OEM spark plug threads
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
OEM spark plug threads
Finally got a junk cylinder head that I can use for research.
Using an OEM spark plug, I started at 25ft-lbs and increased it by 5ft-lb increments until something gave.
Anybody want to take a stab at how high a torque I reached, or what happened at that number?
Will post results in a day or so.
Using an OEM spark plug, I started at 25ft-lbs and increased it by 5ft-lb increments until something gave.
Anybody want to take a stab at how high a torque I reached, or what happened at that number?
Will post results in a day or so.
#3
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Foothills East of Sacramento
Posts: 5,598
Received 1,561 Likes
on
927 Posts
It seems like you often hear of people stripping the threads cranking down on spark plugs without reference to the proper torque. It would therefore seem to be a lower number, maybe around 40 or 50. However, Honda makes high quality components so it is very possible the number could be much higher, closer to 100 or over.
The fact you are starting this thread makes me believe that the spark plug failed before the head threads stripped. I bet you got over 100ft- lbs.
The fact you are starting this thread makes me believe that the spark plug failed before the head threads stripped. I bet you got over 100ft- lbs.
#4
Eeenteresting.
I'd guess a very high number, given the diameter, big size and pitch of threading. Maybe 60-80ftlbs, maybe more?
I'd guess a very high number, given the diameter, big size and pitch of threading. Maybe 60-80ftlbs, maybe more?
#5
This is a very cool test Bill, my guess is 60 ft lbs.
Trending Topics
#9
Moderator
Thread Starter
Correct.
Was able to click off 75 ft-lbs.
When I stepped up to 80, the threads broke off the spark plug in the head.
Was able to spin the broken threaded piece out with pliers from the cylinder side.
Afterwards, I put a new plug in the hole. It went in with slight resistance as the threads were barely deformed.
Was able to torque to spec no problem. It could likely take another 70 ft-lbs.
Good insurance that 24-26 ft-lbs is super safe.
A lose plug will allow combustion gas to torch the threads resulting in stripping. Very safe to say if the threads are stripped, it was followed by torching.
Was able to click off 75 ft-lbs.
When I stepped up to 80, the threads broke off the spark plug in the head.
Was able to spin the broken threaded piece out with pliers from the cylinder side.
Afterwards, I put a new plug in the hole. It went in with slight resistance as the threads were barely deformed.
Was able to torque to spec no problem. It could likely take another 70 ft-lbs.
Good insurance that 24-26 ft-lbs is super safe.
A lose plug will allow combustion gas to torch the threads resulting in stripping. Very safe to say if the threads are stripped, it was followed by torching.