RE: RE: Spark Plugs Breaking?

From: Bernd D. Ratsch (bernd@texas.net)
Date: Sat May 13 2000 - 13:38:04 EDT


So why doesn't it happen to replacement plugs? The factory plugs were
wrenched in there so tight that I had to use a breaker bar (and yes, broke
the plug in the process) to loosen it up.

- Bernd

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of mrdancer
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2000 12:22 PM
To: 'DML'
Subject: DML: RE: Spark Plugs Breaking?

I don't really think they were put in that tight at the factory. I think
that when the engine is first "breaking in", it expands and contracts quite
a bit, and that is what causes the plugs to tighten up.

For this same reason, plugs can get pretty tight in aluminum motors. I left
some plugs in my motorcycle for nearly 15,000 miles and I actually broke one
off at the threads trying to remove them - had to get it out with an
'easy-out'. That's why they recommend changing plugs so often on
motorcycles (like once a year or every 3-5k miles). I also learned to put
anti-seize on the plugs ;-)

Along this same line of reasoning, you want to remove (or loosen) plugs from
(aluminum) engines when they are hot, since the metal is expanded; however,
let the engine cool down before installing and tightening the new plugs.

--
'92 Dak CC 2wd 318 3.55
'84 GoldWing Interstate



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