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| Spark plugs in aluminum head (Page 1/2) |
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jaskispyder
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JUL 18, 07:57 AM
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Anyone have tips on installing sparkplugs in aluminum heads? I don't trust my torque wrench down to 11lb/ft, so I was wondering what people would suggest. I pulled the plug, checked it and reinstalled. It went in easy, bottomed out and I turned the wrench another 1/16-1/8 (recommended by others from Grand AM forum). This is on a GM 3400. From what I read, you just have to snug these up. I only pulled one plug to check wear, and it doesn't look like I need to replace them. I just don't want to screw up the threads on the head as I really don't know the history of the heads, except for when I owned the vehicle. So.... just looking for suggestions.
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jaskispyder
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JUL 18, 08:30 AM
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$Rich$
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JUL 18, 08:52 AM
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put a tad of anti seize on the threads if you wish,
i usually do snug and then about 1/8-1/4 turn (ish) not over
never had any problems .
i dont think i have ever used a torque wrench and never had any problems,..[This message has been edited by $Rich$ (edited 07-18-2012).]
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Tony Kania
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JUL 18, 11:35 AM
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What Rich says. A dab of antisieze is vital for aluminum heads. Vital. You should not have any issues with a good snugging of the plugs. You can feel when you are seated.
Tony
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SillyImportRacer
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JUL 18, 12:27 PM
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I know on my ACVW's to not use champion plugs.
Antiseze is your friend. And use the mfg torque specs.
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jaskispyder
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JUL 18, 12:33 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by SillyImportRacer:
I know on my ACVW's to not use champion plugs.
Antiseze is your friend. And use the mfg torque specs. |
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I wouldn't trust my torque wrench at that level.... 11 lb/ft.
I can go with "bottom out and turn 1/8"
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Rallaster
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JUL 18, 06:34 PM
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I just did a complete tune up on my g/f's POS '98 Malibu 3100/AT and I just snugged the plugs + 1/4" along with copious amounts of anti-seize...
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squisher86SE
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JUL 19, 09:27 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by jaskispyder:
I wouldn't trust my torque wrench at that level.... 11 lb/ft.
I can go with "bottom out and turn 1/8"
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Get a torque wrench with measurements in inch/lbs if you're that worried about it, otherwise the examples of "bottomed plus a bit" will work just fine for you.
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jaskispyder
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JUL 19, 02:20 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by squisher86SE:
Get a torque wrench with measurements in inch/lbs if you're that worried about it, otherwise the examples of "bottomed plus a bit" will work just fine for you. |
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even then, I would need to buy an expensive one. I have an in/lb wrench also, and it starts at 120 inch/lbs.... which is 10ft/lbs. I wouldn't trust that either.
Also, we are talking one spark plug here, as I am not changing them at this point  [This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 07-19-2012).]
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Lambo nut
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JUL 20, 07:25 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by jaskispyder:
even then, I would need to buy an expensive one. I have an in/lb wrench also, and it starts at 120 inch/lbs.... which is 10ft/lbs. I wouldn't trust that either.
Also, we are talking one spark plug here, as I am not changing them at this point
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If you don't trust it then why do you have it? Set it to 132 inch pounds and be done with it.
Kevin
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