Mitsubishi Repair: spark plug, wire replacement, spark plug wires, feeler gage

Question
I want to change the spark plug and wire  on my 2000 Mitsubishi eclipse GS any cautious suggestion before I replace them?

Answer
Hello Carlo,

Yes, there are a few things you'll want to remember.  

IMPORTANT: DON'T REMOVE ALL OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRES AT THE SAME TIME.

It's always wisest to use quality parts.  You don't have to go to a Mits. dealer but you do want to insure the work you are doing is backed by quality parts or you may have to do your work again sooner than desired.

As stated by many experts here, it's always wisest to purchase a Chilton(my preference) or Haynes manual on your vehicle.  They're available at most parts stores, inexpensive and a wealth of information.

Your spark plug should be pre-gapped at time of purchase although you may choose, as I do, to buy a feeler gage or disk to insure that the gap is correct. As well, the plugs should be rated at the proper heat for your vehicle. Both of these points should be concerns that are taken care of when you request the plugs for your type of vehicle.

When replacing the plugs, it's a nice idea to spray the threads with a light lubricant(i.e. WD40) as to insure no damage is done to the threads in the engine block. Don't over torque the plugs once the seat has made contact with the block or you may break the ceramic part of the plug.

There is a tool that is designed to remove spark plug wires from the plug with minimal or no damage to the 'sp' wire boot components that make the connection with the spark plugs, however, if you are completely replacing the spark plug wires you shouldn't need this.  As stated before, don't remove all the wires at once or you may find it difficult to find your sequence again.  Working on one wire at a time, remove the wire from both the spark plug and the distributor cap or electronic ignition module.  Remove and replace the spark plug.  Find a new 'sp' wire of matching length and replace it in the same locations as the old one. Do that 3 more times and you're done.  

Depending on your ignition system, you may want to replace your distributor cap and rotor at the same time as these parts receive substantial wear.

Good Luck and Have Fun!