alright guys i know i prob sound like a shmuck, but i keep hearing these horror stories of spark plugs popping out, and i personally want to be able to do things like change my spark plugs and check my spark plugs myself.

so what im asking basically is can anybody tell me how exactly i would tighten my plugs and or replace them. i guess im asking for a how to.

thanks, im sure i could prob figure this out on my own with a tool set and a open bonnet, but why do something im not 100% sure how to do when i can see a how to first and guarentee im doing it right

 

Get yourself a good quality click-type torque wrench, a deep plug socket, 3/8 drive ratchet and short extension. Also, IMO, get some anti-seize. Our plugs should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs (it doesn't matter what brand or heat range) and I always put a dab of anti-seize on the threads (I also put a dab of dialectic goo on the insulator to make it easier to get off but I am not reccomending you do that) of engines with aluminum heads as ours are. Others disagree as they suggest that it affects the torque rating and may lead to an overtorqued plug. I personally have never ripped a plug's threads out of the head with anti-seize but I ALWAYS use a torque wrench to install them. On the Mini it is easy (try doing it on a V-6 Toyota) so there is no reason not to do it right.

If that doesn't do it for you perhaps you should do it the first time with someone knowledgeable to walk you through it once. And I almost forgot to say that you should check the plug torque periodically (I check mine every 5000 miles when I change the oil) as there are more than a couple of instances were plugs have loosened and caused some damage to the head. I use Denso Iridiums (IK20s. No pully 8.5 wires but stock coil) and they have not loosened yet.

Good luck,

Rich