Ticking time bomb TICK TICK TICK: Spark plugs Alert Alert Alert! (14 Viewers)

[Super77]

Interesting tool. Never seen it. I’ve been reading about only using a chasing tap on spark plug threads. Do the pistons need to positioned a certain way?

 

[flyingscot]

after 3k miles - checked LH bank of cylinders - 2/4/6/8 - all plugs tight - however set torque wrench to 17ftibs and snugged them up slightly, from previous 15 ftlbs. Will do same with RH bank in due course.

OK - so its a few years late - but I just snugged up the RH bank to 17 ft.lbs too - all plugs still tight (#3 maybe moved 1/32 of a turn) - am happier with 17ftlbs torque (up from 15ftlbs original torque....)

 

[Jay Tea]

My engine was making a ticking noise and I had initially chalked it up to a leaking exhaust manifold.

Upon reading this thread I checked my plugs and found all were super loose, not finger loose but well below the specified 17.5nm for sure; the previous owner had used a copper anti-seize on the plugs which I cleaned off.

I cleaned up the spark plug holes as the mating surfaces were all very dirty and I wanted to ensure the plugs would seal correctly, I used a rifle cleaning rod with a bit of shop rag covered in brake cleaner.

I also found cylinder 6 ignition coil boot was discoloured (overheated?) and that cylinder 4 ignition coil housing was cracked.

I tightened the plugs by feel and I think they're about 25nm, since test driving the ticking noise has reduced drastically and now I've narrowed it down to a leaking exhaust flex joint.

Thanks for this thread as I probably wouldn't have looked at the plugs for another few years at least.

 

[flyingscot]

well done - you probably saved yourself a potential headache