Need help with changing spark plugs. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

HeavyD · 11-23-2009, 08:38 AM

Hey guys, looking for some advice. I will be installing shorties at some time in the near future. I will be removing the spark plugs. I don't work on cars, I have been a diesel tech for 15 years and I have never actually installed spark plugs before! Does anyone know what the proper torque is? What is the proper gap? Does anyone use a bit anti-seize on the threads? Anything else I should know?
Thanks!

wavrun2000 · 11-23-2009, 08:45 AM

I don't know what they are torqued to. But if you are taking the original ones out and just putting them back in you shouldn't have to regap them. And yes put a dab of anti-seize on them. The torque info seems like it may been in the owners manual.

*CamaroSpike23* · 11-23-2009, 09:27 AM

IIRC its 11-12ft lbs

Camaro509 · 11-23-2009, 09:42 AM

Yes, anti-seize is a must.
Not sure about the gap to be honest, would have to look
in the manual for that.

Angrybird 12 · 11-23-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Hey guys, looking for some advice. I will be installing shorties at some time in the near future. I will be removing the spark plugs. I don't work on cars, I have been a diesel tech for 15 years and I have never actually installed spark plugs before! Does anyone know what the proper torque is? What is the proper gap? Does anyone use a bit anti-seize on the threads? Anything else I should know?
Thanks!

both plug gap and torque should be in the Maintenance section or specs in the owner's manual. and yes high temp anti sieze compound is a must... especially in aluminum heads.

BLK2SS · 11-23-2009, 09:46 AM

The factory plugs are the iridium plugs set at .040, you are not supposed to gap this type of plug due to the size of the electrode.

HeavyD · 11-23-2009, 10:59 AM

I checked the owners manual, nothing about torque that I could find. Only AC Delco PN's, and the gap of 0.040". I did some research on those plugs and gap is set when the center electrode is set into the ceramic. Other forums are still saying to check just to be safe. I checked around some other manufactures and did some cross reference to find more info. If you cross the part number in the manual to the latest Delco number you get 41-985. No torque info on the Delco site. If you cross to Bosch and Autolite and read the specs the plug has 14mm threads, tapered seat, 5/8 hex. In an aluminum head they both say 7-15 ftlbs.

http://www.autolite.com/pdf/TorqueSpecs.pdf

DangerZL1 · 11-23-2009, 12:53 PM

If you use anti-sieze on the plugs when reinstalling/replacing them, I would use the 7 ft-lb rating if you're torquing them with a wrench. The 15 ft-lb rating is witout anti-sieze. I prefer using anti-sieze.

HeavyD · 11-23-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerouSS

If you use anti-sieze on the plugs when reinstalling/replacing them, I would use the 7 ft-lb rating if you're torquing them with a wrench. The 15 ft-lb rating is witout anti-sieze. I prefer using anti-sieze.

Yes, very true. I am a heavy truck tech by trade. I use anti-seize whenever I can. You will no believe how quickly or bad some bolts and parts seize on big rigs.

HeavyD · 11-23-2009, 06:38 PM

Actually, how do those heat shields come off around the boots?

Alfieboy · 11-23-2009, 07:14 PM

The shields should just pull off as well

teapot · 11-23-2009, 08:19 PM

Grab and tug holding on to the metal boot.

Be super-careful when you reinstall the plugs. They are a little tricky to line up when you contort yourself to reach down in the engine bay. Gently hand-tighten the plugs all the way until they are snug, then use a wrench. It's easy to start off cross-threaded... not that I've ever done that before!

HeavyD · 11-24-2009, 02:13 PM

Thanks for help everyone!!!

11-23-2009, 08:38 AM	#1
HeavyD Drives: 1SSRS RY L99 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,329	Need help with changing spark plugs. Hey guys, looking for some advice. I will be installing shorties at some time in the near future. I will be removing the spark plugs. I don't work on cars, I have been a diesel tech for 15 years and I have never actually installed spark plugs before! Does anyone know what the proper torque is? What is the proper gap? Does anyone use a bit anti-seize on the threads? Anything else I should know? Thanks!

11-23-2009, 08:45 AM	#2
wavrun2000 o come on Drives: 06 GTO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Naples FL Posts: 437	I don't know what they are torqued to. But if you are taking the original ones out and just putting them back in you shouldn't have to regap them. And yes put a dab of anti-seize on them. The torque info seems like it may been in the owners manual. __________________ 06 GTO with three pedals like it should be

11-23-2009, 09:42 AM	#4
Camaro509 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,085	Yes, anti-seize is a must. Not sure about the gap to be honest, would have to look in the manual for that. __________________ Understeer, Oversteer, Wheel Alignment (Camber etc), Torque, Horsepower, Camaro Fold for team 11108 to help find a cure! Folding@home Stanford's Research DC Program.

11-23-2009, 06:38 PM	#10
HeavyD Drives: 1SSRS RY L99 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,329	Actually, how do those heat shields come off around the boots? Attached Images

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11-23-2009, 09:46 AM	#6
BLK2SS Drives: Black 2SS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Westminster, MD Posts: 169	The factory plugs are the iridium plugs set at .040, you are not supposed to gap this type of plug due to the size of the electrode.

11-23-2009, 10:59 AM	#7
HeavyD Drives: 1SSRS RY L99 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,329	I checked the owners manual, nothing about torque that I could find. Only AC Delco PN's, and the gap of 0.040". I did some research on those plugs and gap is set when the center electrode is set into the ceramic. Other forums are still saying to check just to be safe. I checked around some other manufactures and did some cross reference to find more info. If you cross the part number in the manual to the latest Delco number you get 41-985. No torque info on the Delco site. If you cross to Bosch and Autolite and read the specs the plug has 14mm threads, tapered seat, 5/8 hex. In an aluminum head they both say 7-15 ftlbs. http://www.autolite.com/pdf/TorqueSpecs.pdf

11-23-2009, 12:53 PM	#8
DangerZL1 Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FEMA Region 4 Posts: 2,935	If you use anti-sieze on the plugs when reinstalling/replacing them, I would use the 7 ft-lb rating if you're torquing them with a wrench. The 15 ft-lb rating is witout anti-sieze. I prefer using anti-sieze.

11-23-2009, 07:14 PM	#11
Alfieboy Madman Drives: 2017 1SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: RICHMOND VA Posts: 1,405 View My Garage	The shields should just pull off as well

11-23-2009, 08:19 PM	#12
teapot Drives: 2010 2SS RS CGM MN6 GFX Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 59 View My Garage	Grab and tug holding on to the metal boot. Be super-careful when you reinstall the plugs. They are a little tricky to line up when you contort yourself to reach down in the engine bay. Gently hand-tighten the plugs all the way until they are snug, then use a wrench. It's easy to start off cross-threaded... not that I've ever done that before!

11-24-2009, 02:13 PM	#13
HeavyD Drives: 1SSRS RY L99 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,329	Thanks for help everyone!!!