Holy Cow why is my spark plug like this?!!

[Disorderlypunk]

never used a torque wrench on plugs - unless you are being a fool and swinging off a cheater bar you aint likely to overtighten them

[Bretty]

I mean use a torque wrench to achieve the required torque. Not a high torque.
13Nm according to the manual.

You don't want them in too tight if subject to corrosion. It's not uncommon for a plug to shear off when you remove it, leaving the thread and ceramic stuck in the engine and then you really are foc'd.


I try and use a torque wrench as much as possible on everything since discovering how rubbish I am at judging torques..

[slappy]

Ha ha thank you all:) well, with new plugs in seems to ride a bit better with the new plugs. I don't own a torque wrench so I'll have to get one and get them in there properly. I'm assuming that a dodgy spark won't change the carb balancing? Or will I need to balance the carbs again?

It's definatly rust, not copperslip or poo....or curry

How do you know for certain, have you licked it?

[darrsi]

I mean use a torque wrench to achieve the required torque. Not a high torque.
13Nm according to the manual.

You don't want them in too tight if subject to corrosion. It's not uncommon for a plug to shear off when you remove it, leaving the thread and ceramic stuck in the engine and then you really are foc'd.


I try and use a torque wrench as much as possible on everything since discovering how rubbish I am at judging torques..

I use the torque wrench on most stuff, but things like brake caliper bolts for example i don't any more. I'm not heavy handed anyway because i deal with expensive and sensitive equipment at work, but you do get a general feel for what's right and wrong.
In the same breath a lot of people don't realise you shouldn't use copper grease with a torque wrench as it totally throws settings off and it will tighten way past the set level before it clicks, as i found out with a rear caliper pad pin a few years back.
If you use engine oil as a lube then torque settings will remain accurate though.