Mazda Mx5 NC Mk3 Miata - Denso iridium’s Spark Plug change a quick one for the novices

[@zoutzeder5306]

Hi is this the 2.0l engine or the 1.8l engine?

[@jackos5s]

Hi buddy, it’s the 2.0 👍 thank you for the question

[@dss199]

Would love to see how they compare to the NGK standards?

[@jackos5s]

Well already buddy I’ve noticed an improvement in the MPG compared to the NGKs however the NGKs are quite old. Performance wise I haven’t noticed any difference just yet

[@mickmorgan533]

Hi Thanks for the video. Would you happen to know where i can obtain the engine pipe lagging /insulation Mazda use on the mx5 nc engine. mine has perished and I can't seem to find it anywhere. Thanks, Mick

[@jackos5s]

Hi Mick, can you send me a picture or specific location of the lagging just I can give you a better idea. But I would suggest you’ll have to go to Mazda main dealers for it as you’ll struggle to get any specific lagging/insulation from a third party manufacturer. You could use universal stuff tho

[@zakelwe]

Thanks for that video. Whilst checking out the swimming pool that is the passenger footwell to fix videos ( ongoing ) I thought I would check out the other problems I have which is misfire on full throttle and also very uneven idle when cold. As the sparkplugs are 12 years old ( only 32 000 miles ) I was thinking to do those. I just have a normal socket set, so could be a pain. Can you recommend those long sockets and the magnetic device for me to buy ? Also, just seen your maf cleaning video, thanks for that. Could also be a source of my problems. Will try to tackle both

[@jackos5s]

Hi Zakelwe, it all depends on the depth of your sockets a normal socket should work however, if not just by one long socket from Amazon so that you’re not stuck with other sockets that you don’t need or want. If those sockets have been in for 12years please make sure you get the engine nice and warm and stick some WD40 down near the threads. Also check ALL the cables going to the spark plugs and coil packs they are known to split which causes issues like misfiring.

[@zakelwe]

@@jackos5s Thanks Jacko for those handy tips, appreciated. As you can tell I am a novice. I think the last time I did a spark plug change was on a Morris Ital, not joking. Now retired and so having seen the last service bill have decided to start doing basic maintenance as a hobby. KZbin and your channel are excellent tuition to give confidence. Many thanks. Mine is a NC 3.5 so I will have a peer today at that area whilst drying out the drivers side carpet. The windscreen grommets are due replacement Saturday, they seem like a bad design feature

[@jackos5s]

@@zakelwewow that’s a few years ago lol, good old British Leyland, British built quality cars 😃 hopefully you’ve had a sneak peek at all my MX5 videos (they are not monetised) they are here for everyone to do the basics and hopefully save a few pounds by not going to a garage who’ll change anything from £30-£100 just for a oil change. If you’d like to see a particular video just let me know

[@zakelwe]

@@jackos5s Thanks The change went better than expected, nothing seized and no cross threading. Looks like the sparkplug manufacturers don't recommend putting copper slip on the thread so did not bother. Cured the misfire, not the lumpy idle. Was going to check the MAF sensor as per your other video but it has moved due to me having a BBR turbo installed. Will have to track it down... Thanks for the video. The magnetic 16mm spark plug socket was a good idea.

[@jackos5s]

Did you get it sorted?

[@kamrankghouri]

Unfortunately Denso don't have exactly the correct heat range (may cause hot starting problems) and also perform under par compared to NGK - next best would be the original Motorcraft plugs from Ford that the car/engine left the factory with - they match perfectly and mine lasted 120k miles before needing replacement 😊 when I replaced them with NGK

[@jackos5s]

These have now been in for 18 months with zero issues 👍

[@joeleman2250]

Only one function for a spark plug to ignite the fuel air mixture that requires correct gap between contacts if this is aimed at novices you should have checked the gap which obviously is the most important aspect

[@jackos5s]

This is a great comment and something that I considered but after some head scratching and research I found out that most new plugs no longer need to be adjusted from factory settings due to updated hardware/technology within them. The only time they are gapped by the owner/garage is if they going on to an engine that’s been modified or it has an updated ignition system. It’s a good idea to check the gap but I didn’t want to show this because I didn’t want to be responsible if a viewer broke the electrode.

[@joeleman2250]

@@jackos5s gap is the most basic requirement of a spark plug it’s the sole function

[@jackos5s]

Agree but we’re no longer in the 1970/1980s technology has evolved so that they can be replaced without messing around with the gaps especially for your standard engines it even says this on the manufacturers websites