Hello all, I am interested in doing a tune-up on my 2004 x-type, like changing the plugs. I am wondering if it is advisable to tackle something of that nature myself or take it to the pros.

I would really like to do it myself. Can anyone give me step - by- step instructions or point me in the right direction, where I can get some help. Also what are all the things that should be looked at , during this tune-up.

Thanking you all in advance for you response.

 

tune up went with the do-do birds...
now we do maintenance...

the car's tuning is managed by a computer.

oil change, belts, plugs, other fluids, filters.. etc... plus a lot of check and inspect.

each of the maintenance items has its own frequency to be done, and most are "lubricated or sealed for life" according to the manufacturer. It is a long debate on just deciding when to do what.

ANyway plugs are easy to change. just remove them with a spark plug socket adn then install new ones. On the X-type you need to remove the intake manifold. That involves a few screws, bolts, wires and hoses to undo. Then you need to clean all the sealing surfaces spotlessly. re-assemble and you are done.
Since they are long life plugs you need to get the right ones, and use some never seize to make the next person happy.

 

DRAGONSSE, the job is really simple just takes time, if you click on my profile in the picture "albums" section I posted step by step pics for you to take a look at ...... go for it.

 

Follow this link and scroll down to "Motor Project #5 - Changing Plugs".

http://jagmotorproject.blogspot.com/...1_archive.html

 

From a guru about tune up :
A word on "tune-ups". They ain't what they used to be folks.
Back in the day, a "tune-up" generally referred to replacement and
adjustment of pretty much everything associated with the ignitions system,
as well as replacement of most, if not all filters. Maybe even a couple
emissions parts as well.
Nowadays, a "tune-up" generally refers to a set of spark plugs and an air
filter, maybe.
So, bottom line, be aware of what the mechanic intends to do during your
"tune-up".
That said, Chevy engines like the LT1 are particularly tough to do a
traditional tune-up to because of the location of the spark plugs, and
required ignition wire routing. It's VERY important to pay attention to
getting the plugs into the heads cleanly, and with damaging them. It's also
VERY important to properly route the ignition wires. Even if you are not
replacing the wires, make sure they are assembled as they should be. Too
often, I find a bad wire that's entirely due to chaffing on something, and
that is directly traced to improper routing of the wire. Hey, all those
little clips etc. that hold those wires aren't REALLY needed, right? You
break a couple while trying to remove them, and figure what the hell, they
aren't REALLY necessary. Don't bet on it. Then, you have to contend with
aftermarket wires that are not "exact" fits, right? Yeah, what the heck,
stuff the extra out of the way somewhere right? Maybe. This is why I
generally suggest using "factory" wires whenever possible. They just fit
better, and in the end, that means less come-backs.

 

Good point....