Is it okay to remove spark plugs from a hot engine? I thought that doing so could strip the threads. I've always checked my plugs when the engine was fully cooled, which means that I have done at least some light driving to get home.

I have to admit that I have noticed some rough idle problems immediately following consecutive hot laps at autocrosses. I figure that the cold plugs probably do start to foul slightly with allot of WOT, but the engine is always very strong. It might be more of a problem during a 25 minute lap session at the track.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]Is it okay to remove spark plugs from a hot engine?

 

Since Hondas run lean with normal driving, and rich at WOT, they can start to foul after extended WOT. I think that a VAFC will fix that problem, but right now, I think that I am getting some fouling at autocrosses. They clean right back up again on the drive home.

 

Sure, racers have been doing it for years. You just need to make sure when you put the plugs back in not to overtorque them. I've done enough that I usually go by feel, but a small, accurate torque wrench isn't too expensive and is a good investment anyways.

While the engine does run richer at WOT, I don't think you're fouling plugs. The engine runs richer to be safe. At WOT is when you'll see the highest average combustion temps and the plugs will get hottest. The rough idle after hard driving may have more to do with the ECU than it does with the plugs (OBDII learning occuring during portions of the run when you aren't at WOT).

UL

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]Is it okay to remove spark plugs from a hot engine?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]

Since Hondas run lean with normal driving, and rich at WOT, they can start to foul after extended WOT.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]

Since Hondas run lean with normal driving, and rich at WOT, they can start to foul after extended WOT.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]
On the track the plugs get as hot as they're are ever going to get, so regardless of rich, lean, boneless, fat free, whatever, a colder plug is more appropriate than a hotter one, IMHO.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
[B]

Funny you mentioned the dirt bikes.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]
That is funny because one of my riding buddies has an '89 KDX200 that's had the same plug in it going on 9 years and we're talking 12-15 rides a year at 25-30 miles in the tight woods each time out.