Spark plug torque
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Its not the minute change in depth, its the rotational position of the outer electrode. The significance of this varies with the engine. Most times theres hardly any difference. But sometimes the difference is real.
Theres a whole world out there on this, with using a sharpie to mark the electrode position on the ceramic, and using different shims or sized washers to get it positioned just right. NGK certainly plays this, selling special sized spark plug washers just for this.
Its not something you can usually feel through the butt dyno, but it can be measured on a real dyno, and can be the difference of winning a race, or not.
As for torque, it varies, depending on the type of plug:
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...g-installation
As for the use of anti-seize, just adjust the torque value:
https://www.ngk.com/ngk-plug-torque-settings
But, make sure the oem instructions do or do not call for lubrication. Otherwise torque adjustment may be wrong.
Theres a whole world out there on this, with using a sharpie to mark the electrode position on the ceramic, and using different shims or sized washers to get it positioned just right. NGK certainly plays this, selling special sized spark plug washers just for this.
Its not something you can usually feel through the butt dyno, but it can be measured on a real dyno, and can be the difference of winning a race, or not.
As for torque, it varies, depending on the type of plug:
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...g-installation
As for the use of anti-seize, just adjust the torque value:
https://www.ngk.com/ngk-plug-torque-settings
But, make sure the oem instructions do or do not call for lubrication. Otherwise torque adjustment may be wrong.
Stage II
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: LEWISTON, N.Y.
Its not the minute change in depth, its the rotational position of the outer electrode. The significance of this varies with the engine. Most times theres hardly any difference. But sometimes the difference is real.
Theres a whole world out there on this, with using a sharpie to mark the electrode position on the ceramic, and using different shims or sized washers to get it positioned just right. NGK certainly plays this, selling special sized spark plug washers just for this.
Its not something you can usually feel through the butt dyno, but it can be measured on a real dyno, and can be the difference of winning a race, or not.
As for torque, it varies, depending on the type of plug:
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...g-installation
As for the use of anti-seize, just adjust the torque value:
https://www.ngk.com/ngk-plug-torque-settings
But, make sure the oem instructions do or do not call for lubrication. Otherwise torque adjustment may be wrong.
Theres a whole world out there on this, with using a sharpie to mark the electrode position on the ceramic, and using different shims or sized washers to get it positioned just right. NGK certainly plays this, selling special sized spark plug washers just for this.
Its not something you can usually feel through the butt dyno, but it can be measured on a real dyno, and can be the difference of winning a race, or not.
As for torque, it varies, depending on the type of plug:
https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...g-installation
As for the use of anti-seize, just adjust the torque value:
https://www.ngk.com/ngk-plug-torque-settings
But, make sure the oem instructions do or do not call for lubrication. Otherwise torque adjustment may be wrong.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 76
From: Surrey, British Columbia . Canada
I have been building engines and working on street rods and bikes all my life (61) I can not even tell you how many spark plugs I have put in. Never ever used a torque wrench or anti-seize on them. Never had a single problem.
I only use a torque wrench on head bolts and rod bolts. There have been so many people out there that have screwed things up by using torque wrenches. I know, I am so wrong, I know I should not be allowed to work on cars and bikes, but hey like I said I have never had any problems.
Bruce
I only use a torque wrench on head bolts and rod bolts. There have been so many people out there that have screwed things up by using torque wrenches. I know, I am so wrong, I know I should not be allowed to work on cars and bikes, but hey like I said I have never had any problems.
Bruce
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
I have been building engines and working on street rods and bikes all my life (61) I can not even tell you how many spark plugs I have put in. Never ever used a torque wrench or anti-seize on them. Never had a single problem.
I only use a torque wrench on head bolts and rod bolts. There have been so many people out there that have screwed things up by using torque wrenches. I know, I am so wrong, I know I should not be allowed to work on cars and bikes, but hey like I said I have never had any problems.
Bruce
I only use a torque wrench on head bolts and rod bolts. There have been so many people out there that have screwed things up by using torque wrenches. I know, I am so wrong, I know I should not be allowed to work on cars and bikes, but hey like I said I have never had any problems.
Bruce
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Though as a counter-point, most people way over tighten spark plugs, believing they must crush the gasket flat.
For them, using a torque wrench could help them to understand just how little torque and gasket crush is truly needed for a spark plug..
For them, using a torque wrench could help them to understand just how little torque and gasket crush is truly needed for a spark plug..
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Kentucky Windage
It's what it called in my world regarding how tight does a bolt need to be? If you're a wrench, you know, if you're shade tree and have doubts, get more experience but I guess use a torque wrench...and if you're still confused, take it to dealership...or independent shop. I kinda see it as, if you're asking questions on simple things, maybe fixing things isn't ones "forte"... and that's okay. To be clear, I been a gearhead building motors for or with a few friends since 14 or so and never had a shop really do anything till I got a new bike two years ago. Even then I feel like I am doing something wrong. See how it works? Some will get what I am ranting...but to the post, get a manual, do what it says. Got to start somewhere...
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