Spark Plug Torque?
10-09-2005, 01:21 PM
#4
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (zach1288)
15-6ft lb, make sure you use antiseize and tread it by hand before using a wrench
your torquing it pretty tight is different from my torquing it pretty tight
your torquing it pretty tight is different from my torquing it pretty tight
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10-09-2005, 02:45 PM
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (zach1288)
Proper spark plug torque is 13ft/lbs If you have an in/lb torque wrench, just multiply 13(feet) by 12(number of inches in a foot) and you get 156in/lbs
It is important to know the difference between in/lbs and ft/lbs.
1ft/lb =12in/lb
If you were to try and tighten the spark plugs to 156 ft/lbs.... you would destroy the threads in the cylinder head, very very bad.
If by chance you don't have a torque wrench, I would say to tighten the spark plugs just about the same as you would a oil pan drain plug. They should have about the same feel.
No, you do not need to remove the valve cover to change the plugs, you will however need a 5/8" spark plug socket and an extension and ratchet.
It is important to know the difference between in/lbs and ft/lbs.
1ft/lb =12in/lb
If you were to try and tighten the spark plugs to 156 ft/lbs.... you would destroy the threads in the cylinder head, very very bad.
If by chance you don't have a torque wrench, I would say to tighten the spark plugs just about the same as you would a oil pan drain plug. They should have about the same feel.
No, you do not need to remove the valve cover to change the plugs, you will however need a 5/8" spark plug socket and an extension and ratchet.
10-09-2005, 05:48 PM
#9
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (HondaTechPro)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HondaTechPro »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
If by chance you don't have a torque wrench, I would say to tighten the spark plugs just about the same as you would a oil pan drain plug. They should have about the same feel.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Might think twice about that. Drain plugs should be torqued to 33 ft-lb: More than double the recommended for a spark plug.
If by chance you don't have a torque wrench, I would say to tighten the spark plugs just about the same as you would a oil pan drain plug. They should have about the same feel.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Might think twice about that. Drain plugs should be torqued to 33 ft-lb: More than double the recommended for a spark plug.
10-09-2005, 06:14 PM
#10
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (Chiovnidca)
I always did it hand tightened then after its tightened by a wrench (very lightly) I go 1/4 turn more...usually its pretty dead on to 13 ft/lbs.
10-09-2005, 06:14 PM
#11
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don't waste ur money on a torque wrench. not to install plugs anyways .tighten with a rachet till snug and go just a bit more and u will be fine ,,i would suggest u put some antiseize on the threads prior to installing plugs ...
10-09-2005, 09:19 PM
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (Chiovnidca)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chiovnidca »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Might think twice about that. Drain plugs should be torqued to 33 ft-lb: More than double the recommended for a spark plug.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lol, this is true, but I don't think I have ever torqued a drain plug, it is just a feel thing.
Might think twice about that. Drain plugs should be torqued to 33 ft-lb: More than double the recommended for a spark plug.</TD></TR></TABLE>
lol, this is true, but I don't think I have ever torqued a drain plug, it is just a feel thing.
10-09-2005, 09:28 PM
#14
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Spark Plug Torque? (zach1288)
For what it's worth, on my '99 LX I4, the owner's manual states:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf-ft (18N-m, 1.8 kgf-m)</TD></TR></TABLE>
Out of curiosity, how much do repair shops charge to replace the plugs? On this car it's very easy (right in front, couldn't ask for a better location), but I'm assuming most people don't do it themselves and hire it out.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf-ft (18N-m, 1.8 kgf-m)</TD></TR></TABLE>
Out of curiosity, how much do repair shops charge to replace the plugs? On this car it's very easy (right in front, couldn't ask for a better location), but I'm assuming most people don't do it themselves and hire it out.
10-09-2005, 09:34 PM
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Re: Spark Plug Torque? (Heat)
If you came to the dealership to have your spark plugs replaced.... and only your spark plugs replaced.... we would charge you a half hour labor, or 45 bucks, plus the cost of the plugs. However, plugs are generally replaced as part of the major services (30k, 60k, 90k, etc).... It's a business we have to make money.
11-24-2018, 01:22 PM
#16
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Spark Plug Torque?
This person does NOT know what they are talking about. Of course you should buy a torque wrench. 3 in fact. 1/2" drive, 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive with inch pound increments. Every fastener on a car has a torque spec. You should always use those, (if you can get a torque wrench in there.) For example: the torque specs on a spark plug have to be tight enough to making solid contact with the cylinder head for a path to ground for your plugs, as the current goes through the spark plug case. But not so tight you rip out the aluminum cylinder head threads.
07-21-2019, 08:11 PM
#17
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Re: Spark Plug Torque?
Gotta go with typhoon-torque it if you can. After tightening a million different nuts and bolts you can estimate when you have to but a torque wrench is best. Especially for lug nuts.
As for antisieze it's a good question because it does change the pressure applied. Per my 1998 civic manual:
Apply a small quantity of anti seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head finger-tight. Then torque them to 18 N m 11.8 kgf.m, 1 3 l b n f t ) .
As for antisieze it's a good question because it does change the pressure applied. Per my 1998 civic manual:
Apply a small quantity of anti seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head finger-tight. Then torque them to 18 N m 11.8 kgf.m, 1 3 l b n f t ) .
08-04-2019, 07:38 PM
#19
Re: Spark Plug Torque?
What?? a 3/8 drive torque wrench is like $25. I've had mine for almost 15 years, just don't drop it. 13 ft/lbs is not very tight, its barely snug - use a torque wrench.
08-05-2019, 05:10 AM
#20
Re: Spark Plug Torque?
On the subject of torque wrenches, I strongly suggest the beam style. Once you start feeling resistance with a regular ratchet, switch to a beam torque wrench and just turn slowly until you reach the appropriate torque.
When I first started working on my (other) car, I bought a cheap ratchet style torque wrench from Harbor Freight and it overtorqued everything. You don't want to risk stripping threads or breaking a sparkplug.
When I first started working on my (other) car, I bought a cheap ratchet style torque wrench from Harbor Freight and it overtorqued everything. You don't want to risk stripping threads or breaking a sparkplug.
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