How often do you do it - Change Spark Plugs

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:09 pm

Tool-Roll is a good idea. I carry the few pieces for the car around stuffed tightly in a plastic Plas-chamois case but a Tool-roll sounds a better option.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:34 pm

Rocky, If you cannot fix it with a screwdriver, a 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 mm spanner then leave it to someone who can. The reason why the plugs in your car were not tight was because someone had used a torque wrench. If you are considering continuing to DIY look at longer life plugs.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:59 am

taminga16 wrote:The reason why the plugs in your car were not tight was because someone had used a torque wrench.

That's a pretty broad claim. I fail to see how using a torque wrench can cause a problem unless it was misused or the wrong setting was used.

I've used the "by feel" and/or torque wrench methods for spark plugs and wheel nuts/bolts for decades. Never stripped anything or had anything come loose.

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:30 am

I've never used a torque wrench on anything until recently. When changing the spark plugs in my cars for the last 40 odd years I've only ever used the "by feel" by hand method to tighten them up and then a socket to just add a smidgen more. Never had any issues. Mechanics always seem to over tighten them just like oil filters. Coming to think of it, I can't ever remember seeing anyone use a torque wrench on plugs when servicing a car, but had those mechanics used one I'd have had a few less issues :wink:

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 11:27 am

JBT, my post was in reference to Rocky highlighting this "I gave my ex-mechanic some credit for not over-tightening the plugs or coil-overs as everything was easy to undo. What a pleasure". Greg.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 1:32 pm

I've never had an issue removing spark plugs. I just follow the instructions on the box when installing. No torque wrench required.

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 5:44 pm

Taminga, I'd like to think he used a Torque-wrench but I doubt it, regardless, I give him credit.
One of the reasons I do as much as I can myself is because I have found in the past that the so-called experts often don't do a very good job - witness ex-mechanic breaking the clips on the Coil-over connectors - something I wouldn't have done myself.
I have had so many cases of oil filters, wheel nuts and spark plugs done up so tight I was worried about breaking something on removal.
You are right about the tools - I know my limitations which is why I am only packing a couple of screwdrivers, shifter and pliers.