hello folks..
its regarding my 01 max and i have never changed the spark plugs on my car by myself, but i did changed the coils so i know how to get to the plugs etc, my question is..do i need to buy a torque wrench to tight the plugs or i can just use the rachet and hand tight them? please help me cuz i am on the way of getting this done today.
2006-11-03 08:17:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most likely the head of your engine is aluminum. Aluminum is a "soft" metal and the threads strip very easily. A torque wrench is always recommended for tightening spark plugs and is an absolute must for an aluminum head. Overtighten and you could damage the plug as well as the threads in the engine head. Too loose and the engine won't run properly. The best torque wrench to get is the kind with the "twist" adjustment because you can't overtighten with these.
You will also need a spark plug socket, 12in extension (I'll explain later), and recommend some anti seize.
The anti-seize goes ONLY on the threaded portion of the plug. Keep in mind a little goes a loooooong way. The amount you use should be about the size of 1/3 of an eraser of a wood pencil.
When installing spark plugs it is always best to start running them in by hand so you don't "cross thread" them. You can use the spark plug socket and extension to do this if you can't reach. You don't have screw them in all the way by hand, just the first 4 or 5 threads (turns). Then you can finish up with the torque wrench.
2006-11-03 08:58:50 · answer #1 · answered by ModelFlyerChick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can just use an ordinary socket wrench to tightne the spark plugs, but you run the risk of damaging the threads by over tightening the plug.. That can be a lot more expensive than buying a torque wrench. I wouldn't chance it. Plus, you'll have a torque wrench forever!
2006-11-03 08:29:15 · answer #2 · answered by DragonBreath 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always use a torque wrench so there is absolutly no question the plug is not in too tight or too loose. Also be sure to use anti-seize lubricant on the new plug threads so you can remove them the next time you go to change them.
2006-11-03 10:23:25 · answer #3 · answered by mr.answerman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it is not necessary, but is a good idea especially considering all the new cars have aluminum heads and you do not want to over tighten or have them too loose. If you can estimate about 20 lb of torque then go for it. I would however strongly recommend applying a SMALL amount of anti-seize to the male threads prior to installation. this will make them easier to remove next time and prevent any problems. be sure to start by hand, or you may cross thread which is a major problem
2006-11-03 08:25:31 · answer #4 · answered by gary o 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No torque wrench. Hand tight with rachet only. Take care.
2006-11-03 08:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, torque is not necessary, just tighten them as you would any thing else but don't strip it. I also recommend buying all platinum spark plugs in stead of just one and the rest regular. It is better for the vehicle and thay will all last longer. They should cost no more that $7.00 to $10.00 a piece depending on the brand name.
2006-11-03 08:30:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you do not need a torque.wrench. If you use a ratchet, just tighten until snug. I have been doing it this way for years and never had a problem.
2006-11-03 08:21:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. Just get them tight without stripping the threads. They'll be fine.
2006-11-03 08:19:20 · answer #8 · answered by kdog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just a simple wrench will do
2006-11-03 08:21:29 · answer #9 · answered by playaseca2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hands only
2006-11-03 09:17:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋