CLeaning/ReGapping/Replacing Spark Plugs?

[kelemvor]

Howdy,

My '99 GA has about 82k miles on it and the gas mileage has gone in the crapper for the past year or so. It's not the air filter or tire pressure so I'm left to think it's either the Fuel Filter or Spark Plugs.

I don't think I can do anythign with the Fuel Filter myself, but the Spark plugs I probably could. Technically it has 100k mile spark plugs but at 82k I'm close enough to at least lok at them. Is it worth it to clean and re-gap plugs or since they are a buck or two a piece is it easier to just replace them all?

My knowledge of spark plugs consists of knowing what they look like but that's about it so if there's anything to know to replace them or anything, feel free to let me know.

I called the local delearship and they wanted $175 for a "Tune Up" to check the plugs and fuel filter and other miscellaneous wiring and such which seems a little rich.

They also recommended replacing the fuel filter every 30k miles and I'm pretty sure mine has never been changed so it probably doesn't need to be replaced...

Any other suggestions on things to check?

P.S. Does Email Notification work on these boards? I've never gotten an email when someone has replied to one of my posts in over a year or so. ..

[john_ertw]

You're plugs are probably overdue. I know GM says 100,000 but if you look at plugs with 50,000 you would probably want to change them. I bet yours will have a gap that is too large. Change them, but use either original AC Delco or NGK (platinums in either brand). Some other brands of spark plugs may give you problems and I don't think it's worth the trouble.

Hopefully that will solve your problem. Good luck.

Oh, have you noticed less power when you jump on the gas? One thing I noticed is that when plugs are overdue, there is an effect on power that is noticable when the plugs are changed.

[dm6156]

Depending on where your filter is located, some of the oil change places can change the fuel filter too. It's worth a shot to call around and ask.

Changing the plugs is relatively simple Just be sure to get the wires back on the right plug! If you are going to bother taking them out, replace them and do not try to clean them. They do need to be gapped correctly. You can also change the wires. If so, do them one at a time so as not to confuse them.

It requires a few "special tools". A guage to properly gap the plugs and a spark plug socket (has rubber inside so as not to damage the ceremic plug) to remove the plugs from the engine. You can also opt for a spark plug boot puller to pull the sparkplug wires from the plugs. All depends how easy you think it is to get your hands inside there to pull the plugs off without damanging the wires.

If you don't feel comfortable with it, you there are alot of places that do tuneups and at a much cheaper cost than dealer. I also use the dealer as the cost guage. Noone should be more expensive than a dealer.

- DM