Spark Plug ? For Sick6six,magik8, Dyoel182,adderm2k,gavin, Etc.
Hey guys, and anyone else who may read this, I am just looking for your opinions on this, and input or suggestions if you have any! Thanks, karma to all those who reply (you know I am good for it).
I gapped (.040) and put in my new G-Powers today, and the first 2 went in fine, no issues. There was some dirt around the holes (where the contact is made with the plugs) which I cleaned with engine degreaser and a rubber hose. The 3rd and 4th were much more difficult to come out, but not stripped. When I tried to put them back in, they would only turn a few turns by hand before I had to use the ratchet, and even then it was kinda tough. When my ratchet wouldn't work, I had to put on my breaker bar. I kept taking them both in and out, and there was some sludge on them each time, which I cleaned off. Nervous that they would not contact the block with only one washer and without me torquing the crap out of them, I added a washer to each one, torqued them all, and it started fine.
When I went to take it for a spin, it skipped in low rpms in 1st and 2nd, pretty noticeably. No problem in higher rpms, but no power there either. Well, I kept driving, and it righted itself, even on the highway no problems. Now, I am not sure if maybe some sludge got burned off and that was it, or if it is the fact that I have an extra washer on the numbers 3 and 4 plugs? Even though it is okay now, I am thinking maybe I should take them off, or add one to the other 2 as well, to make them an even height. What do any of you think is the issue, and should I leave it as is? Normally, I know a lot about my car, but not on this issue, as far as the electrical ground contact and the height of each electrode inside the head, respective to each plug. Do they have to all be at the same height, and so on. Hoping maybe you guys will know?
Take your spark plugs out, use a brass bristle brush and some B12 chemtool on the threads. You'll probably have to use a pair of scissors to cut some of the bristles off so the brush can fit in the plug hole. A soft bristle brass brush isn't going to ruin any of the threads and only costs about $.99 anywhere.
Use the brush and B12 in a twisting motion to get rid of any crud inside the threading. When you install your plugs, use antiseize and don't attach your ratchet until you're sure the plug is going in true.
I always use an extension first and tighten by hand only. When the plug is flush, then I attach the ratchet and do my final torque. If it's hard to tighten with a ratchet, stop because you've got a problem.
If that doesnt fix it, take a dremel and cut 2 lines down the threads of an old plug. Run that down and up by hand to make sure the threads are fine. Its worked for me a few times now.
I'ts a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake, if the way is hazy
You gotta do the cooking by the book, you know you can't be lazy
You only stuck one washer on each of the 2 plugs? and I'm guessing it is just a normal small washer?
I would just be trying to clean out the thread. If the problem still exists after you put the plugs in then come back. Did you damage the plugs pulling them in and out all the time?
no, i didnt damage them, like i said they went in and out okay, just very hard. i am going to try and do the cleaning tomorrow, with the brush which i have already. i just didnt think that dirty threads would cause that kind of problem, being so hard to turn. and no, like i said, i used the washers from the old plugs, not regular ones. what i am worried about is the extra washers causing some kind of odd current issues, like they are spacers, so the electrodes will be a bit higher up inside the chamber than the first 2. do you understand what i mean by that? i know it sucks when people are vague, i am trying to explain it as best i can....
and thank you all, u have karma!
yes, I understand what you mean. I personally can't see it causing much of a difference if the electrode sat 1-2mm higher. That is why I asked if you had maybe damaged the plug (breaker bar on a plug could have done that), or the plug isn't sealing properly, or you knocked something off when changing everything.
If you are going to clean the thread soon, we'll see how it goes when you have that done.
the washers on the plugs are usually use once crush washers, after the first time, you need a torqure wrench to install them properly! the first time, it should be easy up to the beginning of the washer, and firm for about a turn or so, then very firm, thats when you stop.
as for the electrode height, it could cause the longer ones to run a bit hotter, but not by much. i doubt it matters. what possessed you to put extra washers on there anyway?
cutting threads with the grinder is always a good trick, its the poor mans tap and die, can be used on nuts too. i keep a bag of ones that i made for special purposes. i sure hope i never need to use one on a spark plug thread. trouble with using normal bolts etc, is that they are soft in comparison to a proper tap, and therefore wear out quickly.
you should put some high temp anti sieze on the plugs thread before inserting it, that will lube it on the way down.
if you stick a wire brush in there be sure to blow out the gunk with compressed air afterwards. makes your oil and air filters a bit of a waste of time if you just let crap fall right on in!
I forgot to stress, start turning from the bottom out counter clockwise. You want to start from the bottom of the thread and work your way out just like you'd be removing a plug. This way the crud that falls would be minimal as you'd be taking it out with you as you turn.
I forgot to stress, start turning from the bottom out counter clockwise. You want to start from the bottom of the thread and work your way out just like you'd be removing a plug. This way the crud that falls would be minimal as you'd be taking it out with you as you turn.
not to mention that a stong cleaner (like b12 chemtool.... that stuff is the [shizzle]!!!!) can be used to spray AROUND the plugs prior to removal, and compressed air will aid in the cleaning of the area around the plugs... again making the crud-fall in factor minimal
*edit* it made me feel good to see my name on a topic... which didnt end up in me looking like a tard... lol
1994 Ford Mustang Cobra (#1100 of 5009)
2001 Chevy Blazer ZR2
Tyler's GT coming soon...
Okay, here is an update for those who care. I just want to say thanks to everyone who helped on this because I took the plugs out again and cleaned the threads, as directed. I also stopped at Pep Boys to pick up the cleaner brush and while there I came across a torque wrench for 19.94. When I say torque wrench, I do not mean the kind with the wide meter on the bottom with a pointer. It was a ratchet-type, with the adjusting dial at the bottom that locks into place, then clicks when you hit the right torque. If you have ever seen someone retorque tires, you know what I mean. It ranged from 10 to 250 ft-lbs and worked with precision. I highly reccommend it, since I did a search at Carquest, Foreign Auto, AZ, NAPA, and so on, and could not find one like this for under 60 bucks or so (do not nitpick if u know of one that is 55 bucks or something). It is on some special right now, so I would tell you all to head in and get one!! In return for your assistance, I will also post a new thread in the 1G General forum about it, in case you don't see it here.
Anyways, I cleaned the holes out and inspected the plugs. They all looked fine, so I put them back in. I also took off the extra 2 washers I had on there. Let me just tell you that they went in as if it was a brand new head!!! I was able to turn them by hand about half to two-thirds of the way, then they tightened up nicely, smoothly using my small 3/8-drive ratchet. I threw on the 1/2-inch drive adapter and put on the torque wrench. I tightened them to 16 ft-lbs, as the specs are 11-17. Started the car up, took it for a spin. Pulling harddddddddddd, and very smooth. I kept it at around 100 to 110 to the office today for the 45-min commute, and it kept feeling like it wanted to give me more. Thank you all for your help! Check out my other threads I will be posting today as well; Sick, there may be an interesting tidbit of info there about the throttle butterfly even for you....
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