Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK?
08-18-2002, 03:10 AM
#1
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Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK?
Folks,
I replaced the plugs this evening and did not use a torque wrench/ratchet for finishing. I simply tightened by hand (as much as I could) and then applied the ratchet until I felt resistance. At that point (while still using the ratchet), I gave it a firm/consistent pull with finger/wrist strength only.
I didn't "bear" down on the ratchet with my shoulder or body (mainly because I didn't have much leverage to do so anyway). I did notice that once the plug came to a firm/solid "stop" that it felt like it would have taken A LOT force to turn it any farther (which I DID NOT DO).
The car started fine and ran super. Am I OK here? If I did over-tighten will there be any signs? I read a disturbing article about over tightening, threads going too far in and oil blow-by becoming an issue. That article really concerned me - any insights?
...and yes, I did use a thin coating of anti-seize compound.
Many thanks,
Eric
I replaced the plugs this evening and did not use a torque wrench/ratchet for finishing. I simply tightened by hand (as much as I could) and then applied the ratchet until I felt resistance. At that point (while still using the ratchet), I gave it a firm/consistent pull with finger/wrist strength only.
I didn't "bear" down on the ratchet with my shoulder or body (mainly because I didn't have much leverage to do so anyway). I did notice that once the plug came to a firm/solid "stop" that it felt like it would have taken A LOT force to turn it any farther (which I DID NOT DO).
The car started fine and ran super. Am I OK here? If I did over-tighten will there be any signs? I read a disturbing article about over tightening, threads going too far in and oil blow-by becoming an issue. That article really concerned me - any insights?
...and yes, I did use a thin coating of anti-seize compound.
Many thanks,
Eric
08-18-2002, 10:01 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (embassured)
The shop manual says to torque spark plugs to 15 lb ft or 20 N-m. If you didn't torque them that much, then just DO IT and all will be well. :cool:
08-18-2002, 12:06 PM
#3
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Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (Jim 47)
I tighten them to "hand tight" just a little after they bite.
[Modified by Godspeed, 10:06 AM 8/18/2002]
[Modified by Godspeed, 10:06 AM 8/18/2002]
08-18-2002, 01:13 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (embassured)
As long as they are tight enough not to loosen up and not so tight they cant be removed you are just fine...
08-18-2002, 01:23 PM
#5
Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (Jim 47)
Is it 15 ft-lbs for a new head? Last time I checked (99 service manual)there was a difference between a plug on a new head vs used head. If the plug has been in there before then you torque to a different number which is 11 ft-lbs.
Joel
[Modified by C5 Hardtop, 9:24 AM 8/18/2002]
Joel
[Modified by C5 Hardtop, 9:24 AM 8/18/2002]
08-18-2002, 07:58 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
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Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (C5 Hardtop)
Have to admit I have never torqued plugs to any spec other than bottoming them out and then just a little more tightening. Done this over 45 years and have never blown a plug! I do use anti-seize when I install plugs into aluminum heads.
08-19-2002, 12:39 AM
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Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (RWhite)
Same here. Hand tighten with no problem for over 40 years. Just don't overtighten. A torque of 15 ft/lbs is not alot. You just want them to bottom out and not loosen up. It becomes instinctive.
08-19-2002, 01:40 PM
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Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (embassured)
Folks,
Thank you for your input/comments - my conscious feels a whole lot better!
Thank you,
Eric
Thank you for your input/comments - my conscious feels a whole lot better!
Thank you,
Eric
08-19-2002, 04:42 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
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Re: Did NOT torque my plugs - am I OK? (MDT)
You should be OK. I've never heard of anyone using a torque wrench on plugs, even in Aluminum heads. I bet every "Mr. Goodwrench" just tightens them by feel. The reason for a lot of torque specs is that the exact value needs to be defined. "Hand tight plus a 'little more' could mean a lot of actual difference to many people, so they put a number on it. True, a lot of torque values are critical, such as main bearing bolts, rod bolts, head bolts. Hell, they've even got the head bolts on a different spec with "Torque to yield" bolts and so many degrees rotation. But a lot of other bolts can be successfully tightened by common sense. Too much torque and you'll twist off the head or strip the hole. Too little, and the bolt will loosen. Don't try to tighten an 8mm bolt with a 1/2" drive 18" ratchet. :cheers: