quick question about spark plugs replacement: how to control tightening torque?
#1
quick question about spark plugs replacement: how to control tightening torque?
OK I am ready to replace my spark plugs and wires now, only one thing not completely sure about.
Found there is a specific tightening torque for plugs as 12.8-17.7N.m
I do not have any torque rachet, so I really dont know how much torque is that. BTW. I did some search and some DIY mentioned use hand to tight only, some mentioned after hand tight, use rachet to tight further. So I guess my question is:
1\ should I use rachet to tight the plugs?
2\ How can i control the tightening torque? any specific way that I can tell it reaches the torque requirement, When I work with my hand or rachet?
Thanks a lot
Found there is a specific tightening torque for plugs as 12.8-17.7N.m
I do not have any torque rachet, so I really dont know how much torque is that. BTW. I did some search and some DIY mentioned use hand to tight only, some mentioned after hand tight, use rachet to tight further. So I guess my question is:
1\ should I use rachet to tight the plugs?
2\ How can i control the tightening torque? any specific way that I can tell it reaches the torque requirement, When I work with my hand or rachet?
Thanks a lot
#3
so it's like. I use finger tight first until I make it the tightest I can with my hand, then use ratchet to tight it for 1/4 more turn?
#5
As of my understanding, u gonna tight the plugs first with your bare hand and when it's tight enough, you gonna use the ratchet to tight it 1/4 more turn.
I think you should buy a torque wrench. Peace of mind. The first time you've use it, it's paid off.
Last edited by tonik; 11-09-2011 at 11:52 PM.
#8
Go Red Wings!
iTrader: (1)
Be careful that the spark plug is actually seated when just using your fingers. It's really not uncommon, especially on an engine with significant miles on it, for the threads to be not perfect... And putting one in as far as you can with your fingers only, the spark plug is still not seated.
#11
Registered
NGK recommends NOT to use anti-seize when installing new plugs, as they already have a special finish/coating from the factory, and extra anti-seize lubricant can result in over-torqueing. That said, I usually will use a bit of anti-seize if I am re-installing used plugs.
#12
OK so today I finally got those plugs and wires replaced. I wasn't able to remove the wheel by my hands, damn those nuts are soooo tight. So the best I can do is jack the car up, turned wheel to right, then jumped under the car and do all the work, then jumped out to breath now and them
It was really not a easy job as I wished.
I took a look at the old plugs. Surprisingly they look not too bad. There was only one dirtier than others. the rest seems to be OK.
I did a used car inspection couple months ago from a Mazda dealer, they told me it's really time to change the plugs and wires. (But I wasn't told the coils were bad, suppose they are still OK). I've been lazy after that and receiving worse and worse MPG. Then I got a misfire when redlining the engine once. That really freaked me out. So I changed the plugs and wires, hope this makes things better. (tho- from those old plugs don't see a big necessity to change).
I will get some coils later and replace them when I feel not being lazy someday.
Thanks all for your help
It was really not a easy job as I wished.
I took a look at the old plugs. Surprisingly they look not too bad. There was only one dirtier than others. the rest seems to be OK.
I did a used car inspection couple months ago from a Mazda dealer, they told me it's really time to change the plugs and wires. (But I wasn't told the coils were bad, suppose they are still OK). I've been lazy after that and receiving worse and worse MPG. Then I got a misfire when redlining the engine once. That really freaked me out. So I changed the plugs and wires, hope this makes things better. (tho- from those old plugs don't see a big necessity to change).
I will get some coils later and replace them when I feel not being lazy someday.
Thanks all for your help
#13
No respecter of malarkey
iTrader: (25)
You don't need to jack up the car or remove a wheel. If you use the standard 3/8" ratchet (about 8" long) and the typical 13/16" sparkplug socket you can lean in from the top of the engine bay and easily reach and remove the plugs with the car on the ground. You simply remove the upper trailing plug first which then gives you easy access to the leading plug below it. Installation is the reverse then do the other rotor the same way.
#17
Registered
You don't need to jack up the car or remove a wheel. If you use the standard 3/8" ratchet (about 8" long) and the typical 13/16" sparkplug socket you can lean in from the top of the engine bay and easily reach and remove the plugs with the car on the ground. You simply remove the upper trailing plug first which then gives you easy access to the leading plug below it. Installation is the reverse then do the other rotor the same way.
#19
I am gonna change the coils in this month anyway
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