Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?

I know you need a few basic tools, but I'm more concerned about the spacing. Can I just replace the spark plugs with out any special equipment, I've read in a few places that no spacing equipment is need because most cars are already pre set. My car is a 1989 Cadillac DevilleDo I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?You should always check the gap of a spark plug before you install it, even if it's %26quot;pre-set.%26quot; They aren't always pre-set to the right gap for your car, and they may have been dropped at some point. An inexpensive gap tool is less than $5.00



Do Not use platinum plugs! They foul out very quickly in older engines, and it's easy to remove the platinum on the electrodes by accident when you set the gap. Use regular AC Delco plugs.



The correct gap for your engine is .060%26quot; If you go with a narrower gap the heat of the spark will erode the electrodes and burn them to .060 anyway.Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?I think by spacing you mean the gap. The gap is the distance between the contacts at the end of the plug that goes into the engine. A spark plug gap tool is cheap. A fancy super megga gold pro one is only $20. Many stores have them for well under $5. They are usually a round disc with either tabs or just a ridge. There will be markings that tell you which tab to use or how far to slide it on the ridge. Many plugs do come pre gaped but you always want to check them to make sure they are right for your engine and that they did not get bent in shipping.



Your cadillac has a 4.5 V8. You will want to have a good assortment of socket extensions and swivel joints especially for the back ones. Good thing is these had iron heads (which is odd since the block is aluminum) so stripping and sizing is usually not a problem. These also still had a distributor so a cap, rotor, and wires need to be up to date also. Leave yourself plenty of time there is not much extra space under that hood.Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?It would be easier to have a spark plug socket. Compare to a regular 3/4 or 5/8 deep socket, there's insulation in the sp socket help take out the sp. There's also hex to allow you to turn the socket with a wrench instead of a racket if the space is too tight for a racket.



For your car, the spark plug is most likely platinum and they are pre-gapped. There's a risk of damage to the platinum tip if you'll try to check the gap, so no need unless it has been dropped.Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?No special tools other than a feeler gauge to set the gap on your new plugs but that all depends on what kind you get some plugs are already pre gapped. Other than that you just need a spark plug wrench a ratchet a short extension and a universal joint and you should be good if your plugs need to be gapped the man at the parts store can tell you what the gap should be or you can look under your hood at the front and there is a label that will tell youDo I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?If you were smart enough to use ONLY Mobil One in this engine, you may be smart enough to remove your own plugs. Forget about wires, they should last the lifetime of the car unless they got eaten by squirrels. Throw the GM plugs into the junk pile, where they belong, and buy either Denso Iridium or Bosch Fusion plugs. These require NO gapping, since they have 4 ground electrodes. You will get MORE power, lower emissions, and better MPG's with these. You won't believe the difference over the stock GM units. Even GM doesn't use them in their finer cars, anymore!! If you have NOT been using Mobil One in this car, start NOW. The oil pumps in these babies are like tinker toys and require the best oils made to prevent damage!! Believe me, I know!!Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?Bubba B probably has answered everything correctly, so I want to add my two cents worth. Never use one of those fancy high priced pre-gap spark plugs that claim 10 extra horsepower. A young fellow came in here with those installed and it caused the engine to idle rough. I put in what the factory recommended and smoothed out the idle. I always put in new wires when I install plugs because they are recommended. Also, I just looked in the GM manual and it's gap is .060.Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?You mean a plug gapping tool? Yes, you definently need one of those...get a round one not the wire type. Also some plugs boast being pre-gapped....no....that's a complete farce. Make sure that you check each new one before installing as their always, always out by a little bit %26quot;P. A 5/8%26quot; or 13/16%26quot; plug socket is handy but you can use the regular one if you make sure you dont drop a plug (a 2%26quot; fall can be fatal for a spark plug). Happy2b says .060%26quot; which is spec. but most guys go with about .044%26quot; I think there is actually a bulletin on this.Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?Need a spark plug wire remover and a spark plug socket. You also need a feeler gage or spark plug gage to gap the plugs. Yours takes AC/Delco, so gap them. Change the plug wires while you are at it . Also, don't trust the free keychain spark plug gage the auto parts store gives you because they are way off!Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?Just a 3/8%26quot; drive ratchet,a 10%26quot; extention, and the right sized socket; 5/8, 3/4, or 13/16 !? The spark plug gap is .040%26quot;; They come pre-gapped !Do I need any special tools to change my spark plugs?No you dont need any special tools. Just the basic ones.