A wealth of spark plug information

[hat_man]

Hello again everyone.

I was reading through some of the recent posts and came across a term I hadn't heard of before. Side gapping a spark plug. So off I went on an web tour and I happened onto this site.The link isn't just about "side gapping" but has so much more information about spark plugs. More information than I could sit through at one time actually, but I thought I'd post it here. I think it's centered around a more "performance" mindset, but it has some great information on how to "read" spark plugs and seemingly just about anything else you could ever want to know about plugs. Lots of links to other pages with more detailed information too. I'm hoping this could be a help to some of us.

spark plug info | Grumpys Performance Garage

Happy reading.

[Ecky]

So, I'm reading some things that are contradictory to stuff I've read elsewhere. One example:

always use a bit of anti-seize paste on spark plugs, threads, being used in aluminum cylinder heads even if not required

As I recall, Honda states directly to never use anti-seize in their aluminum cylinder heads because it lubricates the threads and may allow over-torquing of spark plugs, which could result in stripped or deformed threads.

Going to poke through the rest of it though, as I'm always interested in new information, especially if it pertains to fuel economy.

[hat_man]

It looks like it was written about 10 years ago. I wonder if the anti-seize was the norm back then? I still haven't made my way through the whole of the posts and links.

[California98Civic]

The bit on indexing was interesting. Also, using proper torque spec for a "gas tight" seal... I have assumed that the torque spec in the Honda FSM is a guideline not a requirement.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

The bit on indexing was interesting. Also, using proper torque spec for a "gas tight" seal... I have assumed that the torque spec in the Honda FSM is a guideline not a requirement.

Interestingly, the plugs on the G1 Insight have a tendency to back out with the factory torque spec. I wonder what the author would suggest.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Interestingly, the plugs on the G1 Insight have a tendency to back out with the factory torque spec. I wonder what the author would suggest.

That is interesting too, since the G1's ICE is quite similar to my engine in some respects, as are lots of chassis and interior features, given its from the same design period. I need to do some further diagnostic and probably repair work in the whole upper end of the head and will try to monitor how the plugs do over time, see if they back out a little. Sometimes, I have used a little anti-sieze, too. Will stop that now... gotta get that indexed spark position and gas-tight seal! Instant 80 mpg, here I come!!!

[2016 Versa]

Originally Posted by Ecky

So, I'm reading some things that are contradictory to stuff I've read elsewhere. One example:



As I recall, Honda states directly to never use anti-seize in their aluminum cylinder heads because it lubricates the threads and may allow over-torquing of spark plugs, which could result in stripped or deformed threads.

Going to poke through the rest of it though, as I'm always interested in new information, especially if it pertains to fuel economy.

I always use anti seize when replacing spark plugs and have ever since I had a plug seize while trying to remove it. Even though the threads were full of aluminum from the head and I had to use all my strength to remove the plug I was able to take the old plugs and re-tap threads into the head and continue using the car without having to replace the head. My fix lasted until I quit using the car probably about 10-15 years later. Once I feel the plug seat I give it just enough to snug it down. I've never used a torque wrench when changing plugs although maybe I should.

[hayden55]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Interestingly, the plugs on the G1 Insight have a tendency to back out with the factory torque spec. I wonder what the author would suggest.

Give her a helping of red loctite #kidding