Tightening Spark Plugs without a torque wrench

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May 18, 2014 | 10:12 PM

#16

mrm95

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From: Phoenix, AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILuvJDM

yeah don't muscle them, I think the spec is like 17ft-lbs which is next to nothing. basically enough to crush the washer and seal it, you don't need to tighten them like a suspension component. If you used a 1/4" ratchet, that's smart because typically they are way shorter handles and long handles create more torque since it's force*distance

Yeah i used a longer ratchet but it was no more than a 1/8-1/4 turn. Even before the last turn i only went hand tight.

May 19, 2014 | 07:49 PM

#17

TommiM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mrm95

Yeah i used a longer ratchet but it was no more than a 1/8-1/4 turn. Even before the last turn i only went hand tight.

I think you likely torqued them down to 35-40Nm by how your describing what you did. the threads should be fine.

May 19, 2014 | 10:34 PM

#18

batty200

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The instructions from NGK on a new plug are hand tight them 2/3 of a turn. I measured the tq once and it was 27lb/ft. If the washer is already crushed it will be a much smaller turn. I use a tq wrench on all used plugs.

May 20, 2014 | 12:17 AM

#19

hiboost03

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so did you ever take it out? What plugs are u running?

May 20, 2014 | 12:27 AM

#20

mrm95

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No i never did take it out and im running stock Evo 9 plugs. They are the NGK iridium I forget the part number

May 22, 2014 | 02:20 PM

#21

roach85

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From: Chicago

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrm95

Also, if maybe one or two metal shavings happened to fall in would that do any damage? I wouldnt figure it would because its aluminum and pretty soft.

If you were worried about shavings you should have pulled the plug and started the engine for just a second. It would shoot out any shavings that may have fallen in. Worst case if you did strip it out you can use a heli-coil to fix it. Just make sure when you tap it to a bigger size for the heli-coil start the engine to shoot the shavings out. But it doesn't sound like you stripped it so I wouldn't worry.