Not going to start a spark plug thread

[CzarKJ]

I didn't even have a torque wrench when I put them in. I'm a little hazy on it now, but I seem to recall reading that you should get them snug and then adding 1/4 turn to that. That felt nowhere near right to me so I might have added a little bit more.

Will try the re-torque.

If you are anywhere near a harbor freight. 10$ with coupon usually.

 

[ltd02]

I never used a torque wrench for years and never had trouble but they weren't aluminum heads. I did the snug and 1/4 turn too. I have been using antiseize with the aluminum heads (not just in my KJ) but will change that practice. Just read somewhere a while back you should so have done so since. I do dial my torque wrench down. If given a range (say 18-21 ft/lbs) I go with the lowest number.

 

[profdlp]

If you are anywhere near a harbor freight. 10$ with coupon usually.

I've got one now, and yes - that's where it came from.

 

[uss2defiant]

I've got one now, and yes - that's where it came from.

Make sure it works.
My first HF torque wrench didn't work so I returned it and bought one from autozone.
Autozone also has lifetime warranty.

I would definitely buy the digital one later down the road.

 

[ltd02]

Make sure it works.
My first HF torque wrench didn't work so I returned it and bought one from autozone.
Autozone also has lifetime warranty.

I usually wind up with Craftsman. They seem to be very reliable and not too pricy. I have a 1/4 drive that is a cheap one but it checks out with my other ones. I'm sort of **** when it comes to torque wrenches. I think I have 5 and check them periodically.

 

[MarkJ]

The beauty of snug then 1/4 turn (or whatever they say) is that it's unaffected by anti-seize. It is based on thread thickness which doesn't change with anything on the threads. Only works on new gasketed plugs however. Still, all the major manufacturers say not to.

 

[profdlp]

I guess now is as good a time as any to ask, but what should they be torqued to?

 

[uss2defiant]

I guess now is as good a time as any to ask, but what should they be torqued to?

20 ft-lbs

 

[profdlp]

Thanks! :favorites13:

 

[MarkJ]

I want to personally thank HoosierJeeper for starting this "Not going to start a spark plug Thread".

 

[Dave]

The beauty of snug then 1/4 turn (or whatever they say) is that it's unaffected by anti-seize. It is based on thread thickness which doesn't change with anything on the threads. Only works on new gasketed plugs however. Still, all the major manufacturers say not to.

^^..."snug then 1/4 turn".... this is what it says on the spark plug box.


Dave

 

[twowings]

Snug + 1/4 turn has worked for me for 50+ years on all kinds of infernal combustion engines...

 

[MarkJ]

I screwed up that last comment - Should have said "Still, all the major manufacturers say not to put anything on the threads of sparkplugs."

I have seen snug plus 1/4 to 1/2 to 2/3 turn depending on the manufacturer. The NGK plugs I have for my Liberty say 1/16 turn past snug for tapered seat and 1/2 to 2/3 turn past snug for a gasketed plug. I go by feel but usually stop at 1/2 turn past.

 

[uss2defiant]

going back to gap size.
FSM says 0.042 versus 0.04 on the sticker.

 

[MarkJ]

.002 is probably not enough to worry about.

 

[tommudd]

Slight difference in years as well, not sure why

 

[profdlp]

I want to personally thank HoosierJeeper for starting this "Not going to start a spark plug Thread".

And we should all probably thank ourselves for "Not going to post" in the "Not going to start a spark plug Thread".

But I'm not going to say that. :happy175: