Changing SparkPlugs in Alum Heads

[WingDing2]

Any of you techs out there have tips for changing spark plugs in alum heads? warm engine? cold engine? penetrant oil?

[theoilman]

Most are no problem, but some particular vehicles are so bad they should never have been built! Many small engines have been aluminum seemingly forever and are extremely rarely a problem.

What make / model / year / engine?

[Tyler23]

i would think you should do it when the engine is still semi warm. and when you put them back in make sure you use anti-seeze on them.

[moparmarv]

I like changing them on a cool engine that way not so hot on your hands I always blow the dirt and junk away from the plugs before removing them that way nothing falls on the plug hole you may put a little antisize on the threads before installing the new plugs so they remove easy the next time

[Jeremy airjer W]

What kind of vehicle?

Most if not all late model vehicles use spark plugs that are knickle plated. This helps prevent the plugs from siezing in the heads. The new plugs should also be knickle plated. I have had any issues with these type of plugs, even on higher mileage vehicles, in quite a while.

You do not need to use anti-sieze with these plugs!

Its been quite a few years since I have used anti sieze on a plug!!

[WingDing2]

Sorry guys It's the same 2003 6.0 Silverado (I've been told its a PITA sometimes getting them out) that I've been doing all the 100,000 maint too. After the spark plugs I will soon be done, all I have left to do is change out the front/rear diff and transfer case fluids. So what I've done so far...

New Oil Pressure sensor (It failed)

Replaced O-Ring seals on water pump (leaking)

New Dex Cool

New serpantine & air cond belt (cracked)

Tranny Filter and 6 quarts of fluid

Greased front end

Front & Rear Diff (synthetic)

Transfer case (Auto Trac II fluid)

Spark Plugs

Brake Inspection, can you believe 102,800mi still 40% of front pads left?

[Whoaru99]

Cold, as in overnight cold, not just cooled down enough to touch without burning your fingers. That is the recommendation I've seen for changing plugs in aluminum heads.

Since the aluminum head and steel plug expand and contract at different rates, only when both are dead cold are they at the proper dimensions for removal and reinstallation/torque.

[WingDing2]

Thanks, Thats what I wanted to hear. I thought so, both at their normal state. I had been told different so I will be going with the cold state and change them out.

[gunmunky]

Does anybody use the Pulse Plugs and if so are they worth the $25.00 a piece? Yeh, $200.00 to change mine out. Thanks.

[Hafnutz]

Does anybody use the Pulse Plugs and if so are they worth the $25.00 a piece? Yeh, $200.00 to change mine out. Thanks.

No and No. I don't know what claims they make but there again if they were any good the factory would install them. I have yet to see a "miracle spark plug" that performs as good as the ones installed by the manufacturer. Most of them don't even come close.

Save your money.

[Shack]

Factory plugs is my only option!

With alum. heads, I prefer cooled down for at least the reinstall.

Good luck!

[deadeye]

Factory plugs is my only option!

With alum. heads, I prefer cooled down for at least the reinstall.

Good luck!

Yup. Too many problems with other brand plugs than I can even begin with. Stick with the delcos that came out of it and its all good. Let her cool off good (cool to the touch) and your golden. dont forget to have a premium when the job is done!

[WingDing2]

Changed out the plugs today, cold engine... It went pretty good with no problems. It was time for sure, the pins were pretty much gone, some worse than others. I got 102,000 out of them, also I replaced them with the OEM AC Delco plugs $7 bucks a piece.

[Fisherman For a Lifetime]

Dude,

I have over 150,000 miles on my 2003 GMC Sierra P/U and it has the original pads with about 70% left on them.