To torgue or not to torque plugs

[pingber]

I have a new set of the Champion double platinum plugs that I want to put into my 2002. Question is ... do I really need to toruqe these to 13 ft/lbs??? That means I need to go out and buy another torque wrnech ,,,, now I've installed plugs in aluminum head engines before (Geo Prizm, Hondas) and all I;ve done is to snug them down (yeah its very innacurate), but I've neved stripped the threads in the head. Truthfully, do all of you out there use a torque wrench??? I don;t really believe that my Chrysler dealership bothers. What do you think?

[CREWZIN]

Pingber,

No it's not absolutely necessary to use the torque wrench. I did on the Champion platinum plugs because I happen to have a wrench with those specifications on it but it's the first car that I have used a torque wrench on..and I've done plenty. Tighten them snug and be sure to use anti-seize lubricant on all the threads and dielectric grease on the inside of the plug wires that go on the top of the plugs (it gives better contact and you won't have to fight to pull off the wires next time). That's my $.02...you might hear different from others.

[Cal Cruzer]

CAN you do it without? Sure, I have. But SHOULD you? probably not if you are not familiar with changing plugs and know when to stop. If you strip the threads on your aluminum head you will be p-o'd!

[Grouch]

Let me put it this way. How much would it cost to repair or replace the head. Go out and buy a torque wrench. If your going to do it do it right or don't do it. Trying to cut corners almost always comes back to bite you.

[Stephen R.]

You need a torque wrench for your wheels anyway. Think of it as a 2-for-1 deal. [8D]

[pingber]

Hey all and thanks --- I did buy a torque wrnech (but its range is not high enough for the wheels) ... It did make a difference in how the job went ... with no guessing about tightening, the job went pretty fast with only one problem.

Getting the EGR bolts and the throttle body bolt on was a little rough. It seems that when the manifold went beack on, the other stuff was no longer in perfect alignment ... a little "Persuasion" did help that.

Other than that ... I'm very satisfied with the results!

pingber

[wheelguner]

I plead guilty to being both a gerhead and a tool junkie & I own two torque wrenches. For smaller fasteners I use an inchpound wrench and the footpound for larger sizes. I first learned the necessity of properly torqued fasteners from working on my motorcycles. Having to install your first threadsert will make a believer out of you. Also use neverseize compound ANYTIME the fastener (I.E. spark plugs) goes into aluminum.

Do it right and you won't have to do it over, or fix it, or worse have to take it to a pro to correct your mess. It is always cheaper to do it right.

Doing your own work will generally pay for the needed tools and let you buy more toys with the savings.