mazda spark plug question

Can't help you because I'm not familiar with the vehicle but it would be extremely strange to have sparkplugs under a valve cover unless it is a one piece unit that is separated inside, otherwise your plugs would be saturated with oil which would not be a good thing.

Tom

Bthandel wrote:

its actually a neighbors car and maybe its not a valve cover but its right on top of the engine...i,m not familiar with overhead cam engines myself sorry to say..

Usually, with twin overhead cam engines, you will find the spark plugs in the center of the cam cover. Because the compression chamber is way down at the valve level, there is some distance between the plugs and the top of the cam cover. When you pull the spark plug boots off the plug (by twisting them circularly until they break free then pulling straight out) you will have an appreciation of how far down they are. It could easily be several inches.

You will need a spark plug socket and extender to get them out. Some modern spark plugs are smaller than those in your father's Oldsmobile, so you will need an appropriate socket. It's a good idea to shoot some air into the hole before you take them out to force any crap that may have accumulated there out. Alternatively, a good vacuum might do. You don't want to drop anything down into the cylinder. Keep this in mind when the plug is out, since that's the time gravity will conspire against you.

Another thing to consider is that modern engines tend to have aluminum heads. That means you should know and observe the torque limit when installing new plugs. Some folks use the "compress the gasket" rule, but I like to use a torque wrench. Too loose is also not good; the heat transfer from the plug to the head is important. Also, and this is critical: be certain to use an anti-seize treatment on the plug threads, else you may not get them out again. You can buy the stuff at an auto shop.

It's really quite easy, but you need to know the rules.

Best,

Ken