My local mechanic told me I need a "plenum" gasket along with the 16 spark plugs in order for him to change my plugs. Is this true? Is so where besides the dealer can I find the proper gasket?

This mechanic changed my diff fluids. I'm reading that I should of had him change the tranny fluids at the same time. My truck has 35K on it now. I've read I need the +4 fluid. Is this a job for a local mechanic? or should I bring it to the dealer

Thanks

 

Plenum gasket? So he is going to remove the Throttle Body? That seems strange to remove the TB to change the plugs. Yes, 16 plugs.

 

So he should be able to replace them without the need for a "gasket"?

 

He does not need a plenum gasket to change the plugs.

 

Thanks for the info!!
Any recomendations on which spark plugs to buy?

 

NGK V-Powers. They are a standard replacement plug. You will pay a premium for platinum or iridium plugs, and there's not any performance benefit.

 

I've replaced my plugs and you definately do not need to remove the TB. You will want to remove the air box and you will need a couple of swivels and extensions (the plugs are as deep into the head as any I've ever seen) though and plan on it taking 1/2 a day. When you do it, make sure to blow some compressed air down into the head to blow out any misc crap that may be down in there first, and don't forget to use anti-sieze on the threads and dielectric compound on the tips to make it easier next time.

I just stayed with the stock Champs, but like Mazz says, I've heard alot of guys who like the NGK's. Interesting thing I found was you may need to buy them before you're ready to do it. Nobody other than NAPA stocked them, and then they only had 8. Doesn't make a lot of sense to stock only 8 for a Hemi application, but what do I know. I needed to do it that day, so ended up at a dealer and paid $3.49 for a 1.29 plug so plan ahead.

On the trans, you must use the +4 which is only avail at a dealer, plus you need to get all of the fluid pumped out of the converter. It can be done, but most guys just let the dealer do that. Nothing tough about the diffs and transfer case, just messy.

Good luck.

 

I don't know why but most people hate champion plugs. I don't think I have ever heard someone say that they like champs.

I always have used NGK in my boats, bikes and vehicles without a problem.

 

Obviously it doesn't matter what brand you use. I just installed NGK's and Taylor wires...and they feel the same as the stock ones. I'm sure Champ's are just as good as every other plug.

 

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. Great fourm. After reading through some of the posts I feel like I've been neglecting my truck. I actually don't drive it but once a week these days[&o]

I wonder why a place like "jiffy lube" offers transmission fluid changes if they don't carry the proper fluid? I swear I went there last winter (too cold out to change it myself) and they offered me the service.

Buying platinum plugs doesn't extend the change interval? You will still have to change again in 32K?