I changed my sparkplugs yesterday.. and I'm scared I either crossthreaded them or torqued them down too tight.......

no.. I'm not having problems now.. I'm just paranoid

Car runs better now by the way.. replaced my NGK platinums with NGK iridium IX's..

My old sparkplugs looked ... used.

 

Spark plugs are scary. Any blind install (where you cannot see is scary). Generally, plugs should be tightened all the way to the base by hand. Then use a wrench for half a turn. All that you want to do of crush the crush washer.

 

True I normally use an extension by itself to tighten it so I can tell if I crossthread it. Then use a wrench to tighten it.

 

Well, the car runs fine.. I'll find out if I did anything stupid next time I change them (in 20,000 miles or so.. lol?)

 

(Shade tree mechanic's rule on spark plug torque) Thighten it with a small socket wrench until it's snug, then give her a slight quarter inch turn afterwards.

 

also i hoped you used anti seize on the threads.

 

To be honest you should'nt have to change them in 20,000 miles. Iridium plugs should go around 75,000 miles.

 

Ah ok cool, the platinums that were in there looked kinda burned now and my car felt like it was misfiring a bit..

 

no antiseize :/

 

If you are that paranoid go back and do this:

-Clean all the crap away from the old spark plug before removing it (too late for this)
-Dab some clan oil on the new one's threads and torque it to spec.

Whether you use anti seize or not is your choice. I have heard some high level mechanics go strongly one way or the other. Whether you go 1/4 of a turn (spark plug with washer), or 1/8 (spark plug with a taper) leaves too much room for a f'-up. With anything aluminum correct torque specs and a good torque wrench are your biggest friends.

 

They shouldn't be tourqed enough that you would need anti-seize.

Does the car actually run better? How so, idle?

 

just to pitch in . I recently changed my plugs @ 60k miles and my car runs great. I have the 5at and it seems to shift alott smother and less backfire when I do downshift. It revs faster and the idol is smoother. It also feels a little stronger. I used new OEM plugs. Its worth the time and effort.

 

yeah, the idle seems a little more less "jumpy" and I think it cleared up this slight "burble" sound from the exhaust..

The old sparkplugs did look somewhat burned down also. (took a sparkplug spacer and there looked to be a bit too much gap)

I won't remove and retorque.. if I did any damage it's already done hahaha. :|