dreamnshadow

hey, i found out where the spark plugs are, and i need to replace them tomorrow so i can pass smog to register. u know how the manual says to tighten it to a specific amount of torque? what if i dont have a torque wrench?

MountainTurbo

Then be careful

I know that's not much help. I've never used a torque wrench for plugs before, but then I've never replaced them on a rotary (yet).

Just be careful, get them tight, so that you can't turn them with your fingers and it takes a little effort to loosen them with a socket, but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THEM.

That was a whole bunch of non-help now wasn't it

Avatar

not alot, a couple more turns than finger tight is fine.

13bpower

I don't use a torque wrench, BUT i have alot of exsperience doing this type of thing. Borrow one or have a competent mechanic (not your buddy who says "I'll give it a shot") do it.

If you strip them you are going to be a very sad person.

It is never to early to start buying tools!

13bpower

"finger tight" and "a couple" are a little to objective for my taste. JUST DON'T OVER TIGHTEN!!!

MountainTurbo

hehe Very very true. My finger tight is MUCH tighter than my buddies finger tight, and when using a wrench this difference is multiplied.

Avatar

just make sure you can not unscrew them with your fingers. Generally 2 or 3 quarter turns is enough, just be sure you don't force it.

dreamnshadow

well, i should remove it with a socket wrench? what should i remove it with? anyways, if i cant remove it by hand and not too tight then it's cool?

MountainTurbo

Do you have a ratchet? Just go to autozone or something and buy a spark plug socket, it won't be expensive and it's better than doing it by hand as long as you don't over-tighten it.

dreamnshadow

oh ok, i plan on buying the spark plugs there anyways, um, what happens if i overtighten? and if i tighten it enough that my fingers cant loosen them, then it wont come out right?

dreamnshadow

OH! and for the trailing and leading, just have to put them in the right place right? like for the trailing plugs, i put the trailing plugs, doesnt matter which trailing plug goes in which right? since there's 2 that's for trailing.

MountainTurbo

You want to tighten them with a spark plug socket so that your fingers can't loosen them, but don't tighten them so much it's hard to turn them with the ratchet. If you just put them in real tight you can usually get them out, but if you keep trying to tighten them you can break them in your engine block, causing MAJOR headaches.

It's hare dot tell someone exactly how hard to tighten them, just tighten them until they feel nice and tight, and won't come out with your fingers.

As for leading and trailing, you got me, I'm still new to rotaries too

dreamnshadow

hehe, thanks....
but anyone else on the other question?

Sideways7

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, as long as you put the right type in the right hole, its fine. Make sure you have the wires in exactly the right place, though. Also, when you get new plugs, you should at least get platinum plugs. They don't cost much more at all, and they'll last longer. Heck, you can get the NGK iridium plugs for 7 bucks each at O'Reilly's. If you're getting something this cheap, you might as well spend a few extra bucks for better plugs.
Edit: The platinum plugs just have a P at the end of the spark plug type.

MountainTurbo

Are the platinum/iridium really better for a rotor? I know in my old car, the platinums actually kinda hurt performance, and didn't last long.

Sideways7

iTrader: (7)

Racing Beat recommends platinum plugs for stock vehicles, and thats good enough for me. For most cars, Iridium plugs aren'y neccesary, but mine is street-ported and moddified quite a bit, plus I plan on racing it occasionally.