Torque Spark Plugs?

[Jesse16]

87 Carrera and I'm changing plugs myself for the first time since buying the car 2 years ago. Do most folks "torque" the plugs at install? I can see that it might not be the worst idea with the restricted space and difficulty in feeling the crush. Not all the threads are perfectly clean so not all went in so easy I could hand thread to the bottom. I've never torqued spark plugs myself on other vehicles. (I don't have the correct torque wrench at this moment so thats part of why I ask.)
Thanks for any input.

[T77911S]

i have. but i dont, i should . not much help huh?

[Jesse16]

Probably the truthful answer most will give. Yea, maybe, don't usually. I found 2 that were not real tight IMO when I took the old ones out. I try to be "really" careful with spark plug threads. Cross threading is a "really" expensive mistake.

[T77911S]

yes, cross threading is very bad. i use one of the craftsman short extensions with a swivel and a plug socket and start it by hand with that. then i put a wrench on it. i am sure i over tighten plugs based on the torque setting.

i have only found one lose. i find that my plug wires dont stay on or i dont get them on good enough even though i give them a tug when i am done. i like to hear/feel the snap and i dont always get that.

[HarryD]

I do not use a torque wrench.

I use the tool the factory provided. works great!

I start it by hand for a few turns then use the provided allen wrench to secure. Not much leverage so I once I feel the seals compress, I stop.

[kach22i]

I use the factory tool.

Do it by hand and then use the torque wrench.

I found that I was not tightening them down as much as I should. Which is why some of them were lose by the time I went to change them out again.

[GH85Carrera]

Yes, I torque mine. It is a pain to the get the wrench connected but I feel like it is worth it. If I did it all the time I would get the FEEL but it is easy to over tighten them.

[bsimonson]

I bought a torque wrench, a swiwel and a set of short extensions before my first change. Nr 6 gave me some trouble but all in all it wasn't that hard and done in 30 min. The torque wrench was a bit expensive but it will last a lifetime and I've already used it for some other stuff. So if you like to work on your car it's probably a good investment.

Cheers, Björn

[Jesse16]

I like all the suggestions tool kit tool, its easy to default to the tool box and rarely used spark plug sockets. Think I'm gonna get the torque wrench back and calibrate myself somewhat. Thanks to all.

[47silver]

I use the porsche tool to start and tighten then an allen socket in the tool with a good torque wrench. One of the most important items that need torqued i believe.

[Flat Six]

Jesse: I torque mine; if I can offer some advice (since you haven't purchased a torque wrench yet): get a 1/4" drive torque wrench to use primarily for plugs. Use a 1/4" female to 3/8" male adapter, then a 3/8" x 3/8" swivel on the spark plug socket.

The shorter handle of a 1/4" drive torque wrench will give you more clearance (and more degrees of ratcheting rotation) in the confines of your engine bay, and make the job less frustrating.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

[kidrock]

I wanna know how to get one of the spark plug tools...my car came sans tool kit.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by kidrock

I wanna know how to get one of the spark plug tools...my car came sans tool kit.

Keep an eye open in the classified here and e-bay. They come up periodically.

[brads911sc]

Here you go...

70-73 Porsche 911 tool kit spark plug wrench Klein 21: eBay Motors (item 280481215060 end time Oct-15-10 12:31:18 PDT)

[brads911sc]

couple here about half way down...

Porsche Special Tools & Information

[brads911sc]

Another...

Spark Plug Wrench Porsche 911 / 914 / 964, Porsche | Design 911

[JINKATIN]

Here's another

ChadsToolbox.com: fullest line of Premium German Tools Including Knipex - Search

[Head416]

I torque mine. I don't want to crank 'em down like a gorilla, and I don't want 'em coming loose. I find my instincts are usually much tighter than the torque specs (especially valve covers!), so a torque wrench keeps me from cranking on things like a barbarian. (I wish the PO had heard of a torque wrench!)

Generally, I'd say if "torque" is in the question, the answer is "yes"!

[dshepp806]

Yes,.I torque mine,..after a while,...you get a good feel for it......

I also check them periodically to make sure nothings loosed up......

Crossthreading is a bad experience (as me how I know),...I didn't do it, but the PO's wrench did.....it cost me major dollars.

Best,

Doyle

[s_morrison57]

do you take your plugs out when cold, or when still warm or when the engine is hot? Always return your torque wrench to zero, never leave it set at your last torque setting, screws them up.