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I'm new to this forum.

anyway, I've got an '05 Value Package Civic and I removed the coils and tried to take out the plugs. Using my extension, I was able to loosen the plugs without any problems, but then I couldn't bring the plugs up to remove them. What am I doing wrong?

 
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you can gently use the coils to retrieve them. usually you use a special spark plug socket with rubber piece inside to grab, but the coils work fine too. just dont push down too hard, they are very delicate.

 
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I use a magnet, and hold it against the extension.

 
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You can use one of the coil packs to get them out or they sell sockets used for spark plugs that have magnets in them. Myself i just use my coil pack by just gently putting it down there till it grabs it then just take it out.

 
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Vacumm hoses work well too. you just slide it in there and get it over the top and pull it right out. or just get a spark plug socket thats designed to pull them out.

 
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I used this method to change them out and all's well. Thanks.

I put in four new NGK Iridium IX plugs today that were $7 each. I've got a K&N air filter and Amsoil synthetic motor and tranny oil, so with these plugs the car sure runs good! Thanks to everyone for their help.

 
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may want to retorque the plugs a month later, they tend to get loose after the first install while they seat in the engine. after a second tightening, they should stay tight.

 
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Um^^^ Also on the lines with what he said. When he says Torque them down Don't crank down on them SUPER hard. I saw this because I'm assuming you don't know much about cars due to the fact that you asked how to take spark plugs. Also you can use some anti sieze on them.

 
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Like the guys above said its always recommended to retorque bolts and stuff tightened down if you install them. The recommendation is after 500 to 1000 miles to retighten things cause things tend to loosen after time.

 
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I just changed the stock spark plugs in my wife's Civic. I will have to go back and remember to tighten the spark plugs in about two weeks or so.

 
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IMO, use a torque wrench because things can go horribly wrong if you strip the threads or if the plug comes loose.

 
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I wouldn't torque it down. if you do I hope you can get it back out. other wise your F'd!

 
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You torque them to Honda specs using a torque wrench. You can have catastropic failures if you over or undertighten them.

 
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agree'd

 
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anti-seize compound should also be applied to the spark plug threads. if you don't do it, you risk having your plugs permenantly seized to the head.

 
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Speaking of under tightening the plugs... does anyone remember that thread a few years back on the guy that had a plug shoot through his hood?

 
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wow that would be awesome

 
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I have found two different type of anti-sieze compounds, one is silver and one is copper colored. The believe the copper colored type is better for high heat applications and is the type used on O2 sensors. I would recommend the high heat type if you can find it. I would also point out that torque values are usually given for clean, dry threads. Lubricating threads with anti-sieze changes the recommended torque values.

 
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No offense but this sounds like it's getting a little too involved. I would not worry about being off a few ft/lbs because you used compound. Especially since most people don't even use a torque wrench and they end up fine. Just torque to factory spec.

 
Rep Power: 812

i never use anti-seize so i can get a good torque reading. i change my plugs every 3 yrs (denso iridium performance version) and never had a problem with stuck plugs. i usually do 20 ft/lbs to make sure they dont loosen up over time. factory torque of 13 ft/lbs is a bit too low and ive had plugs get too loose over time before.

 
Rep Power: 300

not sure about the civic but the honda s2000 service manual says to use antiseize compound before tightening the spark plugs.

not sure about other brands but NGK says that most of their plugs don't require anti-seize because their plugs are already coated with an anti-corrosion layer. note they do tell you to apply anti-seize compound if you reinstall a used plug. the reason for that is because the original coating is designed to work only once.

 
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for the people that think we're being too ****...

there are many spark plug problems posted on s2ki forums. most of them are due to a combination of defective spark plug (tsb issue), inadequate torque spec (honda later revised the spec to 18ft lbs), not tightening the spark plug with a torque wrench, or using Bosch plugs (they are crap)

problems usually occur as misfires, burnt spark plug electrodes etc...

there were even posts of damaged engines due to electrodes that fall off into the cylinder, plugs plugs that back out enough to cause combustion to come up the spark plug hole