spark plug question
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From: Romeoville, Illinois
spark plug question i just installed me headers and y pipe and changed the plugs and wires also. i just put in some new NGK plugs. I just tightened them snug. what happens if they are too loose/tight? im sure im just being paranoid, but my dad had his plugs shoot out of his work truck right after getting them changed (in an aluminum block). is there a way to tell when car is idleing or what are some signs that something may be wrong? it will be hooked up to a lap top while i turn it on the first time so hopefully that will read if there are any misfires etc. but anything else i should be looking out for? Im new to working on my own cars...so this is an extremely noob question. but i figure better to look like a noob and save my engine than not ask and harm it and spend money doing repairs
If I recall correctly, the torque spec is 10-15ftlbs....so it's not alot of torque at all! It doesn't take much!
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COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Yep, right on the money. The official torque spec is 15ft-lbs (for a brand new cylinder head that's never had plugs installed), and 11ft-lbs for replacement plugs.
The official torque spec on the oil drain plug is 18ft-lbs, so if you're used to the feel of a properly tightened drain plug, just remember that the spark plug should be a little less than that.
Honestly, I've never once used a torque wrench on a spark plug. It's not a critical measurement like head bolts or something, just don't go wild with tightening and you'll be fine.
