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How Do I RSX?: Spark Plug Change D.I.Y

83K views 101 replies 61 participants last post by  Shadow Kin  
#1 · (Edited)
Here is a D.I.Y to a simple spark plug change.

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- Here are the Spark Plugs I will be using NGK Irdium IX: BKR8EIX2668
- I purchased these from ClubRSX because of price ($37) and the reviews posted by other members for boosted application performance.

I picked two different 5/8 spark plug sockets:
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-This specific socket has a rubber ring on the inside to grip the spark plug, making it very easy to get the old spark plugs out of the engine.

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-However, the rubber ring works too well so you won't be able to pull your socket out when installing the new spark plugs. It's best to use a spark plug socket that doesn't have the rubber ring for putting the new plugs in.

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-Step 1: Locate and remove the spark plug cover retaining nuts.

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-Step 2: Remove the spark plug cover. Then, locate and remove these four bolts.

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- Reference to above mentioned step.

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-Step 3: Un-clip these four connectors.

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-Step 4: Give these 4 plugs a nice tug and they should come right out. Set them aside for now.

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Step 5: Using a deep well spark plug socket, with lengthening attachment. Stick the socket down into the spark plug well and fish around for a tight connection to the spark plug down at the bottom.

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-Step 6: Remove all 4 spark plugs.
-Remember: Lefty Losey, Righty Tighty

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-Step 7: Install 4 new spark plugs.
-Remember: Switch your spark plug socket out for the one with out the rubber grip ring.

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-Step 8: Torque down to 17 ft/lbs.
-Reasoning: This engine has a aluminum head, making it light weight but very fragile. If you over torque, you may strip it. If this happens you will hate life I promise. So go out and spend the $20 on a cheap torque wrench.

Step 9: Back track Step 4 through Step 1 to put it all back together and your done.:thumbsup:



This D.I.Y and all my D.I.Y. are dedicated to ClubRSX.com and the following members that have helped a newb like me out on countless issues: erik loza, archull, 02DC52121, dorkzracing, TheTempest, krystar, inmydream316, LimaRSX, rensoyka, nathanawardell, VTEC_Inside, 06_Type-S, MameXP, BlAcuraRsx, bomdc5, a2_dc5, bkk6284. Thanks again to all of you.
 
#3 · (Edited)
thx a lot >_<. I know it needs some cleaning, it's been sitting in my garage for 6 months. However, I got a lot of stuff to clean up my engine bay.

New Valve cover
BDL fuel rail
Spoon front strut mount
password JDM battery relocater kit w/ odyssey PC680 battery
then I'll clean up the entire engine bay

I'm plan on doing D.I.Y's on all of it plus a couple of other things out side the engine bay. However, I really needed to do a tune up on the car and change the oil. That's why these are the first one's I posted.
 
#10 ·
The one I have a little to grip happy, it holds my socket to the spark plug when I pull my wrench out . >_< So , it's stuck down in the spark plug well. LoL
 
#26 ·
correct me if im wrong, I thought I read somewhere that there are some plugs you cannot gap yourself and if you do, youll screw up the contact or something? I'm about to do this to my car so anyone else hear this??

thanks a lot,
-Swan
 
#28 ·
yah i think its the iridium plugs, just put in some champion iridiums, didnt gap em for fear id break it :noes: but now its runnin like a champ :D hittin :vtec: better than ever
 
#30 · (Edited)
Great write-up! Hopefully going to get a chance to do this tomorrow after I get my new shoes put on.

Quick question: anyone know the size of the spark plug cover nuts and the bolts that secure the plugs? 10mm perhaps?

I gota hit Sears tomorrow to pick up spark plug sockets and a torque wrench, just want to make sure I get anything else I need.

Thanks!

EDIT: Just did this Saturday...

FYI, nuts and bolts are all 10mm. Will help to have a deep well 10mm as well (for the 2 longer bolts).
 
#38 ·
I bought the same plugs online (Thanks CRSX for the great price) and hope to have this done.


Car has 148k on likely stock plugs so this should be fun.

Car does hesitate just a bit when it starts up to accelerate, so I'm hoping this helps a lot with MPG and the sort.

I'm getting about 27-29 MPG currently