I'm Screwed???!!! Sparkplug Threads Melted

[Land Shark]

how often should we be checking our spark plugs for tightness ? is that the only prevention ?

I would think every oil change but @2001LC would have better info. Been quite a bit since I read his very well pout together "ticking time bomb" thread

 

[rexington14]

Checking tightness every once in a while is good but the recommendation is also to use a higher torque setting when torquing down the plugs. Especially with used plugs / repeat plug installation. I believe factory spec is 13ft/lb but the recommendation is to go with 17-18ft/lb.

 

[2001LC]

How often to checks spark plugs, depend on how many cold starts (warm up and cool down cycles). For most checking or replacing spark plugs, during Timing belt service, is perfect. Others, may want to check each 40K miles. Very best indicator is sound. TICK TICK TICK POP POP POP, just like exhaust manifold leak. Hear it, check the spark plugs.

 

[sterling]

Curious @2001LC have you found a distinct difference in sound of a spark plug walking out vs. an exhaust manifold leak?
Pitch or tone maybe?

 

[pwil393]

This has thread has me worried. My ‘04 has had a rattle since I’ve owned it (Oct ‘23) and I’ve always assumed it was the heat shields on the catalytic converters. It mostly happens at low RPM’s and when it’s cold out.

Time to pull the plugs and cross my fingers it’s not this tick tick pop pop being mentioned here.

 

[2001LC]

Curious @2001LC have you found a distinct difference in sound of a spark plug walking out vs. an exhaust manifold leak?
Pitch or tone maybe?

My ears aren't, that good. I actually don't hear it all that often. Because I change spark plugs very often, in baseline.

I suppose if one really in tune. You'll hear pop, tick, pop, tick, pop, tick (compression stroke pop, exhaust stroke tick) with loose spark plugs. Tick with only, exhaust leak only. Both pop, tick, tick.

But as I've stated. Sounds just like exhaust leak. Hear it, check the spark plugs.