Notices
Maintenance & Repair 350Z up keep and diagnosing/fixing problems

Torque specs for spark plugs?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-04-2011, 03:18 PM
  #1  
350Z400rwhp
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
350Z400rwhp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Columbus
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Torque specs for spark plugs?

I haven't been able to find any torque specs on here for the spark plugs. I am changing them now and noticed that 3 out of 6 of my plugs were very loose pretty much hand tight if that while I was removing them. I did a general search online and have found torque specs on aluminum heads from about 13ft lbs to 29ft lbs.
Old 05-04-2011, 03:32 PM
  #2  
Boosted Performance
Vendor - Former Vendor
iTrader: (14)
 
Boosted Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
Default

15-21 ft-lb (180-252 in-lb).

I just did my, and torqued them down to 20 ft-lb. It is a good idea to go back after a few heat cycles and re-torque them.
Old 05-04-2011, 03:33 PM
  #3  
midz350
New Member
iTrader: (4)
 
midz350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: around.
Posts: 4,054
Received 24 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

From the O6 FSM:

Spark plug: : 24.5 N·m (2.5 kg-m, 18 ft-lb)
Old 05-04-2011, 03:35 PM
  #4  
350Z400rwhp
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
350Z400rwhp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Columbus
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Boosted Performance
15-21 ft-lb (180-252 in-lb).

I just did my, and torqued them down to 20 ft-lb. It is a good idea to go back after a few heat cycles and re-torque them.
Hey Sasha are you able to get to the plugs without removing the intake manifold? I just removed everything as it seemed easier but to just re-torque them that seems like a bit of work. Those coil packs are hard to get out.

Last edited by 350Z400rwhp; 05-04-2011 at 03:36 PM.
Old 05-04-2011, 05:00 PM
  #5  
FranK0Amerika
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
FranK0Amerika's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I just did mine. At the risk of being yelled at, is it necessary to torque them? I just tightened them as much as possible with my socket wrench and it seems to run just fine.
Old 05-04-2011, 05:37 PM
  #6  
Boosted Performance
Vendor - Former Vendor
iTrader: (14)
 
Boosted Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 350Z400rwhp
Hey Sasha are you able to get to the plugs without removing the intake manifold? I just removed everything as it seemed easier but to just re-torque them that seems like a bit of work. Those coil packs are hard to get out.

Yes it is possible, I have done it for this reason (re-torque). It is a bit of a PITA but can be done. You just have to unclip the coil from the harness, and it comes out easily. A 1/4" drive will get to all the 10mm bolt holding things down, to allow good access to the plug. I also use spark plug anti-seize, you can never be to careful with aluminium.


Originally Posted by FranK0Amerika
I just did mine. At the risk of being yelled at, is it necessary to torque them? I just tightened them as much as possible with my socket wrench and it seems to run just fine.


This is a very good way to get rid of a lot of money. If you strip the aluminium head, you are up the creek. The heads will have to come off for proper repair/replacement. There is a reason they invented a torque wrench. You don’t always have to use it (eg: suspension components), but when dealing with aluminium it is almost a must.

Last edited by Boosted Performance; 05-04-2011 at 05:42 PM.
Old 05-04-2011, 06:01 PM
  #7  
350Z400rwhp
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
350Z400rwhp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Columbus
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks Sasha! One last question, if these plugs were loose I assume I lost some compression, if I had it tuned with the three plugs loose now that I tightened them will this throw my tune off? I plan on keeping a close eye on my a/f gauge.....
Old 05-04-2011, 06:06 PM
  #8  
failsafe306
Registered User
iTrader: (38)
 
failsafe306's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: OK
Posts: 7,040
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I've never really used a tq wrench on plugs, I just turn them down hand by hand until they hit bottom, then go another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. You'll feel the crush washer give a bit, then you know you're good to go. Never had one come loose on me and surely have never stripped out a head. Remember to use anti-seize compound on the plug threads.
Old 05-04-2011, 06:21 PM
  #9  
Boosted Performance
Vendor - Former Vendor
iTrader: (14)
 
Boosted Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 350Z400rwhp
Thanks Sasha! One last question, if these plugs were loose I assume I lost some compression, if I had it tuned with the three plugs loose now that I tightened them will this throw my tune off? I plan on keeping a close eye on my a/f gauge.....

I don't think you should worry about your tune that much, but do check your a/f just to make sure.



Originally Posted by failsafe306
I've never really used a tq wrench on plugs, I just turn them down hand by hand until they hit bottom, then go another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. You'll feel the crush washer give a bit, then you know you're good to go. Never had one come loose on me and surely have never stripped out a head. Remember to use anti-seize compound on the plug threads.
I have no problem doing this either because I have a feel for it. People that have never done it though, can easily over tighten them and make a mess. Aluminium will give you plenty of warning/feel back, if you know what to look/feel for.

Last edited by Boosted Performance; 05-04-2011 at 06:23 PM.
Old 05-04-2011, 07:54 PM
  #10  
350Z400rwhp
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
350Z400rwhp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Columbus
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I used the anti-seize and torqued them to 20ft lbs all the way around. I didn't put them nearly that tight when I installed them the first time. Even 20ft lbs seems like I was going to tear the threads out lol (but that's just me being paranoid, knowing what is at stake). I'll re-torque them in a couple of weeks after some heat cycles to make sure they are still to spec. Thanks for all the advice!
Old 02-07-2014, 08:44 AM
  #11  
slvrman
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
slvrman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: new jersey
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Rev-up

What's up guys, I have been searching for almost 2 hours a cannot seem to find a thread on the torque specs to change the spark plugs on my REV-UP , if anyone knows the many INCH POUNDS because that is the only torque wrench I own as of now please help me out I cannot find it anywhere. If it is on here somewhere I must have missed it I scrolled the rough multiple pages of threads. Again please help need info ASAP


CALLING ALL ENGINE GURUS!!

Thanks in advanced guys.
Old 02-07-2014, 09:17 AM
  #12  
jhc
General & Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
 
jhc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: ZdayZ
Posts: 10,400
Received 2,225 Likes on 1,594 Posts
Default

Here you go. Search "Spark plug torque"

https://my350z.com/forum/forced-indu...ark-plugs.html
Old 02-07-2014, 12:42 PM
  #13  
graffkid732
New Member
iTrader: (44)
 
graffkid732's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,646
Received 11 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by slvrman
What's up guys, I have been searching for almost 2 hours a cannot seem to find a thread on the torque specs to change the spark plugs on my REV-UP , if anyone knows the many INCH POUNDS because that is the only torque wrench I own as of now please help me out I cannot find it anywhere. If it is on here somewhere I must have missed it I scrolled the rough multiple pages of threads. Again please help need info ASAP


CALLING ALL ENGINE GURUS!!

Thanks in advanced guys.
If it's 18ft lb. How many inches in 1 foot? 12 inches.

18ft * 12in = 216

So you would want to do 216in lbs to equal 18ft lbs.
Old 02-07-2014, 08:00 PM
  #14  
soc_monki
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
soc_monki's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

ive always just hand tightened, then done about a 1/2 turn with a ratchet. starting the plug by hand is a good way to make sure you dont cross thread, and the specs on the plug boxes say about a 1/2 turn more is all you need. never had a problem out of my Altima, and I assume my Z will be the same way when i change her plugs.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Colombo
Forced Induction
35
11-09-2020 10:27 AM
350z82
Exterior & Interior
19
10-01-2015 06:25 PM
EnjukuRacing
Engine
0
09-30-2015 06:55 AM



Quick Reply: Torque specs for spark plugs?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:42 AM.