Changing the spark plugs.....

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Roadster

Some of you may agree or may disagree....I wasn't about to throw my back out removing spark plugs....so when I felt that they were in there really tight, resorted to one of my leverage tools. This time only a half of a floor jack handle. No room for the whole thing....lol I wouldn't do this on anyone else's vehicle, but for me it broke most of the plugs loose. Only two I undid by hand. The others needed persuasion......

Spark plugs from Left to Right.....
#8 #6 #4 #2...

you can see oil at the top of the threads on 3 of the plugs...

Spark plugs from Left to Right.....
#7 #5 #3 #1...
oil at the top of all of the threads...

YIKES!

IIRC, plugs only require (something like) 19 ft# of torque. Stripping the aluminum threads immediately came to mind - even if they are "only siezed".

On installation, I dab the tip of a finger in some anti-sieze goop, and make a single swipe (perpendicular to) across the threads before reinstalling the plug.

In 55 years of changing plugs I've never had one back out, nor require more than a gentle push on the ratchet handle to break it loose. (And, once the initial torque is broken, the plug usually unscrew with twisting the extension with my fingers...usually.)

Obviously, those threads didn't strip out; no harm done. But, I know you'll like the anti-sieze when you remove them next rime.

[XfireZ51]

I started usng a dab of oil instead of anti-seize. W anti-seize I found that I needed to snug up the plugs fairly often.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

I started usng a dab of oil instead of anti-seize. W anti-seize I found that I needed to snug up the plugs fairly often.

I just use that tiny amount - never a problem. But, if oil is working, carry on.

Speaking of "plugs" seizing, I always use either Teflon (plumber's) tape or anti-seize on the various drain plugs; e.g., oil pan drain/fill plugs. That really does the trick - far as seizing goes. I never had one leak either.

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

YIKES!

IIRC, plugs only require (something like) 19 ft# of torque. Stripping the aluminum threads immediately came to mind - even if they are "only siezed".

On installation, I dab the tip of a finger in some anti-sieze goop, and make a single swipe (perpendicular to) across the threads before reinstalling the plug.

In 55 years of changing plugs I've never had one back out, nor require more than a gentle push on the ratchet handle to break it loose. (And, once the initial torque is broken, the plug usually unscrew with twisting the extension with my fingers...usually.)

Obviously, those threads didn't strip out; no harm done. But, I know you'll like the anti-sieze when you remove them next rime.

Yea, when I went to undo I said much more than YIKES!.....one of the PO's really wanted to make his strength known in the future.....I have used this size breaker bars enough to now have the feel of how much pressure to apply when getting something loose. As mentioned, I wouldn't do this to another owner's vehicle even if asked....if I mess up on my own vehicle, oh well!!! but as you can see, they came out fine. I did use a slight amount of anti-sieze for the next time....

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

I started usng a dab of oil instead of anti-seize. W anti-seize I found that I needed to snug up the plugs fairly often.

I have never used oil for this purpose, not saying it wouldn't work....and have not performed a snug-up on the plugs, yet!!!