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How to Tune Up My Car or Truck
Step
7 of 8. Remove Spark Plug
Next, remove debris from the spark plug
hole, (canned air works best) then use a
socket wrench and spark plug socket to
loosen and remove spark plug (counter
clockwise). Inspect spark plug for damage.
Step
8 of 8. Replace Spark Plug
Remove the spark plug from the box or
container and inspect the new plug for damage
that could have occurred in shipping. A
spark plug has a porcelain isolator that is
fragile and can crack easily. Next inspect
the spark plug gap using a spark
plug gap checker. The "air gap" should be
measured as per manufacturer specifications.
Most plug gaps are between .035 and .045
thousands of an inch. This gap is important
because it determines the amount of
resistance used to "time" the system.
An incorrect
spark plug gap will result in poor running,
low power, poor mileage and a check engine
light notice. Reinstall the spark plug and install the
new spark plug wire. Most of the time a
spark plug will come "pre-set" and ready to
install. Continue the process until
all spark plugs and spark plug wires have
been replaced. Be sure to use OE (original
equipment) parts for your car or truck to
insure the proper performance from your
vehicle.
Note: two additional related
procedures that need to be performed,
follow:
This tutorial has outlined a tune up on a
gasoline power engine, four cylinder 1995
Saturn SL1. Most gasoline powered cars and
trucks are similar.
Required Tune Up Parts
Before starting determine which tune up
parts are needed. Inspect the particular
system on your car or truck then purchase
the appropriate parts to complete the job.
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Purchase
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Spark Plugs - A spark plug
will last between 20,000 and 60,000
miles depending on the style of
spark plug that is required by your
specific vehicle. The spark plug is
the firing point in which the
electricity is past through a gap to
ignite the fuel/air mixture inside
the engine (combustion chamber). |
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Purchase
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Spark Plug Wires - Spark
plug wires need to be changed every
time a tune up is performed. With
today's ignition systems, the
running voltage and amperage is
higher than ever; even more reason
to service your spark plugs wires
before they burn out and cause a
misfire. |
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Purchase
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Ignition Rotor - An
ignition rotor is used to relay the
electrical spark from the ignition
coil to the terminals on the
distributor cap and then on the
sparkplug wires and eventually to
the spark plugs. Some cars and
trucks do not use a ignition rotor
so inspect your vehicle before you
start. |
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Purchase
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Fuel Filter - Fuel
filters will last up to 5,000 miles
or more depending on the type of
driving you do. If you live in a
dusty area like the desert or if
there is extreme moister in your
area, you can expect to change your
fuel, oil and air filter more often.
Make sure to replace your fuel
filter at regular intervals to
insure the safety of your vehicles
fuel injection system. |
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Purchase
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Distributor Cap - A
distributor cap is the component
that allows the ignition spark from
the ignition coil and separates it
into the individual spark plugs as
it rotates inside the ignition
distributor. Some cars and trucks do
not use a ignition rotor so inspect
your vehicle before you start. |
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Purchase
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Air Filter - Air
filters will last up to 3,000 miles
or more depending on the type of
driving you do. If you live in a
dusty area like the desert or if
there is extreme moister you can
expect to change your oil and oil
filter more often. Make sure to
inspect your oil level at regular
intervals to insure the safety of
the internal parts system of your
vehicle. To inspect or change your
air filter follow the instructions
above.
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Purchase
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Oil Filter - Oil
filters will last up to 3,000 miles
or more depending on the type of
driving you do. Different oil types,
like synthetic, give you more
mileage between services. If you
don't know when the last oil change
was on your vehicle and would like
to determine were you stand, remove
the oil level inductor and check the
clarity of the oil. If it is light
colored like tea, you are ok. If it
is dark like Coke, it is time for
service. We recommend top quality
oil filters and motor oils for you
car or truck. |
Also see:Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
1.How to Replace Air Filter
2.How to Change a Cabin filter
3.How to Change Oil and Filter
4.How to Tune Up with Throttle Bore Service
5.How to Replace a Radiator
6.How to Replace Fuel Filter
7.How to Read Trouble Codes
8.How Filters Work
9.How to Replace Front Brake Pads
10.How to Replace Rear Brake Pads
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