Spark plug questions

[hiperf406]

I went to an all Corvette show on Sat., after show was done I headed to the Pavilions Sat car show. On the way home the car was running great, turned off freeway & went about a block off suddenly the car started making a horrendous noise. I pulled over & checked it out #3 spark plug was gone, it had backed out & was gone. Got car flatdecked home & checked plugs they all were loose. Today I'm going to change plugs but checked Solutions & a couple are mentioned. I was wondering if NGK or AC Delco part numbers were still applicable. Also what is the torque value for plugs. TIA

lorne #1748

[Dynomite]

For my 91' NGK Iridium BKR5EIX Eagle
Gapped .043"


I do not use a torque wrench on spark plugs or some other items. I just tighten (snug but not too tight) with a short handle 3/8 socket wrench and call it a day.

That is one of those items I DO recheck tightness once in a while as the plugs are easy to get to. I also place just a bit of white greese around the Boot ring that fits near the top of the spark plug hole to make the Boots easier to remove and to help seal them.

Use just a bit of antisieze on the plug threads.



Number 8 Spark Plug Removal and Test Drive with Jeff Gordon

[Kevin]

a plug backed out? That's the first i've heard of this happening. I blew a plug out fo the head of my mustang once, but never heard of this on a zr-1

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by Kevin

a plug backed out? That's the first i've heard of this happening. I blew a plug out fo the head of my mustang once, but never heard of this on a zr-1

This is the second time Ive heard about this happening.

[Racinfan83]

Yeah there was another thread on here a few months ago where that happened. Good reminder - I have to change my serpentine belt - think I will check the plugs while I'm at it since I changed them last fall...

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by Kevin

a plug backed out? That's the first i've heard of this happening. I blew a plug out fo the head of my mustang once, but never heard of this on a zr-1

It's been mentioned more than just "a few" times.

OP - What is in it presently for spark-plugs? I'd certainly start there with a check to see what is in the rest of the "holes"!

The anti-seize use I believe is often debated! The which to use anti-seize is also debated!

NGK has a comment regarding it's use:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-...1antisieze.pdf

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

It's been mentioned more than just "a few" times.

OP - What is in it presently for spark-plugs? I'd certainly start there with a check to see what is in the rest of the "holes"!

The anti-seize use I believe is often debated! The which to use anti-seize is also debated!

NGK has a comment regarding it's use:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-...1antisieze.pdf

NGK says this:
"Summary
All spark plugs that have a blackened or dull appearance on the metal body offer no protection against seizing or bonding to the cylinder head and so it is with these spark plugs that anti-seize would be required."

"Applying anti-seize to the threads of spark plugs that have a metal plating allows the installer to mistakenly over-tighten the spark plug in the cylinder head."

One reason I do NOT use a Torque Wrench on Spark Plugs but rather I just tighten (snug but not too tight) with a short handle 3/8 socket wrench and call it a day.

[PhillipsLT5]

I am using NGK Iridium TR 71 X, pricey but last plug I probably will buy

[chriskinzel]

I have had one of mine find the road as well. two others where lose at the same time (no wonder it was running so poorly!).

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by PhillipsLT5

I am using NGK Iridium TR 71 X, pricey but last plug I probably will buy

I follow Pete's philosophy; replace often, have a fresh set in the motor as much as possible.

A "gee wiz" exotic rare earth plug might last a lot longer, but the insidious half-life degradation is also longer.

On the other hand, the conventional copper core AC/Delco 41-602s can be had for about $2.00 + tax ea. and are good for at least 10k miles. That means my Z will have a fresh set in it for under $20 every season (≈ 3000 miles or so) well above their half-life performance threshold, and perhaps superior to a rare earth plug in it's twilight phase. And, considering how easy it is to replace plugs in an LT5, I don't see any down side to using the conventional plugs.

Your mileage may vary...