lhrocker Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 I was doing a plug and wire change when I hit a snag today. The with the first wire I pulled, the clip that attaches to the plug came off, so I had to pull that off before I could continue. I got the new plug in and the new wire was fine. The next one I did, the wire came off with no problem, but as I tried to take the plug out, it seemed to get tighter as opposed to looser. I turned maybe a full turn and it got real tight, so I tightened it back and tried to loosen it again. The same thing happened, so I just left it an replaced the wire with a new one. Now I was thoroughly spooked and decided just to replace the wires on the drivers side. It may have been okay, but I was now fearful that the remaining 2 plugs would have the same problem? So, now cylinder 1 has a new plug, and the rest are old but all the wires are new. Should I force the plug out? I took the car out for a test drive and didn't encounter any problems. Any thoughts? I'd love to change the rest. Thanx, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcspeer Posted August 21, 2005 Share Posted August 21, 2005 The end of the wires coming off seems to be a common problem, When I changed my wires last time I kept the good ones to use again for this reason. As for as the plug getting tighter I dont think that is to unusally but Iam sure you have to worry about someone before you having cross threaded it. You will have to change them sometime you might as well find out now and not worry about it. When you put the new plugs in make sure you start them with only your fingers even if you have to use the socket and ext. dont use the rachet. I like to turn mine that way untill I am sure they are not crossthreaded. When they are straight you will not be able to pull them out but you should to able to wiggle them just a little side to side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea#3 Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 I was doing a plug and wire change when I hit a snag today. The with the first wire I pulled, the clip that attaches to the plug came off, so I had to pull that off before I could continue. I got the new plug in and the new wire was fine. The next one I did, the wire came off with no problem, but as I tried to take the plug out, it seemed to get tighter as opposed to looser. I turned maybe a full turn and it got real tight, so I tightened it back and tried to loosen it again. The same thing happened, so I just left it an replaced the wire with a new one. Now I was thoroughly spooked and decided just to replace the wires on the drivers side. It may have been okay, but I was now fearful that the remaining 2 plugs would have the same problem? So, now cylinder 1 has a new plug, and the rest are old but all the wires are new. Should I force the plug out? I took the car out for a test drive and didn't encounter any problems. Any thoughts? I'd love to change the rest. Thanx, Pete You haven't said what type of engine it is 2.2 or 2.5 and what year SEA#3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhrocker Posted August 22, 2005 Author Share Posted August 22, 2005 Sorry, it's a 95 Legacy 2.2L. Like I said, the wires have all been changed, as well as cylinder 1. But I was having problems with the plug in Cylinder 3 getting tighter as I loosened, so I just retightened and left the rest of them. Should I just use force to get it out? Also, the engine was hot, so maybe that had something to do with it - maybe I should just wait for a weekend before I use the car when it's hot to do the changes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbrand Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 NEVER attempt to change plugs on an aluminum engine unless it is stone cold, other wise an open invite to screwed up threads and the nightmare that goes along with. Try again gently when cold, but if see any problems may just want to leave as is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcspeer Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Dont take them out when it is hot, also if it is like my 97 2.2 it is best to take washer tank off and out of way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea#3 Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Sorry, it's a 95 Legacy 2.2L. Like I said, the wires have all been changed, as well as cylinder 1. But I was having problems with the plug in Cylinder 3 getting tighter as I loosened, so I just retightened and left the rest of them. Should I just use force to get it out? Also, the engine was hot, so maybe that had something to do with it - maybe I should just wait for a weekend before I use the car when it's hot to do the changes? Try this on a cold engine .. Back off the ofending plug just enough to unseat it , then get some penetrating oil and fill the plug hole with oil just to the base of the plug .Let it sit for about an hour , SLOWLY try and move the plug in and out to work the oil in then GENTLY try and remove the plug NOTE: Crank the engine over with the plugs out so that you don't hydraulic the engine with the penetrating oil Hope this helps SEA#3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhrocker Posted August 28, 2005 Author Share Posted August 28, 2005 I completed my plug change this weekend and everything went pretty smooth. The problem plug was still very tight, but i got it out by moving very slowly, half turn out quarter in, repleated until it was loose. I then put anti-seize on the threads and everything went in great. So, I'm hoping that this will help my mileage a little, since I've been getting 25 highway lately when I used to get 28. Plus this is the first plug change for this car, bought at 107k and now has 160k. Feel pretty good about it and I saved $150 by not taking it the local Firestorm/Midal/etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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