Spark plug removal

SEQUENCE

Pull the spark plug connectors off the spark plug terminals. Do not pull on the wires!
Unscrew the spark plugs and lay them out in cylinder order, so that the condition of each spark plug can be linked to its cylinder.

If the spark plugs are difficult to unscrew, do not use force, otherwise the thread in the light alloy cylinder head may strip.

Warm up the engine, then unscrew the spark plugs.

During installation, do not screw cold spark plugs into a hot engine; they will then be difficult to remove.

Tighten the spark plugs to 20 N·m. If a torque wrench is not available:
Screw the spark plug in until the sealing washer seats. In this case, it can no longer be turned by hand or with the spark plug wrench without applying force.

If you have installed new spark plugs, now tighten them with the spark plug wrench by approximately another quarter turn.

If you are installing used spark plugs, turning the spark plug wrench approximately 15° is sufficient.

Tips: To make it easier to screw in and later remove a spark plug, you can apply a little graphite from a soft pencil or some copper grease to the thread. Oil or ordinary grease can cause the spark plug to seize in the cylinder head thread.

A damaged spark plug thread is not a reason for despair! In this case, a workshop can install a special threaded insert (for example, a Heli-Coil insert).