Advice Needed on Spark Plug Change
 

OK, I'm an old-timer, used to changing spark plugs on older cars with just a straight wire to the plug. But my 2001 2.0 Protege has this coil asssembly that looks like it has 1 coil for 2 cyls...looks like a mad scientist hookup!

...Are ther any special precautions/steps that need to be taken when changing out the plugs on this car? $100 seems a lot to pay a dealer to do it...

(2001 Protege 2.0.. loaded)

Thanks,

Mileage01

buy NGK laser platinum plugs and do it yourself. It's VERY easy and would only take 10 minutes if you don't get distracted.

Get a 10mm socket and ratchet and loosen the bolts holding the coil packs down. Pop off the wires and coils and just flip them up on the intake manifold in the same location so you can just drop them back in place when you're done.

Enjoy.

I don't think the Prote' uses platinums, but I've used them in non platinum vehicles with success before. If your car doesnt require them (which I don't think it does), then you could save a few bucks and buy regular plugs. NGK is the Mazda OEM plug manufacturer, so stick with them, besides they are pretty much the best plugs around. Rod's instructions on how to replace them are simple enough. Shouldnt take long at all. Good luck.

yeah, the OE replacement plug is the NGK Laer platinum or Laser IridiumIX.

So when should the plug wires be replaced? I am at 48k now and considering doing it since the engine sounds a little rough.

It's SO easy and cheap to replace the plugs I do it every 10k miles or sooner. It's always helpful to get your hands on the plugs and inspect them to see how the engine is running.

On a stock engine, do you think it is worth the money to install high powered plug wires like nology hot wires or something like that? I am not totally coniviced the claims they make will have any positive effects.

no, stock wires have been proven fine for up to 500whp. If you want a proper tune-up you'd be best to stick with the basics.

clean and replace the fuel strainer screen on the pump

replace plugs with NGK Iridium IX

pour in a bottle of BG's 44K into the tank

Hi, About replacing plugs; Are the correct NGK plugs already gapped right out of the box? Thanks.

"Sort-Of"...better get a guage and make sure.

easy peasy lemon squeezy...
 

Just did my 2002 protege 5. took all of 5 minutes. plugs and high tension wire set. saved a hundred bucks by doing it myself. just need a good set o ratchets and I had a long magnet thingy which totally helped when I needed to get the plugs in.