Elderson1

Ok I'm about to get my car tuned up(change oil etc...), but what I want to know is exactly how much quarts of oil would I need to buy if I drain the old oil, and also is 1 quart of ATF could or would I need to add more or is there a way to drain that too? And about spark plugs, exactly how many do I have ?
I'm new to cars so there is a lot I do not know, but I am trying to learn, so please excuse the questions, hate to ask them in public

Oh yea I drive a 2002 Mazda Protoge ES, all stock parts as far as I know, but there are a few things I do want to do to her.
Thanks for your help in advance.

Lozz

when I changed my oil a week ago, I used about 3 L of Mobile 1.

THe manual says approximately 3.2L for 1.8 engines(which is mine), but I can't remember how much for a 1.6 or 2.0.

you have 4 spark plugs, because it's a 4 cyclinder engine, regardless of size. Most people reccomend NGK's which are the OEM ones, I use Denzo Iridums and they seem to work fine though(idk if you're willing to pay $54 for spark plugs though..). Search the forums(or I think the manual says which ones) for the exact model numbers you need or just go to a local autozone or such and they'll be able to tell you which ones you need. Make sure you use anti-seize on the threads, and use a torque wrench to apply the correct force. You can get anti-seize and probaly a torque wrench from the same place too(ie autozone/nappa/pepboys..ect).

Anti-seize prevents the steel threads on the plugs from chemicaly reacting with the alluminum threads on the engine and bonding together, which if occured could completly strip the threads in the engine if you tried to remove the spark plug.. which is defentaly a bad thing. Apply anti-seize to the plug threads, it's only about $6 for about a 3-4Floz can which will last ages. Now.. NGK says that because their threads are rolled that you don't need anti-seize.. but it being so cheap i can't see why you wouldn't use it anyway.

You should probaly pick up a spark plug socket too, they have rubber inserts that can "grab" the plug and makes it easy to remove/insert them correctly. You'll need at least a 6" extension if you have the 1.8L engine (I do.. and they're waaay down in there..) I used all 3/8" drive parts.. and a 5/8" spark plug socket.
You need to apply between 14-16 NM of torque per spark plug. It's better to apply more force than too little. If you can't afford a torque wrench, rotate the ratchet about 2/3 of the way after you start to feel the compression of the gasket.


couldn't tell you how much ATF you need, sorry.

soo.. assuming you have none of the tools above.. expect to pay approximately

(assuming you just want something to replace the plugs.) about $8-12 for plugs
$6-80 for a torque wrench (most come with conversion tables if you can't get one that measures in Nm)
on torque wrenches.. alot are defentaly $80+ for a good one.. but for a simple spark plug replacement, I would try to find something more in the $10-20 range.. they defentaly exist.. just have to look arround for them, which shouldn't be hard. I've even seen them as low as $6 in some places.. but don't expect them to last long.
$6 for anti-seize
$5-24 for 4L of oil (depending on what oil you get..)

if you have a 2.0 Engine, then I think your spark plug installation might be a little different from mine.. the forums has many threads and how-tos though.. so just search a little.

KrayzieFox

The Auto tranny requires approximately 7.5 quarts of ATF.

nicodeemus

The valve covers look different on the 1.8's compared to the 2.0L, but the process for changing your plugs is the same. Just make sure you only pull off one spark plug wire at a time so you don't put them back in the wrong order. You will definately need a spark plug socket like Lozz says as well as the extension. They are way down there.