Spark plug problems...

D

dlxrobinson

Member
Anybody else have at least one of their spark plugs back itself out on the interstate?

This is the second time this has happened to me in about 2-3 months and now I get to spend time on my vacation fixing it.

Background info: lifted on 33s with stock gearing, went out this time after using cruise control around 75 for an hour and a half. Once I got gas and got back on the road, it started shaking badly after 5 minutes and the check engine light flashed a few times over the course of the next 2 and a half hours. Probably not the best idea to drive for two and a half hours with a messed up plug, but I had no choice.
 
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Sparkplugs don't back out unless either your head is stripped, or you're reusing a sparkplug that has had its crush washer previous smashed down. As you said you've reinstalled the plug a few times I would try new plugs. If you use NGK you do not need to use antiseize on the threads. The box should say how much to tighten them, typically finger tight plus 1/2 turn.
 
I've never had a spark plug back out on me and I've changed quite a few spark plugs in my day. I actually used a little anti-seize for the first time on the threads of the plugs for my 4runner when I installed them 2 years ago and I'm having no issues. But, I probably won't use anti-seize again because I don't think it's necessary. I've never had a hard time getting a spark plug out of any vehicle. I was just blindly following somebodies suggestion on a forum post.

You probably didn't have them tightened down enough in the first place. I think it may be common that people under tighten them due to fear of breaking them off in the head. When tightening, you can feel when the crush washer makes contact and then you cinch it down more until it's tight. I'm not talking getting on the end of a half inch ratchet and cranking with all your might. Use a 3/8" ratchet, choke up on the handle and use a moderate amount of force. If you're not good with tightening things and avoiding stripping and breaking, just invest in a torque wrench and let the tool do the work for you.

I think the suggestion of buying new plugs and starting over is a good one.
 
mtbtim said:
I've never had a spark plug back out on me and I've changed quite a few spark plugs in my day. I actually used a little anti-seize for the first time on the threads of the plugs for my 4runner when I installed them 2 years ago and I'm having no issues. But, I probably won't use anti-seize again because I don't think it's necessary. I've never had a hard time getting a spark plug out of any vehicle. I was just blindly following somebodies suggestion on a forum post.

You probably didn't have them tightened down enough in the first place. I think it may be common that people under tighten them due to fear of breaking them off in the head. When tightening, you can feel when the crush washer makes contact and then you cinch it down more until it's tight. I'm not talking getting on the end of a half inch ratchet and cranking with all your might. Use a 3/8" ratchet, choke up on the handle and use a moderate amount of force. If you're not good with tightening things and avoiding stripping and breaking, just invest in a torque wrench and let the tool do the work for you.

I think the suggestion of buying new plugs and starting over is a good one.
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I was going to push the like button, but it's gone. Lol
 
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