How tight should spark plugs be in aluminum heads?
A. Using A Torque Wrench:
| Spark Plug Seat Type | Plug Thread Size (Millimeter) | Recommended Turns For Aluminum Heads |
|---|---|---|
| Gasket Spark Plugs | 10MM | 8-12 LB. FT. |
| 12MM | 10-18 LB. FT. | |
| 14MM | 18-22 LB. FT. | |
| 18MM | 28-34 LB. FT. |
Do you need torque wrench to install spark plugs?
Do You Need a Torque Wrench to Change Spark Plugs? Using a torque wrench to change your spark plugs is optional but is often the desired tool of many mechanics. As previously discussed the torque wrench will prevent you from over or under-tightening of nuts and bolts.
What happens if spark plugs are over torqued?
If spark plugs are installed over the recommended torque, the plugs will be subject to high stress loads, which can trigger a wide range of issues. The most visible effect will be damage to the plug itself, in particular deformation to the metal housing, which can lead to thread damage and breakage.
What should you do before installing spark plugs in an aluminum cylinder head?
Procedure
- Make sure the engine is cool.
- Remove the old plugs.
- Inspect the threads in the cylinder head to make sure they are clean and dry.
- If needed, clean the threads in the cylinder head.
- Make sure you have the right spark plugs.
- Set the Spark Plug Gap according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Should you put anti-seize on spark plugs in aluminum heads?
The nickel coating on most modern spark plugs provides added protection from seizing in aluminum cylinder heads and has made anti-seize less important in spark plug installations. Anti-seize can alter the tightening torque up to 20%, increasing the risk of breakage.
Should I use anti-seize on new spark plugs?
Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
Do you put anti seize on spark plugs in aluminum heads?
Can I use copper anti seize on aluminum?
Copper should only be used on metal to metal threads like the header studs, were there is contact with aluminium steer away from copper, use alu anti seize or graphite based.
Is copper anti seize OK on aluminum?
Can never seize be used on aluminum?
Excellent lubricity. Provides outstanding lubrication to all metals including stainless steel, aluminum and soft metals up to 2400°F (1315°C).
Does Vaseline work as dielectric grease?
Chemical Properties Dielectric grease is not an electric conductor while anything soaked in petroleum jelly will burn if exposed to heat or an electric current. Also, Vaseline has a very low melting point compared to the dielectric grease which can withstand extreme temperatures.
Do spark plugs need anti-seize in aluminum heads?
Is anti-seize bad for aluminum?
Provides outstanding lubrication to all metals including stainless steel, aluminum and soft metals up to 2400°F (1315°C).
Can I use nickel anti-seize on aluminum?
Eases disassembly by preventing seizure and inhibiting rust and corrosion up to 1425°C (2600°F). Saves threads and parts for reuse by preventing galling damage and breakage during opening. Use on steel and stainless steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, titanium, etc.
How to install spark plugs?
The assembly of spark plug with this kind of sealing requires an especially sensitive approach. For proper spark plug installation, it is always highly recommended to use spark plug removal and installation tool and spark plug torque wrench. Correct torque is the very most critical step of spark plug installation.
Do I need to take care when torquing spark plugs?
Care must be taken when torquing spark plugs, especially in softer aluminum cylinder heads. When in doubt, always check your engine manufacturer’s literature. The proper torque of a spark plug can only be achieved using a torque wrench.
What causes a spark plug seizure in an aluminum cylinder?
Spark Plug seizure in an aluminum cylinder head is usually caused by improper installation and too much torque. Aluminum alloys are softer than cast iron. Different plug shell and head materials cause these metals to expand and contract at different rates. When the engine is hot the threads of the plug base distort somewhat.
How do you change spark plugs without a torque wrench?
When replacing spark plugs without spark plug torque wrench, spark plugs should be thread-in by spark plug removal and installation tool, or socket by hand (wihtout spark plug wrench) untill they fully seat. Then a spark plug wrench should be used to tighten the spark plug by turning an additional angle as follow: new spark plug used spark plug