How long to let engine cool before changing spark plugs?

Plan your work 3-4 hours after the engine stops (let it cool down). It’s very important, cuz it’s still possible to unscrew the “hot” spark plug, but when tightening it is possible to damage the thread, which will be fraught with motor malfunctions due to improper or untight installation of it.

If you want to find great spark plugs for Hemi, Vortec or any other car - visit autokwix.

The procedure for unscrewing and installing of new spark plugs will be the same when replacing, and during the test or prevention. To perform this operation, you will need a candle key. Practically you can use wrenches with a special spark plug head also.

What about the changing is that I recommend to do it in this way:

1. Park and wait

Stop the engine and allow it to cool.

2. Clean the surface

Clean the surface of the unit from dust and other debris, so that it does not get into the spark plug wells.

3. Disconnect the high-voltage wires from the spark 

To do this, just pull the cap. This should be done carefully, slightly swaying from side to side.

4. Unscrew spark plug by the key

It is best to remember where some of them were, so as not to confuse, if the replacement kit was not made.

5. Inspect the spark plug

Clean up if prophylaxis is carried out.

6. Installing 

Screw in peeled or new (with full replacement) spark plugs in their wells.

Before screwing in, it is also worth wiping the spark plug threads with a dry, clean cloth. It is not necessary to lubricate with oil, otherwise the thread will bind while the engine is running. It is not recommended to make excessive efforts in order not to damage the threads in the wells.

If the spark plug goes tight, then the bias is possible when screwing. It is necessary to carefully unscrew the spark plug, set the element smoothly and try again, and by hand. When the thing is screwed by hand, then tighten the key with the right moment, but gently, without effort. That's the whole procedure.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Spark-Plugs-in-a-Car

Basic rules you follow before starting an inboard gasoline engine

Consider a few basic rules of the winter engine start in severe frost, which will save the battery and a couple of kilograms of your nerves.

What should you do before starting an inboard gasoline engine in winter?

1. Do not rush

Instant start of the engine with a frozen battery will create too high a load on the entire electrical grid and on the battery itself. Therefore, modern cars are partially preparing themselves for launch, when you have not even had time to sit in a chair.

Some models automatically activate the fuel pump immediately after opening the door. But the car still needs to be given some time for all the systems to “wake up”. Turn the ignition key to ON, but do not start the starter. The car will need an extra few seconds to self-diagnose and prepare systems for starting the engine.

If the car starts from a button, then press it without holding the brake pedal - this is equivalent to turning the key to the ON position. Next, the car's electronics will make the most of it itself.

As for diesel engines, on most more or less modern models there is an indicator in the form of a spiral on the dashboard. When it lights up, it means the car warms up the glow plugs. As soon as it goes out, you can start to start the motor.

2. Save electricity

It is no secret that the car starter is one of the most serious consumers of electricity in the on-board network. And the more cylinders in the engine, the more energy it needs to crank the crankshaft.


Of course, such a powerful starter requires an appropriate battery. But in the winter, when the batteries lose some of their energy when they are idle in the cold, such starters can drop it completely in a couple of attempts to start. Therefore, if you could not start the engine the first time, pause for a minute before trying again.

3. No sudden movements

In order for the car to understand how much fuel and air it needs, engineers invented an engine control unit. He knows better in what proportion you need to make the air-fuel mixture, so you should not help him.

4. Clutch

On a mechanical gearbox, before starting the engine, squeeze the clutch fully. This will make it easier for the starter to start the engine — you won't have to turn the transmission oil that has thickened overnight.


And after the engine has started, do not be lazy and hold the clutch squeezed for some time until the engine comes out at a steady idle.

Also, go check my another post about washing an engine without water.

Don`t miss this article on Wikihow.

Ways to clean the engine without water

A few years ago, the only effective method of cleaning the engine was washing it by Karcher under high pressure, which allows high-quality and, most importantly, quickly wash the engine compartment and the power plant itself. But you can also independently wash the motor using special chemicals.

How to clean car engine without water?

1. Washing with chemicals

So, let's start with the first affordable way to safely wash the engine compartment and the engine. Such solutions involve the application of special chemicals on contaminated surfaces, after which the applied composition, together with dissolved contaminants, is rubbed off with napkins and rags, rather than washed off with a stream of water.

The whole procedure is a preliminary removal of dust and dirt with a soft brush, after which the surface is applied to clean oil and other contaminants. At the same time, it is prohibited to clean with a brush or apply special equipment on elements that are painted or varnished, and also have a nickel or chrome coating.

The disadvantages can be fairly attributed to the complexity and complexity of the procedure for obtaining a satisfactory result, as well as a fairly large consumption of the purifier.

 Also, do not press hard on a napkin or rag to avoid scratches. Especially on plastic covers, plugs and other parts. It turns out that this method is more suitable for refreshing the appearance of the engine compartment and cleaning easily accessible elements under the hood.

2. Dry engine steam wash

The procedure is carried out with the help of a special device-steam generator. The steam generator comes with a whole set of nozzles and hoses, which allows cleaning of hard-to-reach places and hidden cavities.

The main advantage of such steam washing is that the attachments, individual parts, wiring, power contacts and other elements are not filled with water. As a result, it is possible to effectively remove dirt, while significantly increasing safety, reducing the risk of corrosion under the hood, etc.

As a result, after such cleaning the engine is almost dry, it is easy to start, there are no problems with electrical equipment, etc. As a rule, in large services where you can order this service, a guarantee is provided for work. This means that in case of any probl
ems with the engine or equipment after washing with steam, part of the cost of eliminating the cause of the problems can be compensated by the service.

Also, here is more information about this on Wikihow

And check my another post about starting engine in winter.