Happy Holidays,

I want to change the plugs in my MINI...I'd like to go to the NGK Iridium Plug. However I see that the plug wire that attaches to the plug is fairly long. Besides a spark plug socket and extension...is there anything else that I need to changes the plugs?

I don't want to get into it and find out that I need some special tool to get the plug wire back on. Even worse I don't want to damage one of the plug wires when pulling it off...just to find out a need a "whicamajigger."

I know, I know, its just a plug change...but I'm not working on my old Camaro...someone please guide me.

cq

 

Nope, an extension will do. The wires have a long connector, but they attach as normal. Having a magnetic pickup tool helps if your spark plug socket doesn't hold the plug snugly, though.
Beware - there are many reports of aftermarket plugs loosening. Be sure to check the torque every few thousand miles.

 

To add to that, I was informed that there was really nothing gained by putting these plugs in as well. I stuck with stock and have modded with no problems. I advise that you stick with them as well. Many folks have gotten stripped threads due to aftermarket plugs.

 

I have the opposite problem...My spark plug socket sticks so tightly that the extension pulls out after I torque it in .....This thing with the plugs loosening up is a real crock...I am running NGK Iridiums and have to recheck the torque every few thousand miles WTF???

NEVER had that one before either....Afraid this is my last MINI...just too many quirks! <too expensive to repair too>

 

Cool, thanks...

 

[quote=gizzer777;1276401]I have the opposite problem...My spark plug socket sticks so tightly that the extension pulls out after I torque it in .....quote]
Try a little di-electric grease on the plug/rubber insert. Shouldn't affect the holding power for install, but will make it easier to remove.
That, or get a better extension.

 

You should also have access to a torque wrench. You do not want to over tighten your plugs or you risk stripping out the threads. Steve

 

[quote=Eric_Rowland;1276548]Tried the Di-electric grease as well as a Craftsman and S&K extenstion...TG it will probably be my last plug change...Twas a pain!

Will probably sell the Mini later this spring...my 2nd car anyway! Just ready to turn 20k mi and is probably a decent time anyway!
Thanks again

 

Most issues are due to those who think they are smarter than the team of engineers who designed thier car and insist on making it "better" by modifying it! I think you will find those who don't tinker are most satisfied with the quality of these cars.

.....I to recomend to stay stock, use a torque wrench and do things by the book (specs and procedures are writen for GOOD reason)

 

[quote=gizzer777;1276744]Easy way is to use a regular socket (not a spark-plug socket with the rubber inner retainer) to loosen the plug, pull out the socket and use a long magnet or one of those little claw pick up tools to remove the plug. When replacing the plug with the magnet tool, just lower the plug into the hole almost to the bottom and jiggle the tool, the plug will come off and now you can use the socket/extension to screw in the plug. Always remember to start threading by hand so you don't cross thread the plug.
I use a small dab of antiseize on the plug threads and torque to 20 lbs. A small dab of di-electric grease on the end of the plug-wire will make removing the plug wire (next time) much easier.

 

Definitely use antiseize on the plug threads. Just a wipe on one side with your finger. Torque to 20lbs. Definitely a small dab of di-electric grease on the plug wire before you push it over the plug.

Here's a tip though. Find a small section of rubber hose that you can push the plug into. You only need 6" or so. Use this to lower into the hole and spin it into the threads. Once threaded pull it off and tighten. This is a life saver against cross threading.

 

Does anyone know if there is a longer socket that extends the length of the hole so that you don't need to use an extension? The extension I'm using comes off the standard socket and has been a pain to try to get out of that hole.

 

I don't think they make a socket that long, but you can always go ghetto and tape the two together, or eloquent and drill a hole for a retention pin...

 

The rubber hose is a good idea for replacing the plug but it doesn't work for trying to remove the plug.

 

If your using a spark plug socket (with rubber insert) it will want to hold the plug so tight that the extension won't stay in the socket when trying to remove it. Thats why I just use a normal 6 point deep well to tighten. As 95 Viper suggested, use a rubber hose to insert and start threading the plug. Once its started, pull off the hose and use the standard 6 point deep well to tighten and torque

 

Of course....it is only to start the thread to avoid cross threading and to make it so much easier than dropping the plug in there and fiddling around with it until it is seated. If you do this once you'll wonder why you never took the time to take the plug to the hardware store and spend the 5 cents.

 

Goodness! You're supposed to use a locking extension...

 

I am not talking about tinkering. Just simple maintainance like changing plugs etc. Almost any auto I have owned has let you (and evgen given you instructions on maintanaince) do certain things yourself. Not a question of being smarter than the engineers but attempting not to let a car break you.

These have NOT happened to me but the list of quirks in the Mini is rather large (unfortunately) Repeated problems just should not happen these days! I say this regretfully since it is a really fun car to drive. I think you would admit that certain parts are sub standard (ie: power windows assemblies, struts, brown coolant w/ sediment, windshields,etc)

I have mentioned that Honda recently lost a class action on the "Pen test" windshield deal with the 03 Elements. Give a company a shot and they will take it. My rebuttal would be why can PPG make a windshield that doesn't crack with a minor "hit" as the Mini one does?)

 

Another good solution

 

I think you misunderstood. I am all for doing your own maintence....I am saying that you should stick with OEM products. dont go fooling around with colder plugs, hotter plug...etc

 

Yep, I agree completely.....benign things only Never was a fan of colder plugs and racing mods....I did go to NGK Iridiums though since the Plats are beginning to becomming hard to get around here.

Due to all the horror stories, I now do more checking than I have ever done with any auto I have ever owned.

Those into heavy modding are those willing to take the chance....

I also am NOT a believer in the extended service intervals that those same engineers say are ok!

Thanks for explaining
Happy holidays

 

Make sure your spark plug socket has a neoprene insert to hold the plug, most should.

Use a ratchet extension that locks onto the plug socket firmly. You're good to go.

 

Yep...My socket has the neoprene insert...grips a bit too tight...will have to look out for a locking extension since mine are all the normal type....they take a bit of pull but those sockets really fit tight!
Tyhanks again

 

Q - what size socket for OEM plugs?

 

That's where the d-electric grease comes in. Put a thin coat on the porcelain part of the spark plug. Makes it easier to get the socket on and off; and likewise for the spark plug wire.

As mentioned before, locking extensions are great, and don't forget the anti-seize for the threads.

Rawhyde