Changing Spark Plugs
 

I have the spark plugs.

But I haven't attempted it yet because I don't have a torque wrench (and don't plan to buy one) and I wanted to get someone's input first.

So, if I screw in the plugs by hand, should I turn it about 1/4 turn or 1/2 turn with the socket wrench. How much would it take to get it to the approximate right torque?

Please advise.

if you have a 12" wrench pull about half as hard as you can.

if shorter 3/4 as hard as you can.

i have never used a torque wrench yet and i have never stripped one out or had one come loose in 40 plus years.

tom w

I too have never used a torque wrench, but I can say that if you can't rely on experience to know just how "snug" to make them without stripping them, you really should go out and buy at least a very basic torque wrench. If you try to skimp and end up stripping your head, you'll be very very upset!

I agree with the last post. If you have to ask, then go buy the torque wrench. No one can tell you in words how tight is tight enough. It's an experience thing. You really really don't want to screw this up.

Steve

Taper seat plugs achieve the proper 12 lb-ft torque very quickly after hand tight - not like gasketed plugs that require another half turn or more to achieve torque.

Bottom line - get a torque wrench! Google on Harbor Freight. Get a 3/8 drive for small jobs and a 1/2" drive to bigger jobs like wheel bolts. They are not expensive.

You also need a special tool to pull the plug wires if you don't want to wreck them. I gave a Snap-On number some time ago. Search the archives.

If you're too cheap to buy proper tools, consign the job to a pro.

Duke

Bosch Web site lists how far to turn the plug to achieve proper tightness.

On some of these engines that are packed in so tight its hard enough to tighten a plug with an ordinary 3/8 inch drive socket wrench. It's near impossible to do it with a 18 inch long torque wrench, and if you have a u-joint or wobble extension between the plug socket and the torque wrench the readings won't be accurate anyway.