How to Install Spark Plugs on a 1996 Chevy Camaro

Iskandar Blogger 4:49 PM

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro was equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine in the base model that produced 200 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The base models of the 1996 Camaro included the RS Coupe and RS Convertible. The 1996 Camaro Z28 Coupe and Z28 Convertible models were equipped with a larger 5.7-liter V-8, more commonly known as a "350." The 5.7-liter V-8 engine produced 285 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque. The spark plugs on both engines are replaced with identical procedures. Only the spark plug gap and the torque specifications differ between the two engines.

Instructions

    1

    Open the Camaro's hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery using a ratchet and socket.

    2

    Remove the spark plug boot from one spark plug using spark plug boot pliers. Do not pull the spark plug wire itself or you may damage the end of the wire that is attached to the spark plug. Spray the area around the spark plug hole with a can of compressed air to remove any dirt.

    3

    Remove the spark plug using a ratchet, spark plug socket and ratchet extension. Turn the plug counterclockwise until it is removed from the engine mounting hole. Remove the spark plug from the engine compartment.

    4

    Set the gap on one of the new spark plugs using a spark plug gap tool. Insert the gap tool's thinnest end between the arced metal part of the plug and the center diode. Turn the gap tool until it is caught between the diode and the ground arc. The measurement between the diode and ground arc should be 0.060 inches for the 3.8-liter V-6. Use the gap tool to widen the gap or lessen the gap until it is correct. The spark plug gap for the 5.7-liter V-8 engine should be 0.050 inches.

    5

    Separate your ratchet from the extension and spark plug socket. Insert the new spark plug into the spark plug socket. Install the spark plug into the engine spark plug hole and begin turning it clockwise by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten the plug to 11 foot-pounds using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench, extension, 1/2-to-3/8-inch adapter and your spark plug socket, if you are working on the 3.8-liter V-6. If you are working on the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, tighten the plugs to 20 foot-pounds of torque.

    6

    Insert a small amount of dielectric grease into spark plug hole end of the spark plug wire. Install the wire onto the new spark plug and push until the wire clicks or you feel the wire snap into place on the plug. Tug backward on the plug wire slightly to ensure that it is firmly secured to the plug.

    7

    Repeat steps 2 through 6 to replace the rest of the spark plugs. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten it with a ratchet and socket.