Make a donation

Author Topic: Spark plug tool  (Read 12722 times)

Offline nc35

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 40
  • -Receive: 14
  • Posts: 702
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2010, 11:29:47 am »
NGK web site says there is nothing more important than correct torque for plugs.

It also says that the new plugs have an anti-sieze coating.
No Golf anymore. 
Enjoyed the last five years of ownership of Mk5 & 6 GTIs.
Plus an excellent forum for knowledge and new ways to deplete the bank account.
Thank You Everyone.

Offline PDT

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 3
  • -Receive: 142
  • Posts: 2010
    • Email
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #16 on: July 29, 2010, 11:53:43 am »
You can tighten them up by hand by using a long extension onto the plug socket. This is important as you CAN FEEL the thread biting so much less chance of crossthreading than if you just tried to tighten with a ratchet.

Anti-sieze is applied from the factory on 99% of new spark plugs, anyhow most cylinder heads are an alloy and the threaded section of plugs are usually stainless so the two wont really sieze like they used to on older engines.

Copper slip is a no-no as its a conductive grease and can affect the spark deliver if it gets onto the electrode. Molybendum diasulphate based grease is the type to use if you must.

The initial tightening is to crush the compression washer, then re-torque to the correct amount using a torque wrench to create a good tight seal. If you only tighten once than the compression washer may not be fully pressed flat and when the engine warms up you will often find the spark plug is less tight than the desired amount.



Offline stealthwolf

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 306
  • -Receive: 291
  • Posts: 7835
  • ED30 No.1412
    • Email
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #17 on: July 29, 2010, 12:23:35 pm »
The initial tightening is to crush the compression washer, then re-torque to the correct amount using a torque wrench to create a good tight seal
How tight does the initial tightening need to be?

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline Cupra R

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 18
  • -Receive: 12
  • Posts: 519
    • Email
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #18 on: July 29, 2010, 12:30:02 pm »
If you have a torque wrench, just use that set to 20nm, back it off, then re-torque it up.  This way you can't over tighten and stretch the thread's.

Offline nc35

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 40
  • -Receive: 14
  • Posts: 702
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #19 on: July 29, 2010, 12:30:20 pm »
I would give it a good nip up with the tool or socket bar, not over-tighten, but more than hand tight.  
Then I am going to use the torque wrench...
No Golf anymore. 
Enjoyed the last five years of ownership of Mk5 & 6 GTIs.
Plus an excellent forum for knowledge and new ways to deplete the bank account.
Thank You Everyone.

Offline nc35

  • Won't Shut up.
  • *****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 40
  • -Receive: 14
  • Posts: 702
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #20 on: July 29, 2010, 12:31:15 pm »
If you have a torque wrench, just use that set to 20nm, back it off, then re-torque it up.  This way you can't over tighten and stretch the thread's.

Great advice.  Will nip up by and then torque up 
No Golf anymore. 
Enjoyed the last five years of ownership of Mk5 & 6 GTIs.
Plus an excellent forum for knowledge and new ways to deplete the bank account.
Thank You Everyone.

Offline Scotsman

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 2
  • Posts: 133
    • Email
Re: Spark plug tool
« Reply #21 on: January 24, 2011, 05:37:03 am »
Silly questions - but when people say "nip up with the tool" - does nip-up just mean tighten it until it doesn't turn anymore by just using normal/little force?

Any looking to buy a torque wrench - they seem to range from £70 in Halfords to £20 on Amazon.  1/2" or 3/8" needed? Better spending more?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toolzone-3-8-Torque-Wrench/dp/B001JJ3KM6/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1295854138&sr=8-12

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_178843_langId_-1_categoryId_165469#dtab


Cheers
Richard.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2011, 07:37:28 am by Scotsman »

Offline Scotsman

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 32
  • -Receive: 2
  • Posts: 133
    • Email