Service Procedure - Removal
Tools Necessary:
Thin wall 9/16 spark plug socket, various length extensions and ratchet. (Do not use a standard deep well socket) Beam or dial style torque wrench, (non clicking type). Carbon dissolving carburetor cleaner. Compressed air and blow gun. Shop Vacuum. Nickel Anti-Seize.
IMPORTANT: You MUST adhere to this procedure exactly to prevent breaking spark plugs during removal! Engine must be completely cold (room temperature) before beginning.
Spark Plug Removal
1. Remove coil on plug assemblies and set aside. Using compressed air and shop vac, clean spark plug wells of all dirt and debris. 2. Using a ratchet, back out each spark plug 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Fill the spark plug well with carburetor cleaner to just above the hex on the spark plug. (½ to 1 teaspoon) (see illustration #2). 3. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes soak time for the carb cleaner to wick down to the ground electrode shield and soften the carbon deposits at this time.
NOTES: Review the product label on the carburetor cleaner and adhere to all precautionary statements. Use at room temperature with appropriate PPE, (personal protective equipment). 4. Tighten and then loosen the spark plugs working them back and forth to remove. Use the beam style torque wrench and do not exceed 33ft. lbs. removal torque (see illustration #3). If more than 33ft. lbs. is required; place an additional ½ teaspoon of carb cleaner in the well and wait another 15-30 minutes for the carbon to dissolve. 5. Repeat the back and forth effort working the spark plug loose. Some screeching and high effort will be noticed. Remove the spark plugs. 6. Using the shop vac and a small hose, clean out the plug well and combustion chambers of excessive carb cleaner.
WARNING: Excessive carburetor cleaner in the combustion chamber can cause the engine to hydro lock, remove as much as possible.
Spark Plug Installation 7. New plugs should be installed using a thin film coating of high temperature nickel anti-seize on the ground electrode shield. DO NOT coat the ground strap. (see illustration 4) 8. Tighten spark plugs to 25ft lbs.
