How To Properly Torque Spark Plugs

Toyota Denso Spark Plugs, SC20HR11, in this case the correct torque is between 15-25 N.m

[timothycavanagh]

I am the owner of a 2018 RAV4 so I definitely appreciate a mechanic with your skills to guide us with our maintenance issues. Thank you for taking the time to make all these videos. Well appreciated.

[jrh]

@Toyota Maintenance - Good to see you again!

[ronaldrussell]

Thank you Peter, appreciate your attention to detail!

[johnchambers]

I would have to use my inch lb torque wrench my foot lb torque wrench only goes down to 25 ft lbs and that would be 11 ft lbs and i use a short piece of rubber hose to install spark plugs in any engine, thank you for such a comprehensive explanation of this service, i hope people listen and follow your instructions and they too will be able to install spark plugs properly.

[habbadabbado]

After inserting anything threaded, I like to start by turning it counterclockwise to feel it find the start of the thread, then turn it clockwise. That way you won’t cross-thread it while tightening.

[tundramanq]

The turn past snug plus a certain number of degrees only applies to new crush washers. If for some reason you need to remove and reinstall a plug use the torque spec. The term crush is a bit of a misnomer as the washer isn't totally crushed. This allows it to act as a spring seal and lock washer for the differing temperatures and metal expansion rares of the steel plug and aluminum head.

[hokie]

I just did my Rx350 at 150k miles on the original plugs, unbelievable how clean these engines run, they still looked great.

[prettylies]

Waiting for this one. Need to replace my spark plugs soon.

[scottschuett]

You can tell Peter is a great mechanic. Thanks.

[disparky]

I do 14 foot lbs on my taco. Just installed NGK Ruthenium plugs and Denso coils. I spent a little more money but now it runs incredibly smooth with absolutely no electrical noise heard through my HF radio. Now, the only electrical noise I hear is when someone in a Honda, Dodge or Chevy goes by.

[whitetiger]

Thanks for the video. My Tacoma is coming up for spark plug change soon and does it also take a 14mm spark plug socket? What is your thoughts on applying a few drops of never seize ti the threads? Thanks.

[MarianA-vutb]

Regarding whether to use anti-seize or not: most spark plugs these days will come pre-coated with zinc (acts as anti-seize), the tell-tell sign is looking at the color if they are shinny silvery color then they are coated, if they are any other darker color than it's safe to assume u need to put anti-seize, u should follow the plug manufacturer recommendation, if u so happen to have the not coated type it will say on the plug's website/spec sheet/box to use anti-seize.

Also the zinc coating is supposed to last for the 1st installation only, should u take them out later on u might wanna put anti-seize if u're gonna re-install them.

Never ever use regular copper anti-seize on spark plug threads, because of the high temperature u should use either a paste that's specifically made for spark plugs or use ceramic anti-seize paste, same thing u would also use for other high temp applications such as oxygen sensor threads, glow plug threads etc., regular anti-seize paste in high temp applications will cook and transform into seize paste 😂

[MarianA-vutb]

I am not sure if Peter said it but rule number one is to install/uninstall spark plugs on a cold engine, or maybe slightly warm, but never hot, that's because the head this days is made of aluminum and aluminum is a material that with increased temperature gets gummy so it's a high risk of stripping the head threads when torquing the plugs on a hot engine.

[rightlanehog]

Petr, Thanks for ⚡sparking⚡ our interest in this critical component. 😉😂

[paulodisano]

Great job and video. Thank you, Peter.👍🇨🇦🇺🇸

[aliendroneservices]

14:02 Make sure to pull the torque wrench from the exact middle of the grip area. That's where it's calibrated from. See tests by John Cadogan.

[brettbenson]

I noticed you didn't put anything on the threads. In your experience is it important to install the spark plugs dry? I thought you would want to add a bit of anti seize to the threads.

[billsimpson]

When using a click type torque wrench, and even with one of very expensive digital ones like Peter is using, many people make the mistake of tightening too fast, so that they exceed the set torque by quite a bit. Some people keep pulling on the wrench after it clicks or beeps. You want to avoid that. Peter is doing it correctly by using slow, even pressure until it beeps. Fortunately, on cars and trucks being in a hurry tightening seldom causes problems. The rather wide torque range they specify proves that. Head bolts are the ones you need to do exactly as the manufacturer specifies. Also the main bearing bolts, and the connecting rod cap bolts. Even in lawnmowers, you want those to be right, so they don't unscrew after a few hours. Not only do you have vibration to consider, but they get hot and cold repeatedly.
Torque wrenches make good Christmas presents for DIY folks who don't have any. I bought a cheap set on Amazon. That is good enough, since I'm not working on airliners or rocket engines. After the SpaceX Starship had to be blown up in Texas a few months ago, the FAA told them that some bolts needed to be tightened more, or made larger, to prevent leaks.

[gersonhay]

Great Video. The little jobs, If not done correct and safe. Can cost you a lot of money.!!

[dmitrijsjanakovs]

Hello!

What is the correct tightening torque for spark plug IXEH20TT in Toyota 1ZR-FE engines if data from Denso specification and the Repair Manual of vehicle manufacturer's differ.

Denso offers an alternative spark plug IXEH20TT for 1ZR-FE engines in vehicle Toyota Corolla 2012/Saloon/1.6 Petrol Dual VVTi.
But what tightening torque should be used to install it?

In the Denso specification for the IXEH20TT the tightening torque is 17 Nm.
And in the official “Repair manual” of Toyota for this car a tightening torque 20 Nm.

What is the correct tightening torque for IXEH20TT spark plug in Toyota 1ZR-FE engines (car: Toyota Corolla 2012/Saloon/1.6 Petrol Dual VVTi) - 17 Nm or 20 Nm?


Thank you for answer.