Plug Torquing

[MarauderMarc]

Just got some Densos IR20 plugs. I will attempt to do this myself. What is the torquing specs for installing plugs in our cars? Picked up some sweet Aluminum Ford GT coil covers to compliment my setup and add a little bling. Only 80$ on Ebay. 60$ for the Densos. Ill post a thread with pics when done.

[MENINBLK]

IIRC its not a lot.
It is something like 7 in/lbs.

[RF Overlord]

The factory service manual specs 11 ft/lbs (132 in/lbs). Marc, I hope you meant Denso IT20s, not IR20s...

[JACook]

IIRC its not a lot.
It is something like 7 in/lbs.
Well, it might be a little bit tighter than that... :rolleyes:

Spec is 8-14 ft/lbs, but I wouldn't use a ft/lb torque wrench for this.
A ft/lb torque wrench won't be very accurate when set that low.

I use a good inch/lb torque wrench set to ~120 in/lbs.
That's still not very tight as spark plugs go, but significantly more than 7.

The engine should be stone cold when you change the plugs.
I use anti-seize, others say not to. I'm not gonna argue the point, but if you do use it, go easy.
A small dab on the threads, and wipe a bit around the full diameter of the tapered seat.

[fastblackmerc]

What he ^^^^^ said.

[Marauderjack]

Anti-Seize or Hi-Temp silicone grease is what I always use but I have never torqued a spark plug??:confused: May have just been lucky all these years!!??:D

:burnout: Marauderjack:burnout:

[O's Fan Rich]

Anti-Seize or Hi-Temp silicone grease is what I always use but I have never torqued a spark plug??:confused: May have just been lucky all these years!!??:D

:burnout: Marauderjack:burnout:

Yeah, me too. I've always just run them up until they bottom out. I do use a spark plug ratchet that does not allow you to crank 'em down. It even has a flex head!
Maybe I need to change my ways.

Oh, I ALWAYS start them by hand or at least with my hand holding an extension.

[jimlam56]

Just got some Densos IR20 plugs. I will attempt to do this myself. What is the torquing specs for installing plugs in our cars? Picked up some sweet Aluminum Ford GT coil covers to compliment my setup and add a little bling. Only 80$ on Ebay. 60$ for the Densos. Ill post a thread with pics when done.
I've been looking at those coil covers on Ebay too Marc, what's the quality like?
Also, are you going to change your COP connectors while you're in there?
Big difference...

[juno]

I hate to stick my hand in your wallet buddy, but I agree, definitely do the Grantelli COP connectors while you are there.



I've been looking at those coil covers on Ebay too Marc, what's the quality like?
Also, are you going to change your COP connectors while you're in there?
Big difference...

[Cobra25]

I hate to stick my hand in your wallet buddy, but I agree, definitely do the Grantelli COP connectors while you are there. If the stock ones are working fine why change them? What do you gain by Useing the Grantelli COP Connectors ? I'm not trying to be negitive about it just want to hear something positive about it from some one who has done it.

[DEFYANT]

If the stock ones are working fine why change them? What do you gain by Useing the Grantelli COP Connectors ? I'm not trying to be negitive about it just want to hear something positive about it from some one who has done it.

Yes yes.... they have been out for a while now.. Has anyone done any testing with these "COP" connectors yet?

[juno]

Z,

This whole thread is full of positive comments from people who installed them.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22215&page=8

Now Granatelli claims 8-15 hp or something like that on an NA car. I find that hard to believe but it wouldn't surprise me if there is a few ponies in the mod.

I do not think you are running stock plugs are you? If you are willing to upgrade the plugs, then why not get a significantly higher quality connector for them?



If the stock ones are working fine why change them? What do you gain by Useing the Grantelli COP Connectors ? I'm not trying to be negitive about it just want to hear something positive about it from some one who has done it.

[JACook]

I have never torqued a spark plug??:confused: May have just been lucky all these years!!??:D
I never used to torque spark plugs either, until I learned about spark plugs popping out of Ford Modulars.
I still don't torque 'em on my 5.0s, but I'm not taking any chances with the 4.6s...

[Tallboy]

OK, guys, let me "ax" a question here...

Where did the "only change plugs on a stone cold engine" nonsense start? What about the thousands of tune-ups and plug swaps being done on mod motors by dealerships and repair shops on a daily basis? Think they're sending their customers home so they can change plugs on a "stone cold" engine?

[shakes_26]

I beleive there were these three bag ladies chanting, it went like this:

"In the Cauldron boil and bake;
Eye of Newt, and Toe of Frogge,
Wool of Bat, and Tongue of Dogge,
......
Double, double toyle and trouble,
Fire burn and Cauldron bubble."
Change your plugs on stone cold iron..

or something like that.

Sparkplug W. Shakespeare




OK, guys, let me "ax" a question here...

Where did the "only change plugs on a stone cold engine" nonsense start? What about the thousands of tune-ups and plug swaps being done on mod motors by dealerships and repair shops on a daily basis? Think they're sending their customers home so they can change plugs on a "stone cold" engine?

[Ross]

Please see several recent posts about my well maintained engine blowing out a plug recently. Some have suggested that my recent install of aftermarket plugs (without torquing) may have contributed to the cause. I don't know if it did or not, but from now on you can bet your sweet a$$ that I will
1. ONLY use OEM plugs
2. ALWAYS torque
3. ALWAYS install only on a dead cold engine

I don't know if any of that really matters, but to keep from blowing out another engine it's worth trying.