Spark plugs

ANSWER : Hi there. Try using a pair of small needle nose pliers to pull off the rubber boots from the spark plugs. As you pull, twist the rubber boots to break them free. If you cannot get the rubber boots off, then try using some mineral oil on the boots to aid them off, then clean off the oil with soap and water with degreaser. If you need further assistance with removing the boots from the spark plugs, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : You have a problem with the distributor assembly. I recommend replacing the distributor assembly. This will replace all the possible sensors and coil for the ignition and fix the problem you have.

ANSWER : If you have a Check Engine Light on, first check for those codes to determine what engine management thinks is going on. If no trouble code, check the ignition fuse behind the driver side kick panel (carpeted panel at foot level on the left – for left-hand drive vehicles). If the engine is spinning quickly, and doesn’t appear to be meeting any resistance (as a motor with good compression would have), you may have a broken timing belt. If so – STOP, call a professional mechanic, like a certified technician from YourMechanic for help.

ANSWER : Hi there. Although what you are listing above is not necessarily a service we offer, it is possible to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to help you with this issue. To start, I would recommend setting up a spark plug removal service, then contacting the customer service sales professional that works with you to explain exactly what you need. When this has happened to me, I bite the bullet and purchase a new spark plug and new spark plug socket, as it’s very difficult to get it unstuck without damaging the socket.

ANSWER : Hello there, many faults will cause your 1988 Ford Contour to have a misfire even after the spark plugs were replaced. When oil is seen on the spark plug this indicates that the valve cover is leaking onto the plugs. When this happens it fouls the plugs and can cause a misfire. Until the oil leak is addressed the spark plugs will continue to become fouled. If the misfire persists there are many potential causes such as the plug wires, fuel pump, vacuum leak, oxygen sensor, MAF sensor, or the cap & rotor. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your misfire fault and make any repairs required to resolve the issue.

ANSWER : The OEM plug is platinum. If you desire iridium, simply note that in the customer notes or let the mechanic know at time of scheduling. Obviously, without contrary advice, the original, or aftermarket equivalent, of a part is always used but if you desire an alternative part, just so long as it is cataloged and available for your car we are happy to help you with that. If you desire plug replacement, please use YourMechanic’s convenient service page for spark plug replacement. Once on that page, please click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Either a failing crankshaft sensor or impulse wheel could be the cause of the fluctuating RPM reading. The crankshaft sensor signal is often used to start both fuel pump operation and start the ignition coils with the camshaft sensor setting the sequential injection and ignition firing order.

You may want to have faults read out of the ECM prior to replacing the crankshaft sensor and look at the crankshaft sensor wheel. If the sensor is mounted on the front of the engine the sensor wheel may be part of the dampener and may have slipped or vibrates. If it is a sensor wheel that is part of the flywheel, a bent tooth may be the cause. To have this resolved, you may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the equipment and expertise to correct this hard starting issue.

ANSWER : Hi there. Since you have the V-6 engine option for your Kia Sorento, the correct amount of spark plug’s needed and spark plug wires is (6) – one per cylinder.