Are we sure about the spark plugs being Torqued to 17ft/lbs?

Miller335 · 07-11-2015, 12:50 PM

Just checked my plugs that I replaced 5K miles ago, and every single one of them except front one came out without any kind of torque on them.

I even torqued them down to 20ft/lbs last time.

Are we sure that for the tuned guys this is enough force on the plug to keep it torqued down solidly?

infidel335 · 07-11-2015, 01:23 PM

I've torqued mine to 17 ft/lbs each install and when I've removed them they were still seated tight.

Miller335 · 07-11-2015, 02:04 PM

Fricken weird.
Thanks for heads up.

I set my torque wrench one time when installing plugs and front was tight but others were not. I'm confused heh.

Dave W. · 07-11-2015, 02:12 PM

There's two tricks to install and torque plugs correctly; 1. use anti-seize on the threads so they torque correctly.
2. If you install plugs when the head is hot, double check the torque after a couple minutes. Installing cold plugs in a hot head leads to lower torque. It's not a big difference, I usually get an extra 1/8th of a turn at most.
Also, be careful that you don't overtorque them. The threaded section is long and thin, if they're too tight the ceramic inside the threaded section could crack and lead to misfires.

j1gilles · 07-11-2015, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infidel335

I've torqued mine to 17 ft/lbs each install and when I've removed them they were still seated tight.

Always make sure your car is cold when installing them or you will run into this issue...

musc · 07-11-2015, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave W.

There's two tricks to install and torque plugs correctly; 1. use anti-seize on the threads so they torque correctly.
2. If you install plugs when the head is hot, double check the torque after a couple minutes. Installing cold plugs in a hot head leads to lower torque. It's not a big difference, I usually get an extra 1/8th of a turn at most.
Also, be careful that you don't overtorque them. The threaded section is long and thin, if they're too tight the ceramic inside the threaded section could crack and lead to misfires.

There is no need to put anti-seize on the plugs as the threads are already coated (if they are silver/chrome which the OEMs and NGKs are). In fact, putting anti-seize on coated plugs can lead to over-torquing.

csu87 · 07-11-2015, 04:33 PM

Yes, don't use anti seize when tourqeing.

And always do it when engine is cold

Miller335 · 07-11-2015, 05:30 PM

I've always done my plugs in the morning on a weekend so the car has sat overnight.

I'll run them again for 3-4K and see if they've backed out again.

07-11-2015, 12:50 PM	#1
Miller335 Colonel 293 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Are we sure about the spark plugs being Torqued to 17ft/lbs? Just checked my plugs that I replaced 5K miles ago, and every single one of them except front one came out without any kind of torque on them. I even torqued them down to 20ft/lbs last time. Are we sure that for the tuned guys this is enough force on the plug to keep it torqued down solidly? __________________ 2007 E92 335 6MT w/335is clutch FBO MHD E60 Wedge map 49k miles Last edited by Miller335; 07-11-2015 at 12:59 PM..
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07-11-2015, 01:23 PM	#2
infidel335 Lieutenant 28 Rep 454 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi Join Date: May 2012 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0)	I've torqued mine to 17 ft/lbs each install and when I've removed them they were still seated tight. __________________ 335xi: JB4 G5 \| KW V1s \| muffler delete \| BMS DCI \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VMR v703 18x8 \| and your mom
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07-11-2015, 02:04 PM	#3
Miller335 Colonel 293 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Fricken weird. Thanks for heads up. I set my torque wrench one time when installing plugs and front was tight but others were not. I'm confused heh. __________________ 2007 E92 335 6MT w/335is clutch FBO MHD E60 Wedge map 49k miles
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07-11-2015, 02:12 PM	#4
Dave W. Lieutenant 5 Rep 538 Posts Drives: Porsche 951, 1992 Eagle Talon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	There's two tricks to install and torque plugs correctly; 1. use anti-seize on the threads so they torque correctly. 2. If you install plugs when the head is hot, double check the torque after a couple minutes. Installing cold plugs in a hot head leads to lower torque. It's not a big difference, I usually get an extra 1/8th of a turn at most. Also, be careful that you don't overtorque them. The threaded section is long and thin, if they're too tight the ceramic inside the threaded section could crack and lead to misfires.
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07-11-2015, 04:33 PM	#7
csu87 Banned 2130 Rep 3,553 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	Yes, don't use anti seize when tourqeing. And always do it when engine is cold
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07-11-2015, 05:30 PM	#8
Miller335 Colonel 293 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I've always done my plugs in the morning on a weekend so the car has sat overnight. I'll run them again for 3-4K and see if they've backed out again. __________________ 2007 E92 335 6MT w/335is clutch FBO MHD E60 Wedge map 49k miles
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