help with 99 v6 spark plugs

[Ace99]

99 honda accord ex v6 - took it to the shop to be inspected - now they are saying I need to pay them $400 to replace all 6 sparkplugs.. is this something I could so myself.. ? is this something I need to take care of before using this car for a road trip?

 

[Carlos28]

You can easily do it yourself with tools you have around the house. I think it's under the master DIY sticky but I'm not sure. It's way cheaper than $400 if you do it yourself (a little more than $30 for all 6 if you use NGK's) and it should take about an hour if it's your first time. Just do a quick search and you'll find the answers you're looking for. If you have any more questions just PM me or ask here.

 

[Carlos28]

I would recommend doing it before your trip just to be on the safe side since you probably don't know how old the ones currently in there are.

 

[Carlos28]

Good things to keep in mind.

http://www.6thgenaccord.com/forums/showthread.php?p=418985

How to do it. (same process but we have 6, 3 in the front, 3 in back)

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-1998-2002-Honda-Accord-Spark-Plugs/3634/1

You need Allen keys (I forgot the size we need), spark plug socket (any auto parts store will have it), Ratchet, Extension, 6 spark plugs, anti-seize, and also a gap gauge to check the gap on the plugs.

While you're at the auto-parts store, pickup a copy of a Haynes Repair Manual. It's a really good way to learn how to Maintain your car without spending $$$ for a shop to do it. It'll also show you how to do the spark plug replacement step by step.

 

[Ace99]

wow thank you very much Carlos, all good advice

 

[Carlos28]

No problem. That's why we're all here.
I think the biggest thing to remember though is that when you're dropping the new plug in, separate the extension from the ratchet and gently give it a couple turns by hand. It's really easy to cross-thread if you're using a ratchet and that's something you really don't want to do.

Also, the three plugs at the back of the engine are a bi**h to reach the first couple of times, but it's possible.

Good luck. Report back!