torquing down spark plugs?
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From: Paola
torquing down spark plugs?
Im changing the spark plugs in my '01 5.4 and I tried using my 1/2 drive torque wrench to torque plugs to 28 lbs but with all the extensions and u joint its not working too well the torque wrench is a little big to get in there. I bought a 3/8 drive but its in inch pounds and has preset numbers so I cant get it to 28 ft lbs closest I can get with the 3/8 drive is 20 ft lbs. How is everyone torquing the plugs down?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Southern Illinois
28 lbs is too high in my humble opinion. When I changed the plugs on my truck, and it's been a few years, I used a 3/8 click-type torque wrench set at 12 ft lbs, which should feel "hand tight" if you were using a standard ratchet. If I recall correctly, I was able to torque cylinder #8 straight on without a swivel - just an extension. It took some finessing, but I got it done. It was cylinder #4 that was a bear due to the heater core lines and required a swivel and different length extensions. I'm pretty sure using a swivel and extensions changes the torque curve (applies less??? - someone can chime in), but if you set that plug to hand tight, I'm confident to say you should be just fine. I've put 50k on my truck since I did all this w/o any issues.
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From: Paola
I pulled out spark plug #5 and it came out fine but I cant get the new spark plug to start in the hole. I got out my inspection scope and looked in the hole and it looks like there is a ring at the top of the hole almost like a washer. Are the threads messed up or has that hole been repair once and I have to get the spark plug in there just right?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 491
Likes: 4
From: Southern Illinois
I pulled out spark plug #5 and it came out fine but I cant get the new spark plug to start in the hole. I got out my inspection scope and looked in the hole and it looks like there is a ring at the top of the hole almost like a washer. Are the threads messed up or has that hole been repair once and I have to get the spark plug in there just right?
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