Howdy,

Read online spark plugs on my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L was suppose to be at 40 ft/lbs. Pulled out my wrench and did just that.
It went a full turn and 1/4th after hand tightening.

I un-screwed it, checked for stripped threads didnt see any.

Whats next? I screwed it back in and did that 1/16th turn. It remained tight(not loose)

What should I do? Kinda desperate. Fimish replacing them all at 1/16th snug ? Turn on and see if it blows out??

Any help would be apperciated as its my only ride.

Whats the torque suppose to be anyway?

 

Say it turns on and runs, is there any test I can do to see if it stays?

 

For taper seat spark plugs, (no washer) you thread them in till they seat, then give them another 5 minutes. (1/12th of a turn.) For spark plugs WITH a washer, thread them in till they seat, then give them another quarter turn. No torque wrench involved.

 

You may have had some crude on the threads when you hand tightened it, not allowing it to seat. Also as you crush the sealing washer the plug will turn some. In theory, you should replace the sealing washer every time you remove the plug, but not practical to do. Follow Hey-You's instructions, you should be fine. Some spark plugs had those type instructions on the package. Also hand tight is somewhat subjective, as Hey-You said tighten until they seat, using light tool pressure.

 

96 manual states 30 Ft-lbs (41 N-m) for spark plugs.

 

a very small dab of anti-seize (lube) on the plug threads will help give you a better feel of what seated is. just keep it up high enough up on the threads so you don't get it on the end of the plug when installing them.

....you really should use it anyway when changing plugs. you'll do the threads in your heads a favor

 

I went ahead and hand tighten and used a wrench to 10 lbs/ft. I should be fine? It did well over the turning radius of "Hey you" Statement.

30 ft-lb would be well over the turning radius anyone else is saying. So I will ignore this statement.

I'll keep the thread lube in mind next time(they are already in).

I'll start it up! Any other objections?

Thanks Guys! I look forward to many forums post here!

 

No idea. I have never used a torque wrench on spark plugs. Not even on aluminum heads.

 

Unless your drivin' a hi-revving race engine..."Factory spec" on spark plug torque has usually meant...for years....with your hand at the axis of what ever ratchet you're using...just snug 'er up n you're done!

 

I agree torquing is not necessary, and could lead to over tightening and breakage. You asked what the correct torque is suppose to be anyway, and the answer according to 96 Factory Service Manual is 30 Ft-lbs.