Spark Plug installation - 1989 1700 Supersprint

[Tom H]

Hi folks,

I have recently acquired a new set of NGK B8ECS spark splugs as per the Caterham manual for this engine configuration.  I have the spark plug gap of 0.025".  My question is what torque to tighten the plugs to and should I use Copper Slip anti-seize in the installation?  This will be first time I change them and would appreciate the feedback for a novice mechanic. Thx.

[Tazio]

Welcome, and remember we were all novice mechanics when we started. The Haynes Manual states that the torque wrench setting for the spark plugs is 22 - 28 lb ft.  As for coppaslip, i've never bothered.

Alan

[AnkerB-S]

22-29 ft lbs or 30-39 Nm. I have never applied any coating to spark plug threads.

[Tom H]

Many thanks!

[HendrixsWhiteStratReturns]

Hi Tom

Welcome - I have a 1990 1700 SS.

On the recommendation of James Whiting (7 guru) I run NGK BPR6EIX's on my Xflow Supersprint. They're pre-gapped and superb, don't get the fouling issues that are common used with B8ECs

 

[7 wonders of the world]

For a full fat Crossflow NGK B8EV is a good choice of plug.

[timb2117]

Sorry to be the naysayer, a friend who knows people who work on v8 supercars advises "anything with a torque setting needs lubricant or the setting wont be accurate" I do use copperslip on wheel nuts sparingly on spark plugs too. 

[OldAndrewE]

In that case the torque needs to be specified with a lubricant (as ARP fasteners do).  Most torques are specified dry as I recall.

[John Vine]

General torque chart here.

Re the use of a lubricant or anti-seize compound, NGK say it's not necessary.

JV

[ScottR400D]

Anything with a critical torque requirement would be specified as dry or with a recommended lubrication. 

Far more problems caused by lubricating, then over tightening because of that, than the other way around. 

[aerobod - near CYYC]

Unless a specific lubricant is specified by the fastener manufacturer, always a clean dry thread for specified torque settings (rust or contamination mechanically removed, then thread cleaned with brake cleaner or a degreaser). Different lubricants vary massively in the friction coefficient applied at the fastener, so you can go anywhere from close to the same to double the strain in the bolt (and likely failure) depending on the lubricant, compared with torquing dry threads.