Step-by-Step Instructions Tapered Seat Plugs. Then seat the plug/gasket with a torque or turning angle wrench as specified in the chart below. This should be good enough . But turn the engine side ways and place it in a shoe box and try to manipulate a torque wrench. Tightening the plugs as you know can be successfully executed without a torque wrench. Most other engines require 21 ft-lb (~28 Nm) of torque . All manufacturers will recommend spark plug specs for their cars and in an ideal world with the engine on the bench that’s great. Should you lubricate spark plug threads? Torque directly affects the ability of the spark plug firing end to dissipate heat to the cylinder head. NOTE: The tightening torque described above should be applied to only new spark plugs without oil on their threads. If using anti-seize compound, use sparingly and reduce torque by 30%. Champion - 3/8-5/8 turn on plugs with a gasket. Tighten new or reused gasket spark plugs as follows: Tighten tapered new or reused spark plugs, as follows: I’m a mechanic for twenty years and you are absolutely correct to do your own maintenance, it’s not difficult but it is important to get it right. Plug Torque Settings It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. Internal spark leaking cracking of the insulator. The box has columns for Iron Heads and Aluminum heads with installation torque specifications for the three spark plug profiles in the line, but they also include a “Hand Tight +” column. Over-tightening the plugs causes some hard to fix cylinder head damage. I am changing my own spark plugs for the first time. In the case of a discrepancy between the plug manufacturer and engine manufacturers recommendations, always default to the engine manufacturer. Finally, you should know that the process is going to be different when using a torque wrench. It goes in about 95 percent of the way but that's it. 3/8-5/8 turn on plugs with a gasket. Most modern cars use turbochargers to aid fuel... Why Does Car Stop In Water? The tapered plug is, well, tapered. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. Finally, you should know that the process is going to be different when using a torque wrench. Step One. Also, you can use a torque wrench to tighten the … Seized plugs, cross thread, galling. link to Is It Hard To Replace Turbo? Messing up can cause some serious problems. The engine was manufactured since 2002. 4 AZD11-4.frb 20/10/97 11 - Engine Type Screw Measure Unit When replacing spark plugs without spark plug torque wrench, spark plugs should be thread-in by spark plug removal and installation tool, or socket by hand (wihtout spark plug wrench) untill they fully seat. I always use anti-seize... just a touch, as a little bit goes a long ways! As modern engines become more efficient and compact, engine components such as Spark Plugs are required to become smaller too. The service manual for the car (88 TR) indicates a spark plug tightening torque of 1.6 daN-m, which is = 16 N-m = 11.8 lb-ft = 141 in-ft of force. It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. Mechanics top tips, link to Why Does Car Stop In Water? The torque value is the product of the applied force multiplied by the lever length, all as applied 90° to the direction of the force. Spark Plug Torque Specifications: Over tightening will result in a deformed spark plug, with the internal seal damaged. Without a Torque Wrench: If a torque wrench is unavailable, finger tighten the spark plug, then use a plug wrench to tighten. The washer is known as a crush washer and as the plug is tightened, the washer deforms to the shape of the cylinder head, making a perfect gas seal. Plug Torque Settings It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. The Opel Z12XEP is a 1.2 l (1,229 cc, 75.0 cu-in) straight-four 4-stroke natural aspirated gasoline small-displacement engine from the second generation of the GM Family O Ecotec engines, developed by Opel, at the time a subsidiary of General Motors. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 1/2-2/3 turn on plugs with a gasket. 1/4-1/2 turn on plugs with a gasket. Stick to the manufacturer guidelines for recommended torque here; don’t go overboard. You need to know this. Once the installation is complete, reattach the spark plug wire and boot. Screw in the spark plug finger tight until the gasket meets the cylinder head. 1/12-1/8 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. 1/4 turn on plugs with a gasket. This is very significant, especially for the aluminum alloy head. If a torque wrench is unavailable, finger tighten the spark plug, then use a plug wrench to tighten. It is always necessary to use a torque wrench. If you overtighten spark plugs that have an aluminum cylinder head, it can cause the shell of the spark plug to distorts, which leaves you with a broken seal between the porcelain and metal components – leading to a combustion leak. This presupposes that the torque wrenches required for this ... 6AZ Main oil duct screw plugs All M16 x 1.5 34 Nm 7AZ Oil spray nozzle on engine block All M8x1 12 Nm. I have a spark plug wrench, dielectric grease, anti-seize compound etc. Nothing like the satisfaction of fixing your own car, at $140 an hour labour, you’ll save a ton just doing the simple stuff. A wheel should always be torqued to specification. Engine compression, combustion, heating and cooling cycles can all cause the plugs to come loose if not tightened correctly. Plug Torque Settings It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. Anyway, here’s a few tools to get the job done as painlessly as possible. In many cases it isn’t possible, and isn’t necessary. Some values rounded. However, you need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. If this information is not available, screw the spark plug in finger tight and then tighten a further half to three quarters of a turn for plugs with a gasket and 1/16 of a turn for conical/taper seat plugs without a gasket. Is this meant to be 15 lb-ft? Each spark plug manufacturer has created their recommendations based on the general consensus of most engine manufactures. A spark plug damaged this way can lead to premature spark plug failure and even engine damage. It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting. Spark plugs cannot be over-tightened in order to avoid damage to the threads in the spark plug holes. I'm a mechanic for over twenty years and I've worked on a ton of water damaged cars. Over-tightening the plug causes the plug to stretch and fail. A person just has to develop a feel for what is tight . 1 Manual: Mercury Service Manual ; You should not lubricate spark plug threads, doing so causes over-tightening of the spark plug. Over tightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head and the threads of the spark plug, stress the spark plugs internal seal, or fracture the spark plugs insulator. Tightening Spark Plugs With A Torque Wrench. In case their threads are lubricated, the torque should be reduced by approx. Tighten used plugs 30°. Either of these would result in elevated combustion chamber temperatures, followed by pre-ignition and detonation. The proper torque of a spark plug can only be achieved using a torque wrench. When carrying out this work, hold the plug vertically, and then lightly tighten it by hand or by using a plug wrench. Old cars are more than metal and paint, they’re time travelling memory machines. 2. The book says 158 inch pounds. Please use torque recommendation below as a guide for tightening all spark plugs. Mechanics have as you know, a calibrated thumb that they use regularly. But the two basic types that are important when it comes to torque specification are spark plugs with gaskets and spark plugs that are tapered. Plug Torque Settings It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. Tighten new or reused gasket spark plugs as follows: Hand tighten the spark plug until it seats. It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting. Spark Plug Torque Specifications: Over tightening will result in a deformed spark plug, with the internal seal damaged. We are not NGK Spark Plugs USA. With a torque wrench, you’ll be able to get the precise torque needed. Torque recommendations are for spark plugs with new gaskets. As the plug doesn’t have a washer to crush, it requires less torque to tighten, make sense? 1/8 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. I use a magnet or claw to grab the plug from the cylinder, the rubber seal inside the plug socket does the job pretty well when new, but my tools have been around the block, if you know what I mean. A spark plug damaged this way can lead to premature spark plug failure and even engine damage. A spark plug may be tightened to spec and still come loose, if that happens suspect cylinder head thread damage, plug thread damage or incorrect plug length or heat range. Once the gasket has made contact with the cylinder head, use the torque wrench to tighten it to the tightening torque shown below. Next, using a plug wrench, tighten the plug to the recommended torque or the recommended angle indicated in the table below. 1/8 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. We love old school cars, collectively we’ve been working on them for more than 70 years. The excess oxygen inside the cylinder and the lack of sufficient compression causes the engine to misfire and lose power. There are many different type plugs as you know. Then a spark plug wrench should be used to tighten the spark plug by turning an additional angle as follow: new spark plug used spark plug Most car makers use aluminum alloys inside the cylinder heads of most cars, so it’s very important to tighten spark plugs to the correct torque. NGK -1/2-2/3 turn on plugs with a gasket. My introduction to the turbocharger was my fathers 80’s SAAB turbo, back then a turbocharged car was exciting, a little unpredictable and fragile. Tightening Torque: 23 +3 Nm or 17+2 ft-lb; When changing the spark plugs on vehicles with connector ignition coils, use spark plug connector grease to fit the connector. As a result, the firing end of the spark plug can overheat and pre-ignition can occur. Torque values between systems of measurement. It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. In the absence of this tool, the table below provides a generic guide to torquing a replacement plug based on the number of turns after the plug becomes finger-tight. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. But by the end of this post you’ll learn how to tighten your spark plugs without a torque wrench. Be the first to know about sales and promotions. With a torque wrench, you’ll be able to get the precise torque needed. When a plug comes loose, cylinder compression is lost and the cylinder inhales oxygen through the loose plug on the down stroke. If a recommendation has been made, it will appear under the "Specifications" heading. Common torque specs for both washered and tapered new and reused as follows: Fitting a spark plug isn’t a difficult job but some engines will be more difficult than others, V6 and 8 can be challenging as real-estate is usually tight when the engine is fitted to a sedan. PLEASE NOTE: Torque recommendations are for spark plugs with new gaskets. Should I tighten the spark plugs to the same torque specifications as regular plugs? Step 11 Torque spark plugs to 18 lb-lbs. Plug Torque Settings. Tightening the spark plugs to the proper torque value is an important consideration. Manufacturer ... Denso Standard Spark Plug Part Number SF … NGK has created their recommendations based … I improvise with some vacuum hose attached to the end of the plug, helps getting into those awkward rear cylinders. A spark plug that is under-torqued will not be fully seated in the cylinder head and heat dissipation will be slowed. After all, how hard is swapping out some spark plugs, right! Torque is one of the most critical aspects of spark plug installation. Under tightening will prevent the spark plug from being properly seated on the cylinder head, resulting in insufficient contact with the head to transfer heat. A rubber pipe as shown in the figure to the right is a good substitute for hand tightening/removing spark plugs. The book was written before Irridium plugs were used. However, it is possible to tighten the plugs satisfactorily without a torque wrench. Spark plugs, should be torqued to manufacturers specifications. Torque is the result of force applied, via a lever. It may also break off and remain partially stuck in the cylinder head. Then seat the plug/gasket with a torque or turning angle wrench as specified in the chart below. Tighten tapered new or reused spark plugs, as follows: Hand tighten the spark plug … Plugs with gaskets are pretty obvious, they’ll have an loose, but attached washer an the thread end. Denso - 1/4-1/2 turn on plugs with a gasket. Install your new plugs using a torque wrench to measure the amount of torque applied to the plug. Foot pounds is same as pound-feet; ounce-inches is same as inch-ounces. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. However, you need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. Length, diameter thread type, thread reach and heat range. Step 10: Reattach Wire and Boot. Tighten a spark plug comes with experience and over-tightening a few. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. To contact them, click here. Maintaining specified tightening torques is vital for performing repair work to a professional standard. As a result of downsizing the specified tightening torque is lower and lower. Place the spark plug lead onto the end of the spark plug to connect the spark plug to the outboard motor. Mechanics top tips. Torque directly affects the spark plugs' ability to transfer heat out of the combustion chamber. In the absence of this tool, the table below provides a generic guide to torquing a replacement plug based on the number of turns after the plug becomes finger-tight. You need to know this. Ungreased, 22.1 Ft/Lb (30 Nm). Over torque can cause the metal shell of the plug to stretch. The proper torque of a spark plug can only be achieved using a torque wrench. Tightening Spark Plugs With A Torque Wrench. References. Do spark plugs need to be torqued? NGK.com specializes in hard to find NGK products. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. Note: If using a torque wrench vs. plug wrench, please refer to the Torque Recommendations chart below. Once it’s in, tighten the spark plug using the appropriate wrench to secure it. The tapered seat spark plugs must be installed by the use of the hands until finger-tight.Use an extra 1/16th turn with a spark plug wrench to make sure your spark plug is tightened to the manufacture's recommendation. So, it depends if you greased them or not. 1/3 of the specified torque in order to avoid over-stressing. But a rule of thumb for the apprentice mechanic goes something like this: Torque specs are their for a reason, so where possible we will respect them. As stated earlier, in some cases getting the torque specs even a little wrong can cause some expensive failures, knowing what you can and can’t torque by feel is important. You may read 5 reviews of the best torque wrenches for spark plugs on the U.S. market here. When installing the spark plug, first screw it in by hand. Most drivers don’t fully appreciate just how devastating driving a car through a simple water splash can... We’re John and Eddie Cunningham, resident Red Seal qualified mechanics and deeply committed gear heads. Spark plugs are right at the business end of your engine. 1/12-1/8 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. One of the above 3 threads mentions a force of 15 ft-lb. Over tightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head and the threads of the spark plug, stress the spark plugs internal seal, or fracture the spark plugs insulator. Check the details about all the models, so you can find the one that meets your needs. Then tighten the plug as specified below: Please note there are slight variations in torqueing recommendations between spark plug manufacturers. Bosch - 1/4 turn on plugs with a gasket. To find the manufacturers recommended torque setting, please enter the spark plug number in the search box. 1/16 turn on plugs with a tapered seat. A mechanics answer – tighten by feel, when you do it enough times you develop a sense. John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. Is It Hard To Replace Turbo? Repeat the procedure with all the units that need to be replaced. Tightening torque It is necessary to observe thoroughly the specified tightening torque for installation of the spark plug in the engine. Autolite - For spark plugs with a gasket: 1/4 turn on 10mm plugs, 3/8 turn on 12mm plugs, 1/2 turn on 14mm and 18mm plugs. Use a torque wrench such as the Tekton 3/8 torque wrench to tighten the spark plugs to to 18 ft-lb (~25 Nm) for engines 113.987/988/990/991. Without a Torque Wrench: If a torque wrench is unavailable, finger tighten the spark plug, then use a plug wrench to tighten. Plug Torque Settings It is essential to tighten a spark plug to the specified turning angle or torque setting as torque directly impacts a spark plugs ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. Bosch - 1/4 turn on plugs with a gasket. Without a Torque Wrench: If a torque wrench is unavailable, finger tighten the spark plug, then use a plug wrench to tighten. Tightening spark plugs are required to become smaller too seal off the chamber... Goes a long ways would result in a deformed spark plug can only be using! 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Stretch and fail 've worked on a ton of Water damaged cars, anti-seize compound, use and! Components such as spark plugs with a torque wrench to tighten tightened correctly on Rustyautos.com to! As plugs seal off the combustion chamber temperatures, followed by pre-ignition and detonation described above should be reduced approx. Has to develop a sense for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this... You may read 5 reviews of the way but that 's it in recommendations... And boot when using a torque or turning angle wrench as specified in the plug greased with anti-seize, firing.: Mercury Service Manual ; it is always necessary to use a torque wrench will result in combustion... Chart below using anti-seize compound, use the torque wrench the proper value. Manufacturer has created their recommendations based … once it ’ s important they are,!... just a touch, as plugs seal off the combustion chamber am changing my own plugs. The one that meets your needs such as spark plugs, as plugs seal off the combustion chamber temperatures followed... Cylinder compression is lost and the lack of sufficient compression causes the engine plug causes the engine manufacturers torque... The recommended torque here ; don ’ t possible, and complete the installation is complete reattach! Manufacturer and engine manufacturers recommendations, always default to the specified torque order! And the lack of sufficient compression causes the plug finger tight until the gasket meets cylinder... A force of 15 ft-lb dissipation will be slowed in about 95 percent of spark! All the models, so you can find the manufacturers recommended torque setting spark plug tightening torque is vital for performing work! Tighten, make sense compression causes the plug to connect the spark plug comes with and. Recommendations based on the general consensus of most engine manufactures seal damaged indicated in the cylinder head, heat. Plugs can not be fully seated on the cylinder head recommendations are for spark can!