylinder is to pull the cylinder head and that is not something you want to do.

+10000000000000 Do them one at a time and follow the above advice. Its super easy to do.

cspak71 · 08-07-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toedrag

It's very easy and will only take a few minutes. See pages IG-1 through IG-7 (pg 270-276) of the Celica Repair Manual, Vol 2. Snippets below:

Attachment 129843

Next, use a 16 mm (0.63 in.) plug wrench, remove /install the spark plugs. Torque: 18 N m (184 kgf-cm, 13 ft-lbf)

The Celica Manual recommends these spark plugs:
DENSO made, SK20R11
NGK made, IFR6A11

But, you might look around both here and newcelica.org to see what people are using these days.

Have Fun

Peopl have mentioned the gaps on the spark plugs... is this a real issue? Should I be aware of any particular gap issues?

Klint · 08-07-2009, 01:16 PM

i agree with all of the above.

The spark plugs come pre gapped but i would look at them closely to make sure they havent been dropped or the gap damaged.

glb · 08-08-2009, 07:50 AM

IIRC, we must be careful gapping iridium and platinum so as to not disturb those platings? Is this right?

Also, plugs on most cars can be indexed, so the gap faces the intake valve. You need to mark the socket and try various plugs to do this. I have no idea if it helps for real...

bigDog · 08-08-2009, 03:29 PM

I replaced them on my son's Celica (same engine as the Lotus) last weekend. It was pretty easy. The hole they are in is really deep so I ended up using two extensions since I didn't have one long enough. I also used a spark plug socket with a foam insert that holds on to the plug to get them out and then I used one without the insert to put them back in.

choi0706 · 08-09-2009, 01:57 AM

sorry but youre not mechanically inclined if you can't replace spark plugs..

Westrock · 08-09-2009, 04:53 AM

I'll see if I can put a video on Youtube later showing how to do it

glb · 08-09-2009, 09:56 AM

a brief search turned up no warning on gapping iridium or platinum plugs, but mfgrs say there is little need, as these types of plugs will work, at almost any gap, better than a properly-gapped "normal" plug.

TimMullen · 08-09-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glb

Also, plugs on most cars can be indexed, so the gap faces the intake valve. You need to mark the socket and try various plugs to do this. I have no idea if it helps for real...

Does it help? Yes. Will you notice any difference? No. Maybe if you were running a 1,5000 HP top fuel dragster, but for a normal (or even high performance) street car, it will be unnoticible.

I've been known to mark the plugs and swap them around so that I get the most "indexed" combination, but never to the extent that I would swap other plugs for a larger selection (i.e. I only have four plugs - I make the most out of the four, while still understanding that it isn't going to make a difference...).

glb · 08-09-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMullen

Does it help? Yes. Will you notice any difference? No. Maybe if you were running a 1,5000 HP top fuel dragster, but for a normal (or even high performance) street car, it will be unnoticible.

I've been known to mark the plugs and swap them around so that I get the most "indexed" combination, but never to the extent that I would swap other plugs for a larger selection (i.e. I only have four plugs - I make the most out of the four, while still understanding that it isn't going to make a difference...).

Wait....my Elise DOESN'T have 1500HP????

I agree w/you.

08-06-2009, 11:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
cspak71 Mediocrity is a sin. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 527 Images: 9	Spark Plug install?? Hi. Been searching the forums for a while now and I can't seem to find any posts directly related to this. I'm mechanically inclined, but would like to make sure I do it right the first time. Is there anyone out there who has done a spark plug change and documented the process? I have no clue as to how easy or difficult this process is. Also, the recommended spark plug for the stock engine is a heat factor of 6. Is this correct? Thanks for all your help guys. __________________ '05 SY Elise

08-07-2009, 04:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
toedrag Crunchy Smurf Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 254 Images: 25	It's very easy and will only take a few minutes. See pages IG-1 through IG-7 (pg 270-276) of the Celica Repair Manual, Vol 2. Snippets below: Next, use a 16 mm (0.63 in.) plug wrench, remove /install the spark plugs. Torque: 18 N m (184 kgf-cm, 13 ft-lbf) The Celica Manual recommends these spark plugs: DENSO made, SK20R11 NGK made, IFR6A11 But, you might look around both here and newcelica.org to see what people are using these days. Have Fun __________________ 2006 Laser Blue Elise -aka, Blue Lightning 2.0, The Little Blue Car, my automobile soul mate Last edited by toedrag : 08-07-2009 at 04:23 AM. Reason: add pdf page numbers

08-07-2009, 07:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,832	I have nothing to add besides advising you to put some dielectric grease in the spark plug boots. It will help insulate and keep moisture out, which has sometimes been a problem. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles...running again!

08-08-2009, 07:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,530	IIRC, we must be careful gapping iridium and platinum so as to not disturb those platings? Is this right? Also, plugs on most cars can be indexed, so the gap faces the intake valve. You need to mark the socket and try various plugs to do this. I have no idea if it helps for real... __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

08-09-2009, 01:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
choi0706 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston/Austin Posts: 4,228	sorry but youre not mechanically inclined if you can't replace spark plugs.. __________________ Jay-05' ST, HT, Touring Red Rally Ready

08-06-2009, 11:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Klint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 45	why are you changing it? how many miles do you have?

08-06-2009, 11:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Klint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 45	hmm well i cant find a guide (in celica forums) but all you do is take the coil pack off and spark plugs are down in there. For the celica its best to use Denso or NGK Iridiums.. i think its the same with the lotus since they are the same engine but im not exactly sure what your owners manual says to use... so use that.

08-07-2009, 08:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,925	The only thing I would add would be to direct a compressed air blast into each spark plug hole after removal of the coil packs and before removing the spark plugs. This will ensure that if any loose object has fallen into the spark plug tube it will be expelled and not fall into the cylinder when the spark plug is removed. Also plug each tube opening with a clean rag if you do not put the new plug in right away. There is nothing worse than dropping a tool like a small socket or a small nut or washer only to see it fall into a spark plug tube and into the cylinder. The only way to get someting out of the cylinder is to pull the cylinder head and that is not something you want to do.

08-07-2009, 01:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
Klint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 45	i agree with all of the above. The spark plugs come pre gapped but i would look at them closely to make sure they havent been dropped or the gap damaged.

08-08-2009, 03:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
bigDog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Antonio Posts: 33	I replaced them on my son's Celica (same engine as the Lotus) last weekend. It was pretty easy. The hole they are in is really deep so I ended up using two extensions since I didn't have one long enough. I also used a spark plug socket with a foam insert that holds on to the plug to get them out and then I used one without the insert to put them back in.

08-09-2009, 04:53 AM	#14 (permalink)
Westrock Haxord but mine Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,340	I'll see if I can put a video on Youtube later showing how to do it __________________ -David 2006 Storm Ti Exige + VF Stage 2 Vision Function Supercharger Install Thread Stereo Harness Info \| Exige with no wing??

08-09-2009, 09:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,530	a brief search turned up no warning on gapping iridium or platinum plugs, but mfgrs say there is little need, as these types of plugs will work, at almost any gap, better than a properly-gapped "normal" plug. __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode