I'm going to install my new NGK spark plugs and i was wondering what the gap is supposed to be. I searched and searched and i couldn't find much about it for 4th gens. Also it says in my repair manual that you have to torque them to 156in/lbs, but all i have is a ft/lbs torque wrench. Anybody know the conversion?

 

Easy divide by twelve 12 inch pounds equals 1 foot pound

 

spark plug gap is .44

 

i was wondering, does it matter how much you torque it?
cause usually i just use a regular spark plug wrench,
and just tighten it till it feels secure,
but it seems everyone uses the right torque amount,
does this effect anything performance wise etc etc?
thanks..

 

it won't effect performance at all, but if you overtourque the spark plugs by just goin on what you feel is enough, you may either 1) cause a loss of compression (unlikely) because they aren't tourqued enough...or 2) over-tighten them and you won't be able to get them out next time or stripping etc...use a tourque wrench...it's a great investment!

 

16 ft lbs with a bit of antiseize on each is my opinion.

if you dont have a torque wrench... you need one.

if you really had to do it by hand I would say put one hand on the ratchet closet to the pivoting head/ or holding it even. Then tighten until it becomes difficult to do with one hand and then go a half turn.

remember your head is aluminum and it will not like a plug overtightened into it... save yourself and your threads... it is not a competition to tighten as hard as you can like some think. then they are amazed when they seize something in place or strip/ break a bolt.

 

ngk plugs are pre gapped. unless they are dropped you dont need to regay them.
it goes like this. that little washer at the end of the threads is gesigned to be crushed. generally, and i use the term loosely, you run the plug down till it has resistence then 3/4 of a turn more will crush that washer. thats what it is there for. and thats it. use never seize if you wish.