spark plug removal

Start with a cold engine, because hot aluminium heads and stubborn plugs go together like Vegemite and jam. Blow out debris around each plug, disconnect the coil or lead, and use a proper spark plug socket with an extension to crack it loose—gentle, steady pressure, not gym-hero yanks.

Back it out a turn, nip it back in to break carbon, then remove fully; if it fights, soak with penetrating oil and wait. Check the new plug’s gap if applicable (many iridium plugs are pre-gapped), thread it in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to the manufacturer spec. A tiny dab of dielectric grease on the boot helps next time; avoid anti-seize unless the plug maker explicitly says so, as it changes torque. Reattach coils/leads, clear any codes if you unplugged things, and bask in the smoother idle like you meant to do that all along.