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Hi All,

This is my first posting here. I own a 2010 Honda Civic LX that is my workhorse daily commuter. In about five years it has racked up 90K miles and continues to roll with zero issues or complaints. I have done all the scheduled maintenance to it. It is now almost time to change the spark plugs.

I have not worked on a car since my old 1979 Camaro. The spark plug change procedure for the Civic seems simple enough but I wanted to verify a few things.

1. As far as the spark plugs are these the correct ones to order:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

2. I have read conflicting statements on using anti-seize lube on the spark plug threads. Should anti-seize grease be used on the spark plug threads or not?

3. I am used to gaping the spark plugs before installation. However, am I correct in assuming that these plugs are pre-gaped and thus gaping is not required?

4. All I need is a ratchet extension, about how long of a 3/8 extension should I need for this job?

5. Do you folks use a torque wrench to tighten down the spark plugs?

Thanks....

 
Rep Power: 512

1) Yeah, those'll work

2) I use anti-seize in my 2002. Take that for what it's worth

3) Shouldn't have to gap those. Just verify they're at .044". People swear up and down that you're gonna destroy iridium plugs by gapping them. I haven't had any problems, just be really careful.

4) I own a bunch of different extension sizes, but I almost always default to my long.. 10", I think, extension.

5) I use a torque wrench on damn near everything. Some people beg to differ, especially on smaller things. The torque wrench I use on spark plugs has a range of 25-250 inch-pounds. I think the spec on most spark plugs is about 14 ft-lbs, or about 168in-lbs.

 
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I didn't use any anti-seize on my spark plugs, but if you are
and plan on using a torque wrench afterword to torque them to
spec you better make sure You use just a light smear on your

S/P threads, don't coat the threads with a thick coat because they will
turn more in the cylinder when you apply torque to them. wich could
inturn damage the threads.

 
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Just seen MOTORZ TV and guy there installed a paire of E3 Diamond Tip
spark plugs in a "8th gen Civic" like mine and it boosted the fuel mileage from
23-27 MPG"s ! they never mentioned hp gains but im assuming IF there
that effiecient then You should expect extra ponies on hand as well.

 
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UNLESS there was already a problem there to begin with, you don't gain mileage or performance from replacing perfectly good spark plugs.

 
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there is truth to using oem plugs I get that ezone but sometimes.
there are times where using aftermarket can be better over stock
s/p from a fuel econo or performance point of view. even if the E3 s/plugs
last a year but returned fuel economy back still its well worth the swap out.

I will let 8th gen owners decide for themselves why not try
E3 spark plugs and post your fuel and performance gains here on the
forum.?

 
Rep Power: 150

I put a set in my 2004 CR-V and my 2006 Civic not long ago both around 100K. They would have gone 100K more, looked like new and were not tight after I broke them free with my short 3/8 breaker bar with a short extension.
I personally would not worry myself with them. If they were to fail, they will set a light. If you must.. Replace with what brand that is in there. Just a touch of anti-seize down one side of thread. Check gap just in case someone pulled one out and dropped it. On mine, I had to unplug coil plug to lift it out. I put just a dab of silicon lube on it and the plug boot. Make sure no oil is in boot area.