torque wrench or hand tight +1/2 TURN?

[08 Hilux Surf]

I'm due to change my spark plugs on my 08 4R Sport 38K milies. I don't own a torque wrench, but do you guys strongly recommend using the torque wrench (15lbs?). I was simply planning to hand tighten the plugs and with 1/2 turn on my socket wrench. Is this good enough? Pls comment.

 

[A/V1]

I'm due to change my spark plugs on my 08 4R Sport 38K milies. I don't own a torque wrench, but do you guys strongly recommend using the torque wrench (15lbs?). I was simply planning to hand tighten the plugs and with 1/2 turn on my socket wrench. Is this good enough? Pls comment.

Since you are quoting 15ft-lbs, it sounds like you have the V8. If you have the V8, you don't need to change out the plugs until 100K miles due to iridium plugs. If you have the V6, the torque value is 13 ft-lbs I believe, and your interval is 30K miles.

DEFINITELY GET A TORQUE WRENCH! You don't want to ruin your aluminum head because you were too cheap to get a $30 torque wrench, do you?

 

[JPWendtinc]

I checked my plugs at 100K and they looked brand new so I left them alone.

Definitely get a torque wrench. It will come in handy.

 

[08 Hilux Surf]

Sorry I forgot to indicate I have V6(1GR-FE). Decided to go with standard copper Denso K20HR-U11. I didn't realize I went over over the recommended 30K miles, since I was hearing around 36K was OK. I'll have to agree...get a torque wrench. V6 Denso are 13lbs, correct? And I suppose you also suggest to apply a little anti-seize on the thread of the plug... Thanks guys!

 

[honda_nos]

I've done it both by torque wrench and by hand. Over the last 15 years, I've done tons of plugs (back when you're supposed to change them much more often). I think either method is fine, just use common sense.

 

[Zuke]

Before I had a torque wrench is went by the finger tight method. Just use your thumb a index finger to grip the wrench. I never had a problem.

 

[tacticalcustoms]

15 lbs is not a lot any ways. I just did mine(v8) . I get them tight and then do a 1/4 turn.

 

[Jerrydog]

Ive had many cars with aluminum heads over the years, three 10th Anniversary Z cars, not to mention my 300k pathfinder. I always use the hand gauge method:

1. Remove the old plug
2. Chase it with a thread straightener/cleaner
3. Antiseize on the new plug (just a little)
4. Finger tight
5. Quarter to half turn on the wrench.

Never fouled a thread, never had one back out.

 

[MikeInNH]

I have a torque wrench , but have NEVER EVER used it for spark-plugs. Nor will I.

 

[sonerick]

I have a torque wrench , but have NEVER EVER used it for spark-plugs. Nor will I.

+1. Just don't cross-thread or over-tighten.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

We don't bother with a torque wrench at work, just snug them and a 1/4~1/3 a turn after and you're good to go. Like it was said, 15lbs is not a lot of force.