When you take out a spark plug and put it back in, do you tighten it until it gets tight or are you supposed to tighten it a certain way
When you take out a spark plug and put it back in, do you tighten it until it gets tight or are you supposed to tighten it a certain way
Refer to your owners manual for the proper torque value and use anti-sieze paste on the threads. It's usually around 8 ftlbs. No owners manual or torque wrench? Hand thread the plug in with anti-sieze paste on it's threads then tighten 1/4 to 1/2 turn more with the plug wrench that you keep in the tool kit on your bike. This is so that you will be able to get it out when it fouls out on the road with the only tool avalibly to you. Also, always carry a properly gapped new plug with you at all times.
Nick,
Be very carefull with the 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Once the washer has been crushed, 1/2 turn can be way too much.
If you do not have a torque wrench, find something weighing 8 lbs and estimate that much pressure on a handle 1 ft long.
8 ft/lbs is not much so be gentle. It is a lot easier to tighten the plug a little more than it is to repair the thread.
Ron
Opps! sorry about the torque value that I gave you, it's for head nuts. Don't use the value of 8 ftlbs for your plug.
Nick,
I have no specifics for the spark plug torque, I did however, consult a small engine repair book and specs range from 7 to 22 ft/lbs. Given that you have an aluminum head and a short reach plug, I would stick with the 8 and check for tightness after riding a little.
Ron
When I put my spark plug back in I just tightened it to it got fairly tight
That's good, better safe than sorry.
Nick,
That works for me. Keep an eye on it and if it does not come loose you are ok.
Ron
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