Technical 100hp spark plug torque setting.

[KungFooPanda]

Hi Guys

I decided last week to change/upgrade the spark plugs on the old girl to NGK irodium plugs. I used my torque wrench (Which I've never done before, as always just nipped them tight) to 25nm as I've read that's what most people do. I've just seen that the NGK recommendation is for between 15-20Nm.

For a strange reason my coolant level has started to drop and I'm worried that I've cracked something. I'm going to use a Blue Point combustion sniffer test tomorrow to see what's what. My fingers are crossed that I haven't split something.

Has anyone had a similar issue maybe

Old copper plugs on left picy. Always run on Esso Synergy Supreme petrol.

Tia

 

[koalar]

18nm is the correct setting

25nm overly excessive and will not cause a problem, except they may be difficult to remove at the next service

Coolant dropping isn't connected, but obviously needs sorting asap, have you done a coolant change recently

Spark plugs, simple, quick, easy | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

Unplug the lead Unscrew the plug Screw the new ones in Torque up Plug the leads back on and drive off That's how it should go and often does Most of the problems are avoidable Don't change the plugs while it's raining Don't leave the plugs in past 100,000 miles Don't over torque Don't under...

www.fiatforum.com

 

[KungFooPanda]

Cheers mate. Should I slacking them off to the 18nm? I've been drawing out some coolant on a regular basis and refilling with Millers Alpine Red concentrated antifreeze because of this cold weather. Always topped back up to max line mark. Going to get the Cambelt & Water pump changed this year.

 

[KungFooPanda]

This is what it looks like after a 6 mile run

 

[koalar]

The level should rise slightly when hot due to expansion, somewhere between 5-10%


Measurements cold should be the same is

 

[koalar]

Should I slacking them off to the 18nm

I would, but not strictly necessary, they can be quite stressful to remove tight plugs after a few tens of thousands miles

 

[KungFooPanda]

Cheers. Think I'll slacken them off tomorrow after engine has cooled down and test done. Just wanna cover the basics really. Was thinking I'd done something drastically wrong. Have to say that the irodium plugs have a made a vast improvement to performance over the standard copper plugs. More power and slightly improved mpg to 42.2 mpg over the 39.4 mpg.

 

[KungFooPanda]

Only did the plugs about 40 miles ago. So I'm guessing they will turn okay

 

[koalar]

Only did the plugs about 40 miles ago. So I'm guessing they will turn okay

They will be asolutely fine

 

[cooperman]

I’ve been trying to find a water leak for the past year and I’m finally looking at head gasket.
Check thermostat and radiator as they are weak points

 

[DaveMcT]

A chemical sniff test will show if the head gasket is the problem.

 

[cooperman]

A chemical sniff test will show if the head gasket is the problem.

It had one and it didn’t show an issue, had the pressure test kit on it for an hour with it losing pressure and now water leaking anyway and I’ve changed every single part and pipe!

 

[koalar]

If you pull the carpet away from the bottom of the heater box, is it damp between the black plastic and where it meets the floor

 

[cooperman]

If you pull the carpet away from the bottom of the heater box, is it damp between the black plastic and where it meets the floor

All been replaced still same issue, pipes and the matrix!

 

[koalar]

Chemical sniff test is rarely conclusive, and only a guide

Sometimes fail even when the head gasket is fine

Sometimes pass when the head gasket as failed

It all depends what the coolant is, how old the coolant is, how it's leaking

For example if it's leaking out between the head and block, not unknown the sniff test will pass

 

[koalar]

All been replaced still same issue, pipes and the matrix!

But is it wet

 

[cooperman]

But is it wet

No I uv dye checked it also with no issues found

 

[koalar]

Does it loose a lot to start with then slow down

 

[cooperman]

Does it loose a lot to start with then slow down

It used less doing 500 miles in one day driving to France then it does using it 5 days a week doing the 14 mile round trip to work!

 

[KungFooPanda]

Well I did a sniffer test today when I came home and the engine was hot. According to the test I did (3) there wasn't anything picked up.

Did it with the engine running and not. The Blue Print test kit is good as far as I know, because it has 2 separate liquid containers that the gas gets pulled through.

I'm still undecided if I should leave the spark plugs set at 25Nm or slacken them down to 18-20Nm! The plugs should have a life span of around 10 years I've been told.

What's your thoughts