Spark plug torque
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
From: Pitcairn, Pa
Spark plug torque
Hi All,
Getting ready to do winter projects. First is new Spark Plug wires and new plugs. Can someone tell me the torque settings for the spark plugs ? It's on a 2009 Harley Ultra Classic.
Thanks
Hickey
Getting ready to do winter projects. First is new Spark Plug wires and new plugs. Can someone tell me the torque settings for the spark plugs ? It's on a 2009 Harley Ultra Classic.
Thanks
Hickey
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I would never torque a spark plug. Use aluminum antiseize, finger tight to seat and then 1/16 to 1/4 max turn past that. Never hold the end of the socket wrench either. Google search torque wrench and spark plug stripped. To hard to fix stripped aluminum heads.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 486
Likes: 155
From: British Columbia
And you're right Ryan42. I Pit crewed with a top alcohol funny car team. Spark plugs go in and out of aluminum heads every round. Yes to Never seize. Torqued to spec. You don't want to risk exhaust gases getting by the threads. That becomes a real good way to galling the threads. Never a problem. A little less critical on a HD engine unless you're drag racing one. Still prefer a manufactures torque specification. As said. For a reason.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,293
Likes: 6,322
From: Honah Lee
Too cool. If you torque especially with antiseeze, threads will never make it to 100k
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 870
Likes: 245
From: Transfer, PA
Another oil thread? Yeesh.
I have had good luck with my built in clicker elbow, though I do torque some things to spec. Anti-seize or not on plugs is a whole argument in and of itself, I use it. Always. In fact, I use anti-seize on a LOT of things.
I have had good luck with my built in clicker elbow, though I do torque some things to spec. Anti-seize or not on plugs is a whole argument in and of itself, I use it. Always. In fact, I use anti-seize on a LOT of things.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,810
From: Oklahoma
Is that different color circle on top of both of my stock 96 2008 heads NOT the top of a hardened insert? I will try to remember to get my magnetic pick up tool out when I remove plugs next time just to see if that is a ferrous metal doohickey.
Stage II
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: LEWISTON, N.Y.
Torque Talk
I think another reason to torque properly is the distance in or out of electrode in cylinder. The placement of Spark will vary per f/lbs. used. Personally I believe it's as important as the correct gap on plug. As I'm finding out both need to be tweaked to achieve smooth running. Every Engine is different. Try to find that sweet combo of Ft/lbs torque and Gap. Trial and error. Keep track of your attempts so you don't repeat where you failed. Saves a lotta headache and time. Good starting point point is mid-range of recommended both. Also just because it runs good at startup don't assume it's good. Found that out. As it warms up under riding that can change fast. Good luck to all who are trying to do same.
Last edited by Boomer2007; Sep 1, 2022 at 04:08 PM. Reason: Additional thoughts