- Spark plug wrench.
- Additionally, it is recommended to purchase special pliers, for example, HAZET 1849, to facilitate the removal of spark plug tips.
The following spare parts must be purchased:
- 4 spark plugs. For the prescribed spark plugs, see Chapter Ignition system, Chapter Spark plugs for MAZDA 323.
Removal
1. Disconnect all spark plug terminals, pulling on the plugs, not the cables. The pliers mentioned above make removal easier.
2. Blow out the spark plug recesses with compressed air so that dirt cannot get into the holes when the spark plugs are removed.
3. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench and check the condition of the spark plugs (appearance). With some experience, you can draw conclusions about the condition of the engine:
Electrodes and insulators
- Medium gray - correct operation of the ignition system and mixture quality
- Black - the mixture is too rich
- Light gray - the mixture is too lean
- Oily - malfunction of the corresponding spark plug or poor insulation of piston rings (check compression).
1. Check the spark plug insulators for surface leakage currents. Surface currents leave thin, uneven marks on the surface. It may be necessary to replace leaky spark plug tips.
Installation
1. Before installation, check the distance between the electrodes using a flat feeler gauge.
2. In new spark plugs, the distance between the electrodes is usually set correctly, see Chapter Ignition system, Chapter Spark plugs for MAZDA 323.
3. To adjust the distance between the contacts, bend the ground electrode. There is a simple, practical device for this, otherwise knock on the ground electrode. When bending, rest a small screwdriver on the spark plug thread, in no case on the central electrode, otherwise it will be damaged.
4. Clean the threads on the spark plugs with a clean cloth.
5. Screw in the spark plugs by hand until they touch the cylinder head.
Attention! Do not tilt the candles.
6. Tighten the spark plugs with force 20 Nm.
Caution! If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the new spark plugs with a spark plug wrench at 90° (1/4 turn). Tighten used spark plugs only 15°. Spark plugs that are tightened too much may break or damage the thread in the cylinder head when unscrewing. In this case, repair the thread with UTC or Heli-Coil repair inserts.
7. Connect the spark plug tips according to the firing order 1-3-4-2.
8. Check the tightness of the spark plug tips and ignition cables.
Checking electrical connectors
1. Check the tightness of all electrical connectors on the ignition coil.
2. Replace cracked terminals.
3. Clean corroded contacts with a wire brush or sandpaper, if necessary, spray with contact spray.
4. The contacts should not be wet, otherwise clean the contacts and spray with contact spray.
5. Bend the ignition cables and check for cracks. Replace all ignition cables if necessary.