[s-cars] The "myth" of plugs blowing out of 20vt heads

[Tom Green]

We must be on different lists.  I never read that he said he torqued the
plugs beyond 22 lb/ft, actually that he didn't use a torque wrench, and
only stated that the factory torque was insufficient to consistently  
seat
the plug.

I don't disagree with what you are doing, I just don't want it to sound
like the best thing is to tighten them up "goodntite" to those learning
things about their car.

Arbitrary over tightening the plugs can cause just as much damage
by galling the threads and destroying their ability to hold the plug.
You then have a difficult time seating a plug in such a head by feel
or torque.
I agree that a little lubricant (or AS if you like) is good on that  
upper
portion and seating area to allow better feel or torque readings.

I use the wheel bolt wrench for my plugs.  It is nice and slender and
the long end is made as a plug wrench.

Sadly, not everyone has access to a Jeff Gerner to repair their vehicle.
In any large shop these older cars get shunted to the less experienced,
usually with no supervision on the actual job.  And, you can hardly  
learn
to do repairs on your own vehicle when you only do them once.  You
can get good at oil changes, belly pan installation, routine things, but
the plugs only get changed once every two or three years.  That's the
best reason to get together with other car owners to complete some
repairs or upgrades-- everyone learns something.  You can't learn all
you need from an e-mail.

Tom


-----Original Message-----
> Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:54:01 -0700
> From: K Hayes <abiglizard at mac.com>
> Subject: Re: [s-cars] The "myth" of plugs blowing out of 20vt heads.
> Cc: s-car-list <s-car-list at audifans.com>
> Message-ID: <802D60CB-5BA6-41E9-8632-961294712071 at mac.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
>
> Loss of performance and a distinct sound alerted me that something
> was up a few months after I go the car.  This list pointed me to
> check the plugs.  Basically, tightened them past the 22lb/ft like
> Gerner explained and never had a problem again 4 years.  I had one
> very loose and two others that needed at least 270 degrees on the
> socket before they were seated.  3 outta 5 ain't bad.  I have checked
> them since maybe twice, and everything was as it should be with no
> tightening needed.
>
> Kenny Hayes