3.7 Spark Plug change torque issues.
#1
3.7 Spark Plug change torque issues.
Ok so the Dakota has been running a little rich and a bit rough at idle. So i decided to do a tune up ( which by the way did resolve the idle issues)
However.
Well when i was taking the old plugs out i noticed, disturbingly, that i could take them out extremely easily with almost no force. One plug popped loose without a wrench, just turning the extension bar by hand. I found this quite disturbing!
i remember, looking back, the last time i changed the plugs i torqued them to 20ft lbs. ( the factory recommended specs).
The fact that they came out so easily was a bit alarming. So when i put the new plugs in, i torqued them to 22ft lbs.
Is this ok??
I have read that aluminum heads will strip out at 24ft lbs
Is this true??
Any speculation as to why the old plugs were so loose??
Thanks in advance.
However.
Well when i was taking the old plugs out i noticed, disturbingly, that i could take them out extremely easily with almost no force. One plug popped loose without a wrench, just turning the extension bar by hand. I found this quite disturbing!
i remember, looking back, the last time i changed the plugs i torqued them to 20ft lbs. ( the factory recommended specs).
The fact that they came out so easily was a bit alarming. So when i put the new plugs in, i torqued them to 22ft lbs.
Is this ok??
I have read that aluminum heads will strip out at 24ft lbs
Is this true??
Any speculation as to why the old plugs were so loose??
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by XSubaruJeepDude; 12-12-2021 at 06:58 PM.
#2
Ok so the Dakota has been running a little rich and a bit rough at idle. So i decided to do a tune up ( which by the way did resolve the idle issues)
However.
Well when i was taking the old plugs out i noticed, disturbingly, that i could take them out extremely easily with almost no force. One plug popped loose without a wrench, just turning the extension bar by hand. I found this quite disturbing!
i remember, looking back, the last time i changed the plugs i torqued them to 20ft lbs. ( the factory recommended specs).
The fact that they came out so easily was a bit alarming. So when i put the new plugs in, i torqued them to 22ft lbs.
Is this ok??
I have read that aluminum heads will strip out at 24ft lbs
Is this true??
Any speculation as to why the old plugs were so loose??
Thanks in advance.
However.
Well when i was taking the old plugs out i noticed, disturbingly, that i could take them out extremely easily with almost no force. One plug popped loose without a wrench, just turning the extension bar by hand. I found this quite disturbing!
i remember, looking back, the last time i changed the plugs i torqued them to 20ft lbs. ( the factory recommended specs).
The fact that they came out so easily was a bit alarming. So when i put the new plugs in, i torqued them to 22ft lbs.
Is this ok??
I have read that aluminum heads will strip out at 24ft lbs
Is this true??
Any speculation as to why the old plugs were so loose??
Thanks in advance.
Once you install the plug, if you happen to loosen them and retorque, the crush washer is already crushed so you have to go a little tighter.
The following users liked this post:
XSubaruJeepDude (12-12-2021)
#3
How accurate is the wrench? I doubt it would strip at 24 ft lbs but then again, I never use one to install plugs. I know this sounds crazy, but when doing plugs, I always go by feel as I don't always trust a torque wrench. It's how I've done them my whole life. Now something like wheel bearings or ball joints or head bolts, yeah...torque wrench all the way.
Once you install the plug, if you happen to loosen them and retorque, the crush washer is already crushed so you have to go a little tighter.
Once you install the plug, if you happen to loosen them and retorque, the crush washer is already crushed so you have to go a little tighter.
The following users liked this post:
XSubaruJeepDude (12-12-2021)
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#8
What kind of torque wrench? If it's a standard size, it probably has a 20lb minumum/220lb maximum, and it's not going to be accurate close to the minimum. You'll want to get an inch-pound torque wrench for low torque ratings, and 22 ft lbs is 264 inch lbs.
If it's one of the ones that has a long metal pointer, you may as well be free-handing it.
If it's one of the ones that has a long metal pointer, you may as well be free-handing it.
#9
#10
Yeah... just messin with you. I also put a bit of high temp antiseize on the threads. I know many will say it's not needed, but I don't trust a layer of electroplating to always work for tens of thousands of miles and heat cycles. Yes, it does change the torque level but I don't use a torque wrench to begin with. Never had an issue and they come out easy.
Last edited by Dodgevity; 12-14-2021 at 11:26 AM.