I had to change my plugs today and made two mistakes that makes me wonder if I will ever get them back out. One the engine was still pretty warm, two for some reason I was thinking 24lbs instead of 22lbs. It felt like I turned them under mild resistance ALOT. I know it is only two lbs, but that combined with a hot head is making me wonder if they are coming out when I need to get them back out! I guess should I just be thankful I didn't strip the head by being stupid and dealing with the possible consequences later OR should I loosen and then re torque them when the engine cools?

 

You are fine.

 

^^

i torque them to 35. I heard a member here almost damaged his engine due to loosen spark plug

 

That is all I needed is Billman to say I am fine

 

Wait what??? 35Lbs for the spark plugs! I hope you were only kidding. I thought it was 18lbs. I know if you over torque them, you can destroy the engine, foul plugs, make piston to spark plug contact O_O

 

Yeah service manual for 2003 states 18ft lbs. I bumped mine to 20lbs and called it good. 35lbs sounds a bit excessive.

 

IMO....Billman250 is the resident expert on these cars.Take his advice.

\rlr
carolina

 

35 ft-lbs will distort the threads in the cylinder head. Very bad idea.

22-24 ft lbs is the way to go I assure you.

 

Are there any issues with removing and reinstalling NGK plugs multiple times? I know that they have a coating on the threads that takes the place of using anti-seize, but does that get worn away and increase the possibility of the plug getting stuck?

 

NGK plugs are supplied with a Trivalent Zinc coating (silver or gold). The coating is lost upon first installation. If you reuse a plug it should be lubricated.

Utah

P.S. You can get this information from NGK technical support directly. Just contact them on their website.