Engine – Spark plug replacement
Words & Pictures – Toby Brooks The Figaro Shop
Although spark plugs may seem like a minor thing, you screw them in, you screw them out. The Figaro does have some quirks and over the years we have come up with a few tricks for making the job easier. Being such a hot-running, turbocharged engine, we recommend that you should change the spark plugs a maximum of 12 months or 12,000 miles apart, whichever comes sooner.
It’s often the case that owners of classic cars think that due to the little amount of use the car gets, it doesn’t need to be serviced – I think if anything it’s more important. In order to do this job, the first thing you will need is the correct parts and tools.
The plugs we use in the workshop are NGK, the part number is BCPR6ES-11.
- The 11 is the size of the gap at the end of the plug, where it sparks.
- The ‘BCPR’ refers to the thread and size of the spanner/socket required for the plug. This number uses a 10mm rather than the usual 14mm plug spanner, I’ll explain later why this is so important. The other letters refer to length and heat rating.
As well as these sockets you will need an adjustable joint for an extension bar, four plugs and some HT pliers to safely remove the leads.
The first step is to remove the old spark plugs; part of the reason to change the plugs annually is to avoid them getting seized into the engine. If yours are not too old they should come out easily.
It’s a common misunderstanding that the Figaro has three cylinders/plugs, we often have called for a set of three plugs. The fourth plug (one being on the driver side of the engine) is hidden under the pipe that comes from the turbo.
You can see how we have slightly ground down the end of our spark plug spanner, accompanied by a flexible spanner extension is the easiest way to remove the fourth and most tricky spark plug. This is also the reason we use the smaller spark plug, the larger ones leave such minimal clearance that they are really hard to remove and refit.
We always change the plugs one at a time, when refitting the plugs we put a tiny bit of oil on the threads, just to ensure the easiest fitting and reduce the chance of cross-threading. Once the plugs are installed simply refit the ignition leads and you’re ready to go!
Buy a set of x 4 £14.99 – Click here
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