Spark Plug changing/cleaning Options

[m0dd3d1]

I was thinking about taking out my plugs tomorrow but I was wondering, when I put them back in, do I need to torque them in?

[Redline08]

nope, well at least i didnt, just dont destroy your arm when you put it back in, id say "very snug"

lol

[Gary]

Spark plugs manufacturers usually publish their recommend torque spec.
Here is one from NGK.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spar...&country=US

[m0dd3d1]

Thanks guys.

[Valo666]

usually i do it untill they are snug, then i give them about another 1/8th of a turn to make sure they are in there. Its a pain in the a$$ to torque them.

[SlowCelica94]

I've got it down to fine art. When I feel a slight burning sensation in the shoulder, thats about 15 lbs. I'm such a nerd, I perfected it with a torque wrench.

I guess this is what tech's do on a slow day.

[Celicav]

If you own a Haynes manual (and a Torque wrench), it will tell you that the correct Torque is 13 ft/lbs. 15 is close enough

[m0dd3d1]

If you own a Haynes manual (and a Torque wrench), it will tell you that the correct Torque is 13 ft/lbs. 15 is close enough

What if I don't own a torque wrench? Can I just tighten the crap out of it?

[Valo666]

if you dont, tighten it untill it feels snug, then give it an extra little nudge...15Ft/lbs of torque is nothing. You can get that with a little 6inch long 10MM wrench on a valve cover without breakin a sweat. Just snug em up and give em another 1/8th - 1/4 turn more and your done..but dont forget the anti-sieze and the dielectric grease.

[soven]

If you own a Haynes manual (and a Torque wrench), it will tell you that the correct Torque is 13 ft/lbs. 15 is close enough

What if I don't own a torque wrench? Can I just tighten the crap out of it?

Don't tighten the crap out of it.

from google:
. Tighten the spark plug finger tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about 1/2-2/3 turn more with a spark plug wrench.
(Taper seat: About 1/16 turn more).

[m0dd3d1]

Well I borrowed my Dad's torque wrench and I referred back to my Haynes manual, and is it just me, or does that manual suck? It's for Celicas 86-99, would that be why I don't have any real specific information on my car, like what to torque the spark plug to, and what size plugs to actually replace the old ones with? Or would it not say that anyways, and I'm just wishing there was something out there that isn't? Thanks for the help.

[Hanyo]

Well I borrowed my Dad's torque wrench and I referred back to my Haynes manual, and is it just me, or does that manual suck? It's for Celicas 86-99, would that be why I don't have any real specific information on my car, like what to torque the spark plug to, and what size plugs to actually replace the old ones with? Or would it not say that anyways, and I'm just wishing there was something out there that isn't? Thanks for the help.

if your super super anal about it, you should buy a toyota manual and know every detail about your car. But the haynes manual is good enough to not destroy your engine. I also recomend using anti-seizing lubricant on the threads.


Remember, you tighten a new spark plug and a old spark plug differently because a used spark plug has its crush washer already crushed.


So my best way to torque down a spark plug is to hold the big end that lets you change the direction it turns in the middle of your palm and twist it as hard as you can. You wont be able to over tighten it and strip the head because you wont have enough leverage. I find this way its tight enough where it doesnt leak, which is good enough in my book.

[m0dd3d1]

God what a PITA! So first off, when I pulled the wire out, it looked like this:



As you can see, there was oil all over the bottom third of the wire, is that supposed to be like that? Also, I tried to get ahold of the spark plug but I guess I was doing something wrong and couldn't actually grip the plug with my ratchet (I was using the spark plug ratchet head, is that the right one to use when removing a spark plug as well as installing one?).

Good news is I sorted out my issue with the wires popping up...except for #4...that bastard:




And I found out what really is the problem with my hood not closing properly, damn hood latch/cable. Blah, the Celica is pissing me off right now.

On another note, does anyone know where I can get one of these:



It's on my intake and it's getting all rotted and such, time to replace. I got it from a shop back in the day, they had a spare one laying around. Maybe if anyone knows anything close to this or something they might use also? Thanks guys, for all your help! And thanks for your patience with yet another "no0b attempting sht thread!"

[soven]

It is not supposed to have oil. Either you spilled oil into it accidentally while changing oil or you would need to change the gasket(valve cover gasket)

[m0dd3d1]

It is not supposed to have oil. Either you spilled oil into it accidentally while changing oil or you would need to change the gasket(valve cover gasket)

I believe it's the gasket. Damn, that's what I thought it was. Would there be a reason why I can't get the spark plugs out?

Thanks man.

[SlowCelica94]

I valve cover gasket should come with a lil rubber gromets they'll need installed too.

And btw, it's time for plug wires too

[Valo666]

It is not supposed to have oil. Either you spilled oil into it accidentally while changing oil or you would need to change the gasket(valve cover gasket)

I believe it's the gasket. Damn, that's what I thought it was. Would there be a reason why I can't get the spark plugs out?

Thanks man.

could be siezed in there from just heat, rust, carbon...could be a few different things. If it doesnt wanna come out, try tightenin it a bit b4 u loosen it. Sometimes just tightening it can break away all the crap holding it in place.

Also, defintatly change your gasket, tube seals, and wires. I had the same problem on 2 of my cylinders and when i did my gasket, the tube seals were completely shot. as for that little peice on your intake, go to a parts store, i donno what they have in the ways over there and ask them for a vacuum cap that size. It should only cost you a few cents.

[soven]

hmm, you are probably using the wrong spark plug socket? There are two types if I remember correctly.(one big, one small)

yours look correct but some of them are not deep enough either and does not allow you to grab hold of the spark plug since the spark plug top hits onto the top of the socket where it is joined onto the wrench. Try putting in just the socket and see if it fits around the spark plug nicely(have pliers handy that would be able to remove it)

[alltracman78]

The valve cover gasket [and grommets] in a 5SFE physically CANNOT leak into the spark plug tubes.
They are lower than the top of the tubes.

This is another one of those internet stories from people that figure well, since my engine had this problem your totally different engine must have the same cause.

Your spark plug tubes are either cracked or the thread sealant is leaking.
Pretty common problem on the 5SFE.

You'll have to pull the valve cover gasket to replace the tubes, so might as well replace it at the same time.

Remove the valve cover and remove the tubes with a pipe wrench or pliers.
Check for cracks [you might be better off just replacing all 4].

To reseal the tubes use either blue threadlocker [NOT red, blue] or teflon tape.

[m0dd3d1]

The valve cover gasket [and grommets] in a 5SFE physically CANNOT leak into the spark plug tubes.
They are lower than the top of the tubes.

This is another one of those internet stories from people that figure well, since my engine had this problem your totally different engine must have the same cause.

Your spark plug tubes are either cracked or the thread sealant is leaking.
Pretty common problem on the 5SFE.

You'll have to pull the valve cover gasket to replace the tubes, so might as well replace it at the same time.

Remove the valve cover and remove the tubes with a pipe wrench or pliers.
Check for cracks [you might be better off just replacing all 4].

To reseal the tubes use either blue threadlocker [NOT red, blue] or teflon tape.

Does anyone know what the part is so I can order it? I've got all my other parts coming in, including the valve cover gasket. ****, I don't know how to do all this, I may just have the garage do it. Thanks for the input alltracman!