Technical How to change Spark Plugs & Leads

[danishejaz]

Hi, might sound silly to some people but can some one please help me. I have got X Reg punto 8V 1.2. which started being very jerky on idle and loss of power while driving. I thought it might need a air filter changing, well after a lot of effort managed to open the air filter box, changed the filter but no change in condition, well I thought I might have a look at the plugs, unfortuately when I pulled one of the cable out it snapped leaving the cap (holder area) on plug and cable came out. Plug seems very un-accessable as they are on the rear.
Can some one please please please guide me how to do this
Can't really afford service or a visit to mechanic.
Any video or picture will be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[ST60SX]

First off, get used to working in tight spaces!

You should always handle the leads by the plugs on the ends, never pull on the leads or bend them excessively or you will damage the conductor inside (or rip them off, as you have discovered).

I would try and get some long nosed pliers on to the rubber remnants and use a twisting action to break the bond and loosen it. Try not to snap the end of the spark plug when you do this.

When removing the spark plugs, use a proper spark plug socket (deeper and has a rubber insert to prevent damage to the plug) with an extension bar and rachet. Ensure the socket is perfectly square on the spark plug and do not allow the socket to 'tilt' or you risk snapping the plug. Although you are replacing them, this is bad because the broken ceramic fragments can fall into the cylinder upon removal of the plug and will damage the cylinder wall.

Make sure you apply consistent torque, and if the plug feels loose for half a turn or so and then becomes tighter during removal there may be a crossed thread - do stop if this happens and have a more experienced friend or relative take a look if you cannot afford a garage.

If you do break a plug, use a vacuum to get the bits from the surrounding area and the spark plug seat ideally with the plug still in place so the bits cannot fall inside the engine.

Insertion of the spark plug should initially be with the extension bar and socket ONLY until the thread is properly engaged. If you are careful you will avoid crossing the thread. You should be able to get 4 or 5 turns by hand without the use of a ratchet. Do not over tighten the plugs, when you feel a significant change in resistance they should be done.

Make a note of which lead goes to which plug, paying attention to the coil pack end as well. Not not bend the leads excessively trying to make them look neat. The spark plug end of the lead may feel like it makes a 'click' as it engages onto the end of the spark plug.

That's pretty much the basics, maybe other people can share their tips and experience.

 

[danishejaz]

Thanks for the detail reply mate, can you direct me toward the right socket for it? I have got one generic one which I used to use for my Hyundai Accent but in Punto it very awkward

 

[DaveMcT]

Looks good to me. Only one thing to add- make sure you have the correct plug spanner for your sparks plugs. There are now 3 sizes in regular use and some 6 point sockets will actually turn a size smaller spark plug. The bug issue is they can slip and/or tilt and damage the plug, so always get the right tool for the job.