Replacing the spark plugs on your 1975 Mercedes is an essential part of maintaining the vehicle. With a 1975 Mercedes, any trip to the repair shop is going to be expensive, especially if the work is done by a Mercedes specialist. Changing the spark plugs yourself will save you a lot of money, as well as spare you the long wait at the auto shop. Also, changing the spark plugs frequently, instead of the recommended 50,000 to 80,000 miles, will help your vehicle perform at its best, preventing future problems.
Tools Used: Vehicle's owner's manual, Socket wrench, New spark plugs, Anti-seize compound, Spark plug socket or deep 5/8-inch socket, Socket wrench extender
Replace Spark Plugs
Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the location of the spark plugs on your particular model of 1975 Mercedes. The manual should give you recommendations for spark plug types, as well as any additional information you may need to remove the spark plugs on your vehicle model.
Pull off the spark plug wire from one of the spark plugs. To do this, apply pressure to the base of the wire (where it enters the spark plug chamber) and pull directly away from the spark plug. Pulling at any angle may damage the spark plug, and pulling from the wire itself rather than the base can damage the wires.
Insert the spark plug socket into the spark plug chamber. Drop it down and rotate it counter-clockwise until the socket nestles around the spark plug itself. Do not proceed until the socket locks into place; otherwise, you run the risk of stripping the spark plug or the socket.
Rotate the spark plug counter-clockwise, until it can be removed easily from the spark plug chamber. Put a very light layer of anti-seize compound around the threads of the new spark plug, which will increase the connection and prevent the spark plug from seizing to the engine when it heats up.
Place the new spark plug into the socket wrench and lower it into the spark plug chamber. Turn the socket wrench clockwise until the spark plug gives strong resistance. At this point, you need to apply a 1/4 turn of additional pressure to ensure proper torque on the spark plug. Reattach the spark plug wire, locking it into place.
Tips & Warnings
Be careful to only work with one wire and spark plug at a time to prevent attachment of the wires to the wrong spark plugs. Switched wires can lead to severe engine damage.
Never do these repairs when the engine is running or when it is warm from recent use. Wait for the engine to cool down, preferably in the shade.
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