First go at DIY - spark plugs and HT leads
Discussion
Hi all,
I mentioned on a previous post that my MX5 is a bit hesitant when hauling a higher gear at low revs and stutters a bit. So I've tucked it into the garage and going to order some new HT leads and spark plugs.
Ok, stop laughing at the back, yes this is the first time I have attempted to do any car-type DIY - (I blame company cars for this..) so leads and plugs seems a pretty good place to start. Feel free to throw me any tips..
Looking at the MX5parts website now and considering either
Magnecor Electrosport 80 Ignition Leads or the cheaper High Performance 8mm Ignition Leads. Much of a difference?
Also, has anyone replaced their spark plugs with Iridium equivalents? What are the benefits?
Cheers,
Matt
I mentioned on a previous post that my MX5 is a bit hesitant when hauling a higher gear at low revs and stutters a bit. So I've tucked it into the garage and going to order some new HT leads and spark plugs.
Ok, stop laughing at the back, yes this is the first time I have attempted to do any car-type DIY - (I blame company cars for this..) so leads and plugs seems a pretty good place to start. Feel free to throw me any tips..
Looking at the MX5parts website now and considering either
Magnecor Electrosport 80 Ignition Leads or the cheaper High Performance 8mm Ignition Leads. Much of a difference?
Also, has anyone replaced their spark plugs with Iridium equivalents? What are the benefits?
Cheers,
Matt
pmanson said:
Whereabouts are you based? If you're around Leighton Buzzard/Milton Keynes i'm happy to show you how to do it.
My recommendation with the leads is to draw a diagram on a piece of paper! That way you know which way they have to be fitted.
Thanks for the offer Phil - I'm down in Kent but will contact you if I'm in your neck of the woods.My recommendation with the leads is to draw a diagram on a piece of paper! That way you know which way they have to be fitted.
Good call on the diagram.
Sounds daft, but don't drop the plugs or have them subjected to any knocks or bangs! Also ensure there is no dust/crap that can fall into your engine when replacing the plugs. I find those little keyboard cleaning compressed air canisters do a great job of clearing the area (do this while plugs are still in as not to blow debris straight in! )
OnlyMX5ives said:
AVIOD Magnecores.
They are rubbish IME... a quick google show show that they have poor quality control.
Whist some last years, some fail VERY quickly.
Std NGK plugs are best too.
I won't argue with you, you have MUCH more experience with these cars that me. I was basing my opinion on the number of bad reports I've heard about the cheap leads, I didn't know Magnecor had variable quality.They are rubbish IME... a quick google show show that they have poor quality control.
Whist some last years, some fail VERY quickly.
Std NGK plugs are best too.
Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Wednesday 22 October 12:22
OnlyMX5ives said:
They are rubbish IME... a quick google show show that they have poor quality control.
Whist some last years, some fail VERY quickly.
While this idea keeps coming up from time to time, I can't help thinking how delicate these silicone leads are and how easy it would be to damage one while fitting and then blame the manufacturer for supplying a defective lead when it fails a few weeks / months later.Whist some last years, some fail VERY quickly.
Well I have had a set of Racing Beat Ultras on my car for over 10 years...
Two have finally had a problem... but they are rebuildable.
I have a set of Magnecores that look new I'd guess under 3 months old and they have broken.
I'd avoid cheap leads and admit MX5 Parts don't seem to supply an 'average' set.
IIRC either David Manners or Autolink do.
Two have finally had a problem... but they are rebuildable.
I have a set of Magnecores that look new I'd guess under 3 months old and they have broken.
I'd avoid cheap leads and admit MX5 Parts don't seem to supply an 'average' set.
IIRC either David Manners or Autolink do.
Exactly the same job cured exactly the same problem with mine, good luck 
Hmm, well if I could balance the Magnecor's by 1 set, I've ahd a set on for a couple of years now and they're totally fine, might have got lucky!
I didn't think silicone leads were fragile? Normally refers to the insulation which is generally more flexible and more heat resistant than standard, and of course they are physically much thicker (on the insulation front)
When I get a moment I'll upload a pic of my 1.6 with the Magnecors.
Lastly, NGK stock plugs, I rate them, again never really had one fail prematurely. I'm not a whacko gimmicky carlos fandango plug lover anyway, seems that many in the tuning trade also swear, usually, by normal plugs.
I have currently got the long nose plugs though, not enough time yet to comment, but the engine was happy when it was first turned over (with timing right out too)
I didn't think silicone leads were fragile? Normally refers to the insulation which is generally more flexible and more heat resistant than standard, and of course they are physically much thicker (on the insulation front)
When I get a moment I'll upload a pic of my 1.6 with the Magnecors.
Lastly, NGK stock plugs, I rate them, again never really had one fail prematurely. I'm not a whacko gimmicky carlos fandango plug lover anyway, seems that many in the tuning trade also swear, usually, by normal plugs.
I have currently got the long nose plugs though, not enough time yet to comment, but the engine was happy when it was first turned over (with timing right out too)
I did this job today - the car now feels great! No more hesitation and the midrange feels more eager - a very worthwhile job.
I know a lot of you people can do this sort of job in your sleep, but being my first foray under the bonnet I end the day feeling ridiculously pleased with myself!
And thanks for all your hints and tips
After finishing the job I had a fantastic roof down drive around Kent / East Sussex borders and then thought I'd give the old girl a full valet.
So..
Purchased a new socket set and a torque wrench (I just love new tools!)
Amazon delivered my "MX5 - Do It Up!" book - very easy for beginners
Drew how it looked before I touch anything, made a brew, took my time
Took care to remove the leads using the rubber boots (the back connectors needed a bit of help from some WD40 and a broad flat screwdriver to break the seals a bit which had bonded - these leads had been on for some time, amybe originals)
Removed some used looking spark plugs
Laced the new NGK plugs with some copper grease on the thread
Installed new plugs (tightened using my new torque wrench!)
Installed the new Magnecor leads - they clicked into place nicely
Fired it up and the engine when straight to a rock solid idle.
Result! Ran indoors to find my sunnies and jacket, got the roof down and off!
I know a lot of you people can do this sort of job in your sleep, but being my first foray under the bonnet I end the day feeling ridiculously pleased with myself!
And thanks for all your hints and tips
After finishing the job I had a fantastic roof down drive around Kent / East Sussex borders and then thought I'd give the old girl a full valet.
So..
Purchased a new socket set and a torque wrench (I just love new tools!)
Amazon delivered my "MX5 - Do It Up!" book - very easy for beginners
Drew how it looked before I touch anything, made a brew, took my time
Took care to remove the leads using the rubber boots (the back connectors needed a bit of help from some WD40 and a broad flat screwdriver to break the seals a bit which had bonded - these leads had been on for some time, amybe originals)
Removed some used looking spark plugs
Laced the new NGK plugs with some copper grease on the thread
Installed new plugs (tightened using my new torque wrench!)
Installed the new Magnecor leads - they clicked into place nicely
Fired it up and the engine when straight to a rock solid idle.
Result! Ran indoors to find my sunnies and jacket, got the roof down and off!
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