Every now and then would find a plug loose in the 292, using 45s. Found a NOS box of old school Champions for a tune up and just to be sure, torqued them to 20 ft.lbs. Replaced plug wires the other day and decided to check the plugs and every single one was loose. What's the deal with that?

 

I can't imagine what would cause that. In all the years I have been using Ford engines I've only had one plug come loose and I'm sure it was my fault. Are you sure your torque wrench is reading correctly. If it's a click type and you don't zero it after every use and put it away loaded it will screw it up..

 

Yes, I do know how to use a torque wrench. Guess I'll bump it up a bit and see how that works? 15 to 20 is spec, though. Need to read their color anyway.

 

What do you mean by loose? You don't even need a wrench to unscrew them?

 

Eh, I used a wrench to remove them but it didn't take any force to break them free. So roughly finger tight. They'll get blown out at that rate.

 

I thread mine finger tight and then give them a nudge so they require a wrench to remove but they're not that tight, either. Have not yet had a problem.
It sounds like this has been going on for a bit but one has not yet blown out. I think you're ok as long as they're not so loose that you can unscrew them by hand.

 

Well that's the thing. It's not OK if they loosen up. Btw, had forgotten what a pain changing spark plug wires are on Y blocks. Those frigging clamps. Dennis Carpenter sells nice rubber inserts so everything is all spiffy and new.

 

Are you sure they are loosening? Torque one and then remove it. That will give you an idea if it is actually getting loose and if the torque wrench may be bad or need recalibration.
If they all are loosening, and you've used totally different plugs, then the torque wrench is suspect. If it was only one or two, then bad plug threads could be a possibility.

The clamps aren't bad with stock diameter wires. If you leave the bolt loose, you can more easily adjust the wires so they reach and look nice. They do hold the wires better than any other I've seen on a factory engine.

 

Yes they work well that's true. No, Charlie this is weird. Have installed many plugs over the years, cars, trucks, motorcycles, lawnmowers etc.