Tightening Spark Plugs
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Union City, CA
Tightening Spark Plugs
I just did a tune up last week and I have some concerns.
1. I got the OEM NGK. They are supposed to be "pre-gapped" but some measured 0.048, not 0.51 (like stated in the manual) so I gapped them for all four plugs to be consistent. Now I read on my search that gapping them will damage the platinum electrode, will it?
I took the old plugs and molested the electrode and the platinum tip is strongly held in there.
2. No torque wrench so I followed the 2/3 turn rule. It is not that tight but felt it was more than 13 feet pound torque (on my head). Those with torque wrenches, was 2/3 turn set the torque to 13 lbs? Now I am worried if I killed the aluminum head.
Thanks.
1. I got the OEM NGK. They are supposed to be "pre-gapped" but some measured 0.048, not 0.51 (like stated in the manual) so I gapped them for all four plugs to be consistent. Now I read on my search that gapping them will damage the platinum electrode, will it?
I took the old plugs and molested the electrode and the platinum tip is strongly held in there.
2. No torque wrench so I followed the 2/3 turn rule. It is not that tight but felt it was more than 13 feet pound torque (on my head). Those with torque wrenches, was 2/3 turn set the torque to 13 lbs? Now I am worried if I killed the aluminum head.
Thanks.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,048
Likes: 59
From: Nowhere and Everywhere
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (JL 74)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JL 74 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just did a tune up last week and I have some concerns.
1. I got the OEM NGK. They are supposed to be "pre-gapped" but some measured 0.048, not 0.51 (like stated in the manual) so I gapped them for all four plugs to be consistent. Now I read on my search that gapping them will damage the platinum electrode, will it?
I took the old plugs and molested the electrode and the platinum tip is strongly held in there.
2. No torque wrench so I followed the 2/3 turn rule. It is not that tight but felt it was more than 13 feet pound torque (on my head). Those with torque wrenches, was 2/3 turn set the torque to 13 lbs? Now I am worried if I killed the aluminum head.
Thanks. </TD></TR></TABLE>
13 ft. lbs on a big long torque wrench feels like ALOT more on a puny 3/8" drive ratchet.
1. I got the OEM NGK. They are supposed to be "pre-gapped" but some measured 0.048, not 0.51 (like stated in the manual) so I gapped them for all four plugs to be consistent. Now I read on my search that gapping them will damage the platinum electrode, will it?
I took the old plugs and molested the electrode and the platinum tip is strongly held in there.
2. No torque wrench so I followed the 2/3 turn rule. It is not that tight but felt it was more than 13 feet pound torque (on my head). Those with torque wrenches, was 2/3 turn set the torque to 13 lbs? Now I am worried if I killed the aluminum head.
Thanks. </TD></TR></TABLE>
13 ft. lbs on a big long torque wrench feels like ALOT more on a puny 3/8" drive ratchet.
In-N-Out Burger
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,424
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From: 1320ft OC LA, XX, USA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (JL 74)
Hand tighten first...then
If you did follow the 2/3 rule... you will be fine.
Why not use copper plugs? Better conductivity and cheaper in the long run.
All I use now is NGK BKR6E-11 gapped to 1.27-1.3mm
NRg
If you did follow the 2/3 rule... you will be fine.
Why not use copper plugs? Better conductivity and cheaper in the long run.
All I use now is NGK BKR6E-11 gapped to 1.27-1.3mm
NRg
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Union City, CA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (NightRider-gsR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NightRider-gsR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hand tighten first...then
If you did follow the 2/3 rule... you will be fine.
Why not use copper plugs? Better conductivity and cheaper in the long run.
All I use now is NGK BKR6E-11 gapped to 1.27-1.3mm
NRg
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I read about copper but the dealer told me I just stick with OEM.
I have a 98GSR btw.
If you did follow the 2/3 rule... you will be fine.
Why not use copper plugs? Better conductivity and cheaper in the long run.
All I use now is NGK BKR6E-11 gapped to 1.27-1.3mm
NRg
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I read about copper but the dealer told me I just stick with OEM.
I have a 98GSR btw.
In-N-Out Burger
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,424
Likes: 0
From: 1320ft OC LA, XX, USA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (JL 74)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JL 74 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I read about copper but the dealer told me I just stick with OEM.
I have a 98GSR btw.</TD></TR></TABLE>
OEM's are platinums... and since norm says platinum is better. I would say its true and would benefit only those vehicles whose spark plugs are harder to access. You change plaitnum when, about 30-50k miles, some even go beyond 100 miles. But as for copper, you change it every 10000-15000 miles. Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
Cost wise? 4 copper plugs for $7-8, while platinums - $35-50 depending on where you get it...
And I'm not talking about the cheap Bosch platinum plugs you can get at Kragen or Pep Boys.
In the long run, the copper plugs end up costing you less....
Its up to you. Its all about personal preference.
Start learning about your car
NRg
I read about copper but the dealer told me I just stick with OEM.
I have a 98GSR btw.</TD></TR></TABLE>
OEM's are platinums... and since norm says platinum is better. I would say its true and would benefit only those vehicles whose spark plugs are harder to access. You change plaitnum when, about 30-50k miles, some even go beyond 100 miles. But as for copper, you change it every 10000-15000 miles. Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
Cost wise? 4 copper plugs for $7-8, while platinums - $35-50 depending on where you get it...
And I'm not talking about the cheap Bosch platinum plugs you can get at Kragen or Pep Boys.
In the long run, the copper plugs end up costing you less....
Its up to you. Its all about personal preference.
Start learning about your car
NRg
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 0
From: Union City, CA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (PatrickGSR94)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
13 ft. lbs on a big long torque wrench feels like ALOT more on a puny 3/8" drive ratchet.</TD></TR></TABLE>
so what is approximately 2/3 turn after hand tightening it?
13 ft. lbs on a big long torque wrench feels like ALOT more on a puny 3/8" drive ratchet.</TD></TR></TABLE>
so what is approximately 2/3 turn after hand tightening it?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,048
Likes: 59
From: Nowhere and Everywhere
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (NightRider-gsR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NightRider-gsR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
OEM's are platinums... and since norm says platinum is better. I would say its true and would benefit only those vehicles whose spark plugs are harder to access. You change plaitnum when, about 30-50k miles, some even go beyond 100 miles. But as for copper, you change it every 10000-15000 miles. Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
Cost wise? 4 copper plugs for $7-8, while platinums - $35-50 depending on where you get it...
And I'm not talking about the cheap Bosch platinum plugs you can get at Kragen or Pep Boys.
In the long run, the copper plugs end up costing you less....
Its up to you. Its all about personal preference.
Start learning about your car
NRg</TD></TR></TABLE>
It takes 5 minutes to change the plugs on an Integra, there's no reason not to run copper plugs. Depending on price and change intervals, copper plugs could even end up being cheaper in the long run than OEM NGK platinums. And then the fact that they conduct better too... why would you NOT use coppers?
OEM's are platinums... and since norm says platinum is better. I would say its true and would benefit only those vehicles whose spark plugs are harder to access. You change plaitnum when, about 30-50k miles, some even go beyond 100 miles. But as for copper, you change it every 10000-15000 miles. Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
Cost wise? 4 copper plugs for $7-8, while platinums - $35-50 depending on where you get it...
And I'm not talking about the cheap Bosch platinum plugs you can get at Kragen or Pep Boys.
In the long run, the copper plugs end up costing you less....
Its up to you. Its all about personal preference.
Start learning about your car
NRg</TD></TR></TABLE>
It takes 5 minutes to change the plugs on an Integra, there's no reason not to run copper plugs. Depending on price and change intervals, copper plugs could even end up being cheaper in the long run than OEM NGK platinums. And then the fact that they conduct better too... why would you NOT use coppers?
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,048
Likes: 59
From: Nowhere and Everywhere
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (NightRider-gsR)
you said...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NightRider-gsR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno, maybe I didn't follow your whole post.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NightRider-gsR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hmmmm it seems at this point, copper plugs are not feasable.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dunno, maybe I didn't follow your whole post.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Union City, CA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (PatrickGSR94)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It takes 5 minutes to change the plugs on an Integra, there's no reason not to run copper plugs. Depending on price and change intervals, copper plugs could even end up being cheaper in the long run than OEM NGK platinums. And then the fact that they conduct better too... why would you NOT use coppers? </TD></TR></TABLE>
I paid $36 for all 4 plugs and not having to change them for another 6 years is worth that extra $25 or so dollars I've spent. Besides, my car is mostly stock so I want to keep that way.
It takes 5 minutes to change the plugs on an Integra, there's no reason not to run copper plugs. Depending on price and change intervals, copper plugs could even end up being cheaper in the long run than OEM NGK platinums. And then the fact that they conduct better too... why would you NOT use coppers?
</TD></TR></TABLE>I paid $36 for all 4 plugs and not having to change them for another 6 years is worth that extra $25 or so dollars I've spent. Besides, my car is mostly stock so I want to keep that way.
New User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,415
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From: RAIDER NATION, CA, USA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (NightRider-gsR)
just hand tighten it with one hand. dont force it. just tighten it with a weak grip. that should be fine. gap it with a spark plug gap coin. it wont damage the electrode unless you mishandling the spark plug.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
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From: Union City, CA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (SIK IN DA HED)
If someone was to reinstall their spark plugs, the 2/3 rule definitely don't apply anymore since the washers are already flat. A torque wrench is a must have.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,048
Likes: 59
From: Nowhere and Everywhere
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (JL 74)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JL 74 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I paid $36 for all 4 plugs and not having to change them for another 6 years is worth that extra $25 or so dollars I've spent. Besides, my car is mostly stock so I want to keep that way.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Under $10 each for OEM NGK platinum plugs? I've never seen them that cheap. IMHO the extra money isn't worth saving the 5 minutes it takes to change them, every 10K-15K miles or so (every 4th oil change would be good).
I paid $36 for all 4 plugs and not having to change them for another 6 years is worth that extra $25 or so dollars I've spent. Besides, my car is mostly stock so I want to keep that way.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Under $10 each for OEM NGK platinum plugs? I've never seen them that cheap. IMHO the extra money isn't worth saving the 5 minutes it takes to change them, every 10K-15K miles or so (every 4th oil change would be good).
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Union City, CA
Re: Tightening Spark Plugs (PatrickGSR94)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Under $10 each for OEM NGK platinum plugs? I've never seen them that cheap. IMHO the extra money isn't worth saving the 5 minutes it takes to change them, every 10K-15K miles or so (every 4th oil change would be good).</TD></TR></TABLE>
OK, I got your point. You like to use copper and change them often. More power to you.
I just don't. It takes me longer than five minutes, from start to clean up and besides, I want to stay STOCK.
Under $10 each for OEM NGK platinum plugs? I've never seen them that cheap. IMHO the extra money isn't worth saving the 5 minutes it takes to change them, every 10K-15K miles or so (every 4th oil change would be good).</TD></TR></TABLE>
OK, I got your point. You like to use copper and change them often. More power to you.
I just don't. It takes me longer than five minutes, from start to clean up and besides, I want to stay STOCK.
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