Question about replacing Spark Plugs on 1.4 Turbo

[Ham_Sammich]

Hello, I'm posting because I need a little help. I've been having some issues with my car and took it to the dealership. They called me back and said that my spark plugs are fouled (they said the plugs are white). They want $218 to fix it. I briefly looked online, and it appears a fairly easy fix.

I'm not very car savvy, but can do simple things like swap out air filters and change oil.

Is this possible for me to do without screwing it up?

From what I can see from this thread (http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...52-help-accessing-spark-plugs-1-4-engine.html)

I need to take the top cover off, remove the Coil Pack, and use a 16mm Spark Plug socket to remove the spark plugs.

I have a very basic set of tools, do I need a socket wrench extension, or anything? It appears I don't from the pictures in the above thread, but just want to make sure.

I've replaced spark plugs on mowers/motorcycles, so I'm aware of the basics of replacing spark plugs. Any other suggestions or advice would be greately appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[RMinNJ]

.."Is this possible for me to do without screwing it up?"

It think so as I was able to do it..
Just be careful pulling the coil pack off..rock/nudge it gently as your pulling.
Its all made out of plastic. Hopefully your boots don't stick. Gently and slow...thinking
in your mind..don't crack plastic..don't crack plastic..don't force it.

Buy a pack of dielectric grease to put on the boots when putting it back on. Then it shouldn't stick if you need to take it off again..

 

[greentib]

Very easy to do. Pop off cover, remove 2 bolts on top of coil assembly, and like RMinNJ said, slowly work with it to get them off. Some people have had them pull out the guts, and some have come off fine.
I checked mine at 26k, and i was able to wiggle assembly off fairly easy.

 

[sonic_braaappp]

yes you can as long as you're careful. this is a fine example though of why i do all my own work, they want $218 for what you can do yourself and only spend $50 max, and that cost is with plugs and if you have to buy the spark plug socket lol not to mention it only takes me 10 minutes to change my plugs, that extra $168 for tax and labor? LOL nah, they can take that quote and shove it

 

[striper]

Get some anti-seize lube to put on the plug threads. You'll be glad you did when you have to remove the plugs, this prevents stripping or screwing up the threads in the heads.

 

[borockster]

Just did mine last weekend.

1. Remove plastic cover. Just grab and pull it will pop right off.

2. Unplug the electrical connection on the ignition coil.

3. Using a properly sized "star" bit unscrew the 2 fasteners holding the ignition coil on.

4. Rock the ignition coil side to side as you pull up on it. It is attached to the spark plugs by the rubber COP (coil on plug) boots. A boot might stick on a plug (one of mine did). If so just gently remove the boot, retrieve the spring and reattach it to the ignition coil.

View of the coil upside down, showing the "boots".


5. Using a spark plug socket (I used a 5/8" magnetic) remove the old plugs and set them aside for inspection later..

6. Place a very small amount of anti-seize on the threads of the new plugs.

7. Using only the spark plug socket and an extension insert the new plugs hand tight.

8. After the plugs are hand tight use your ratchet to do the final tightening. Don't get carried away.

9. Put a small quantity of dielectric grease into the end of each COP boot.

10. Re-install the ignition coil until fully seated.

11. Plug the electrical connector into the ignition coil. Be sure to lock it.

12. Install the cover.

Now inspect the old plugs. My RS had the factory AC Delco 41-121 plugs installed and this is what they look like at 50K.