Spark Plug Question

[Matthew Ross]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 80,000 miles.

The car hasn’t been running right lately so I wanted to check the spark plugs. The plugs are original and the car is 10 years old. Is it possible that after 10 years the plugs might be fused in there and break off in the engine when I try to remove them?

Matt

Topic

[John Hugon]

It’s possible; I’ve had them be a little stubborn coming out on that particular engine. When removing them, if you feel resistance, retighten the spark plug, than try to remove the plug…you may have to do this several times.

When you replace the spark plugs, put the proper ant- seize on the threads.

I know the manufactures tell you not to replace the spark plugs for 100,000 miles, but they don’t say anything about problems of leaving the plugs in for that long.

[dan]

do you have a engine light?

too add too what JTF stated, replacement intervals are 75,000 too 100,000 miles and as old as your vehicle is i say replace the plugs as regular maintenance, but follow what JTF says the last thing you want to do is strip the threads.

Also the best plugs for your car are AC Delcos possibly iridiom plugs but i would also check for engine lights, look at the wires check your air filter and if its dirty replace it do a simple look over of everything under the hood listen for any hissing noises these can all cause rough running idle

and check this out.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues

[Jason]

I’ve always used autolite lithium , They’ve treated me real good. but other people have there choices. just make sure to put a little bit of anti seize compound on the new plugs.

[dan]

Autolite is a good plug though its mostly a ford plug, it works ok in the GM engines, NGK works well too, AcDelco is the brand that the manufacturer recommends for there engines generally… it won’t hurt too use Autolite most of the time, but AcDelcos are what i recommend, i have heard not so good things about Bosh plugs though, or Champion, i would stay away from those personally.

[Matthew Ross]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think as long as I take it slow I’ll be able to get them out no problem. I read on a Cobalt forum that the factory installed plugs are NGK Iridiums that are re-branded as AC Delco. I found the NGKs on Amazon for $5 each, plus they gave me a $5 off the total cost for a “Spark Plug Promo”, so I paid $16 for four plugs delivered! Not a bad deal if you ask me.

[Lorrin Barth]

I payed $16 each the last time I bought iridium plugs.

[Author]

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