Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
- Remove the engine dress cover. Refer to
Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
- Remove the ignition coil retaining bolts (1) and remove the ignition coils (2). Refer to
Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 1 and
Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 2 .
Notice: This engine has aluminum cylinder heads. Do not remove the spark plugs
from a hot engine, allow it to cool first. Removing the spark plugs from a
hot engine may cause spark plug thread damage or cylinder head damage.
- Using a suitable spark plug socket, loosen the spark plug slightly and then re-tighten to break away any carbon deposits on the threads.
- Loosen the spark plug once again one or two turns, then use compressed air to remove any foreign material that may otherwise enter the combustion chamber.
- Remove the spark plug (1).
- Repeat as required for the remaining spark plugs.
Important: Place each spark plug in the same order as that of removal. This will enable any abnormal spark plug condition to be identified with the cylinder. If the spark plugs are removed for an indefinite period before installation,
plug the spark plug openings to prevent foreign particle ingress.
- Use a feeler gage to check the spark plug gap. If the gap is not within specifications, replace the spark plug.
- Inspect the spark plugs if required. Refer to
Spark Plug Inspection .
Installation Procedure
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Notice: Be sure plug threads smoothly into cylinder head and is fully seated.
Use a thread chaser if necessary to clean threads in cylinder head. Cross-threading
or failing to fully seat spark plug can cause overheating of plug, exhaust
blow-by, or thread damage. Follow the recommended torque specifications carefully.
Over or under-tightening can also cause severe damage to engine or spark plug.
Important: The use of anti-seize compound or similar lubricant on the spark plug threads is not required.
- Using a suitably sized rubber tube attached to the spark plug terminal post, hand start each spark plug (1) into the cylinder head thread.
Tighten
Tighten the spark plug to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).
- Install the ignition coil. Refer to
Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 1 and
Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 2 .
- Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to
Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .