Spark Plug Guide

[BranVonWolfe]

Wow. This spark plug guide is awesome.

I recently purchased a used 2001 PT Limited with a little over 68k on it and I'm trying to learn as much as I can about these machines.

The previous owner claimed to have done very little besides change the oil, so this plug and wire change seems like a good first step.

[blucruzer]

I've read all the posts on this thread and seen no mention of it so it probably isn't a problem but I'm wondering: is there a gasket between the upper and lower parts of the intake manifold, what's it made of, does it need to be replaced before putting the two manifold pieces back together? Thanks for any info.

[CREWZIN]

There is 4 (5 if you count the one where the manifold connects to the throttle body) and they are all pre-formed red rubber material. From what I have read (and I did it myslef) you can reuse all the gaskets 3 or 4 times (maybe more?) before having to replace them.

[blucruzer]

Once again, thanks Crewzin.

[Styggian]

Just replaced my wires. Wanted to do the wires and plugs all at once, but I couldn't afford the plugs yet. It was simple to get into, took less than 30 minutes once I got it figured out, so I don't have a problem going back in to change the plugs later.

How do I get the plugs out though? I looked in and they are waaaaay down inside. I don't know how to reach them or what kind of tool I need for it.

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Styggian

Just replaced my wires. Wanted to do the wires and plugs all at once, but I couldn't afford the plugs yet. It was simple to get into, took less than 30 minutes once I got it figured out, so I don't have a problem going back in to change the plugs later.

How do I get the plugs out though? I looked in and they are waaaaay down inside. I don't know how to reach them or what kind of tool I need for it.

Maybe you shouldn't be messing around with the plugs if you can't figure that out. All ratchet sets come with an extension rod. if yours didn't then you have to find/borrow/steal one that will let the spark plug socket reach the plug.

Hints: Don't use a 1/4 inch socket set (1/2 or 3/8 inch only). Let the engine completely cool down before attempting to take out the plugs. A small dab of anti-seize on the plug threads if the plugs don't already have it on. Use one of the old wires on the new plug to put it down the hole and to start threading the plug in. A light coating of dielectric grease on both the ends of each wire. Makes for a good contact and keeps moisture out.

[Styggian]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Maybe you shouldn't be messing around with the plugs if you can't figure that out. All ratchet sets come with an extension rod. if yours didn't then you have to find/borrow/steal one that will let the spark plug socket reach the plug.

Hints: Don't use a 1/4 inch socket set (1/2 or 3/8 inch only). Let the engine completely cool down before attempting to take out the plugs. A small dab of anti-seize on the plug threads if the plugs don't already have it on. Use one of the old wires on the new plug to put it down the hole and to start threading the plug in. A light coating of dielectric grease on both the ends of each wire. Makes for a good contact and keeps moisture out.

I can figure it out- that's why I'm here and not paying a mechanic 150 dollars for what I can do for a total of 60 bucks.

But anyway, I didn't know what size I needed, and I just read another thread that mentioned a 6 sided spark plug socket tool. I went ahead and changed the wires simply because it was easy and straight forward and as soon as I get the plugs, I'm taking care of that too.

[CREWZIN]

OK, that 6 sided socket needs to be a 5/8 inch size and you'll need to have an extension rod for the ratchet of about 1 foot in length. Since you haven't done it before and have no feel for torque, you should have a torque wrench for tightening down the plugs to 13 Ft. Lbs. See if you ask a friend that does his/her own work so you can borrow the correct tools unless your going to start to build up a set of your own. That's how I got started, buying a few at a time when I needed to use them. Good luck.

[jdmickies]

Why didn't I look here first!! I used the damn Chrysler PT service book and completely missed the EGR bolts. I was running out of daylight, so I just did the two on the ends. Runs better, so I guess I got the one causing my misfire. Should be cake now. Thanks!

[freetobejbp]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Welcome to the forum Justin.
What we have been recommending is the Champion Double Platinum plugs #7570..

WOW!!! Really? You recommend this plug? I have a 02 base PT i have only had the PT for three months but i have been maintaining my own cars for over twenty years. I have always liked the PT but one of the main reasons i purchased it is the previous owner took great care of it. THANK YOU previous owner who ever you are that moved from Madison, WI and ended up in Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX! You took such great care of the car that it is obvious. The car was a trade in and ended up in Georgia were i bought it. I got REALLY LUCKY to find such a well maintained car at random. Anyway after i got my blue baby i noticed every time i would accelerate from a red light the car behind me would attempt to pass me. I am no slow driver but i thought i must be going to slow especially when Yugo drivers feel the need to pass you! And i have a five speed so i knew something was wrong with my baby. And at best when i would drive slowly i was getting only 20 mpg. So i figured it needed a tune up. And my car had the Champion #7570 plugs in it. I could tell the plugs were not old maybe 2 years at most. I still have them. I replaced them with NGK #4306 and i replaced the wires to just in case with a premium wire but the old wires did not look to bad still got them also. The new NGK #4306 plugs did the trick. I do not have grannies trying to pass me any more! It have a lower idle rpm and accelerates through the rpm range allot quicker and now i am up to 22.6 mpg. I do not think it was only the wires that made such a big difference. Sorry to say i was not very impressed with the performance of Champion #7570. NGK!