I've never replaced spark plugs before. I've got a '97 Civic HX. How do I go about performing the replacement? What gapping should I use? Help...

 

.45 I believe. Don't quote me, I usually look at the manual since it isn't anything I am forced to remember.

Just get a spark plug remover from an auto store.......easiest damn thing to do is change the plugs.

 

Pull out plug wires, remove spark plugs from hole with spark plug socket. Gap is on the hood with valve lash specs, 1.1mm. Install new plugs, plug wire back in. Your done.

 

make sure you mark which wires go with which plug
only change when the engine is cool
don't over torque the plug
make sure no dirt falls into the cylinder
don't pull the spark wire by the wire

uhm... that's all i can think of

 

I always just change one plug at a time so I don't have 4 losse plug wires and no idea where they go. This is pretty much what I do.

I buy a set of 4 new plugs,
gap them all with feeler gauges or a plug gapping tool to the specs on the sticker under the hood,
when the engine is cool I remove one of the plug wires from the plug by pulling on the rubber boot around the plug,
I use a deep socket or spark plug socket to remove the old plug,
put a bit of antisieze compound on the threads of the new plug,
I put the new plug in, using enough force to get it snug but not overly tightened (it's going into aluminum , and you MAY want to change them again in the future) - for my prelude the torque specs are 13 lb/ft, which seems to be about 1/2 a turn after it seats by hand tighening,
I then replace the plug wire for that plug and do the next plug in the same manner.

 

also maybe put a little anti-seize on the threads of the spark plugs.

 

how can y'all confuse which wire goes where? it's obvious where they go because of their length.

 

Funny thing about anti-sieze, I was pulling my plugs out yesterday and one had so much anti-sieze on it, it was crumbling down into the head!!! Honda had put these in last, they must have used an entire tube of that sheit!!! Kinda pissed me off..
Anyhow, I plugged in BOSCH Plat+4's into it. Pre-gapped and ready to go!!!

 

Aftermarket ones don't nessesarly come in the correct lengh.

 

ouch, thats why i said a little anti seize, lol..... you can get NGK's pre-gapped too

 

buy the factory NGK plugs from honda, they don't have to be gapped. but it's good to check anyways

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help!!