Spark Plug Torque Specs are 11 foot pounds
I was perusing thru Volume 2 of my GM Service Manuals (# 6-1031) and confirmed the proper torque for installing new spark plugs 11 Lb. Ft.
Guys that ain't much - for me it's finger tight. Just thoughts I'd pass this along - hopefully to alert overzealous backyard mechanics. The heads are aluminum. |
I'm a long time Saab mechanic and have been dealing with aluminum heads for over 30 years.
Yes, the correct torque doesn't feel like enough. Until you develop a feel you should use a torque wrench - and I believe in a small dap of well placed anti-sieze compound.... |
^ +1, well said.
Thanks for the info, OP! |
This place is a wealth of info......everybody is supposed to know that, right? Probably not! Good post, thanks.......:thumbs:
|
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571919833)
I was perusing thru Volume 2 of my GM Service Manuals (# 6-1031) and confirmed the proper torque for installing new spark plugs 11 Lb. Ft.
Guys that ain't much - for me it's finger tight. Just thoughts I'd pass this along - hopefully to alert overzealous backyard mechanics. The heads are aluminum. |
Originally Posted by ZeeOSix
(Post 1571939651)
I'll give you a million dollars if you can torque a spark plug to 11 ft-lbs with your fingers. :rofl: A human might be lucky to reach 1 ft-lb by hand.
I always use a torque wrench and some anti-seize when working with spark plugs. :thumbs: You must be kidding - I can easily turn 11 ft lb. with my fingers/hand. Are you really serious ? This is very low torque - and have been told by guys with Ford GT 40's and Ferraris to only tighten spark plugs finger tight ( albeit with a strong twist). I have followed this advice for many years and on several cars. I prefer to use torque wrenches and agree with you on that - But most torque wrenches aren't accurate to this low level. Can you recommend a good torque wrench for this ? |
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...ype=T&cat=2108
I like the fixed head stuff for things not in a car, but if I remember right, their 5-75ft/lb (TRB75F) should be enough for almost anything engine related. Only problem is that they arent real cheap... :-( |
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571939837)
You must be kidding - I can easily turn 11 ft lb. with my fingers/hand.
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571939837)
Are you really serious ? This is very low torque - and have been told by guys with Ford GT 40's and Ferraris to only tighten spark plugs finger tight ( albeit with a strong twist). I have followed this advice for many years and on several cars.
Yeah, I'm serious. 11 ft-lbs is impossible to do by hand (without tools, and just your fingers) ... but is "relatively low" torque to do with tools.
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571939837)
I prefer to use torque wrenches and agree with you on that - But most torque wrenches aren't accurate to this low level. Can you recommend a good torque wrench for this ?
|
GOod info.
regardless of the car, on an aluminum head I tq plugs to 18# and always use anti-seeze. NEver had a problem :cheers: If you want to get fancy you can always index them... |
Sorry- I guess my reference to "finger tight" may have been taken a bit too literally. While I do have an extremely strong grip:cheers:, I was really trying to stress not to go nuts in using a long handled racket. I actually use a racket and grab the end that's over the socket - so as not to amplify the leverage. That is what I mean't by finger tight - Eleven foot pounds is snug and not tight.
As for my question on torque wrenches- I say it is not easy to find an accurate torque wrench that measures down to 11 foot pound ( at least in most DIY home garages). Yes you can buy one - but again, the accuracy is not great unless you spend a lot of money. I have done this enough time to have a good feel for 11 foot pounds - it is very little. Anyhow- hope my original post helped . |
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571945647)
Sorry- I guess my reference to "finger tight" may have been taken a bit too literally. While I do have an extremely strong grip:cheers:, I was really trying to stress not to go nuts in using a long handled racket. I actually use a racket and grab the end that's over the socket - so as not to amplify the leverage. That is what I mean't by finger tight - Eleven foot pounds is snug and not tight.
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571945647)
As for my question on torque wrenches- I say it is not easy to find an accurate torque wrench that measures down to 11 foot pound ( at least in most DIY home garages). Yes you can buy one - but again, the accuracy is not great unless you spend a lot of money. I have done this enough time to have a good feel for 11 foot pounds - it is very little.
Anyhow- hope my original post helped . |
Just use inch-pounds, guys. Geez, 11 ft. lbs. is 132 inch lbs. Get a 3/8" inch-pound torque wrench and do the math. :thumbs:
|
Harbor freight should have what you need !!
|
For that pesky Plug #7 - Do you know whether a 1/4" Spark Plug Socket is made and where to buy ? That tight spot might be easier with a short swivel 1/4" racket and socket.
I looked at several places this past wek-end and could ony fined 38" and 1/2" drive sockets. I could always squeeze a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter on the racket. |
Originally Posted by NatB
(Post 1571953157)
For that pesky Plug #7 - Do you know whether a 1/4" Spark Plug Socket is made and where to buy ? That tight spot might be easier with a short swivel 1/4" racket and socket.
I looked at several places this past wek-end and could ony fined 38" and 1/2" drive sockets. I could always squeeze a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter on the racket. |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:47 AM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands