Replacing sparkplugs, how tight?

[95Viper]

OEM plugs being replaced. Box says tighten by hand and tighten 1/2 turn to compress washer.

True on an aluminum engine? Isn't 1/2 a little much?

 

[Steve-Indy]

20 ft-lbs per service manual...reduce torque by 10% if you apply antiseize.

 

[95Viper]

Steve, I was hoping you weren't going to say that because getting a torque wrench in there is rather tricky. If you've done this, would you say it was a 1/2 turn? Or a 1/4 turn after it's tight by hand? Thanks, Craig

 

[AviP]

What I generally do when I don't or can't use a torque wrench, is to keep a track of where I hold the normal wrench and how much force I use. I then reverse that force. By not using any body weight, your arm becomes the torque wrench. Start with the smallest wrench and progressively move towards a bigger wrench working from the center to the end of the grip each time. While this is approximation, it's never failed me yet.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Craig, I honestly don't recall...and, since I only change plugs every couple of years on one Viper or another, I DO use a torque wrench...trying to minimize universals. One of my bigger fears in botching the job when working with aluminum...noting that I always surprise myself by over doing it when GUESSING torque on the low end of the scale.

Heck, come on down, and we can get it done !!!

 

[slaughterj]

What about gap on the plugs - any need to vary or should they be correct right out of the box?

 

[AG98RT10]

I'd check 'em to be safe, but every single one of my Champion plugs was dead on the money as far as gap.
Just put on plugs and wires last month - made a big difference, too!

 

[KWIK96]

Just finished replacing mine 5 minutes ago. Took 40-45 minutes. Used Torque wrench on all, set at 20ft/lb as per manual, gap at 35 thou. Take your time, take 5 and grab a coffee or beer if you start to get frustrated. I found a useful tool is a telescopic mirror, to look into the plug heat shroud, just to make sure all looks well and you haven't cracked one. I found it was a lot harder to get the old ones out! Once I had broken the seal I vacuumed the shroud out so that no built up debris in the shroud would enter the cylinder head when I removed the plug, mirror also useful here. Next job is wires (waiting arrival of Partsrack order)

 

[95Viper]

I used the Champion plugs, gap was .035 and one was off so good thing I checked.

Relatively easy to do, more power but that could just be in my head.

 

[2002_Viper_GTS_ACR]

Is Champion plugs the factory replacement ? Are those the best for stock cars ?

 

[95Viper]

Yes and yes, check your manual for exact part # and gap is .035
I got a 1/2 female to 3/8 male socket so I can use my 1/2 torque wrench and convert down to 3/8 which is easier for me to change the plugs with.