When is the last time you checked your sparkplug torque?
10-02-2012, 08:54 AM
#1
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When is the last time you checked your sparkplug torque?
Most of you know that if you neglect to check your spark plugs periodically for tightness (22 lb-ft, 30 Nm), they might just surprise you by blowing right out of the head. This happened recently over on the S2 forum (a Noob who had his car 6 months and never even checked his plugs once). I gave the guy the links to the spark plug info in our FAQ. Paul Nugent, the S2 forum administrator provided this info:
"Here's something quoted word for word from a Bosch resource I have on the subject of tightening plugs..... Firstly it confirms the torque setting for new plugs in an alloy head to be 20-30Nm... And we know that 30Nm is where they need to be, however - what do you do if you havent got a torque wrench to hand. Here's the official word on that:
-----------------------------------------
'In practice, spark plugs are often fitted without a torque wrench. Consequently, they are usually overtightened. Bosch therefore recommends the following rule=of-thumb procedure:
1. Screw the spark plug by hand into the clean thread as far as it will go. Then apply the spark plug wrench and observe the following procedure (for our plugs with captive gasket and flat seat).
New plugs - Using the wrench, turn the new spark plug until first resistance is felt and then turn the wrench 90 degrees (a quarter circle)
Used plugs - Turn these 30 degrees after resistance is first felt with the plug wrench.
2. When tightening or loosening the spark plug, the wrench should not be held at an angle - the insulator will otherwise be broken off or pushed to the side and the spark plug destroyed.'
-----------------------------------------------
__________________
Paul Nugent"
I (UrS4boy) say, you still need to check for tightness on a regular basis. (Don't back off, just tighten).
Remove the 20v Turbo coil pack cover (if still used):
Lay cover on cam cover:
Check torque (22 lb-ft). If plugs are new, this is the 90 deg twist:
HTH
Dave F.
"Here's something quoted word for word from a Bosch resource I have on the subject of tightening plugs..... Firstly it confirms the torque setting for new plugs in an alloy head to be 20-30Nm... And we know that 30Nm is where they need to be, however - what do you do if you havent got a torque wrench to hand. Here's the official word on that:
-----------------------------------------
'In practice, spark plugs are often fitted without a torque wrench. Consequently, they are usually overtightened. Bosch therefore recommends the following rule=of-thumb procedure:
1. Screw the spark plug by hand into the clean thread as far as it will go. Then apply the spark plug wrench and observe the following procedure (for our plugs with captive gasket and flat seat).
New plugs - Using the wrench, turn the new spark plug until first resistance is felt and then turn the wrench 90 degrees (a quarter circle)
Used plugs - Turn these 30 degrees after resistance is first felt with the plug wrench.
2. When tightening or loosening the spark plug, the wrench should not be held at an angle - the insulator will otherwise be broken off or pushed to the side and the spark plug destroyed.'
-----------------------------------------------
__________________
Paul Nugent"
I (UrS4boy) say, you still need to check for tightness on a regular basis. (Don't back off, just tighten).
Remove the 20v Turbo coil pack cover (if still used):
Lay cover on cam cover:
Check torque (22 lb-ft). If plugs are new, this is the 90 deg twist:
HTH
Dave F.
10-07-2012, 07:09 AM
#4
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