Just realized I was the only one in our shop not using a torque wrench for spark plugs

Had a 2018 Ford F-150 come in last Tuesday with a misfire, and the old plugs were stuck bad. My boss said to just crank them out with a breaker bar, but I insisted on soaking them with penetrating oil overnight first. He thought it was a waste of time, but I got all eight out without stripping a single thread. Anyone else get pushback for taking the slower, careful route on jobs like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_lane25d ago

Actually, a breaker bar on stuck plugs is asking for trouble. Good call on the penetrant. The real issue is nobody using a torque wrench for the install. That's what gets them stuck in the first place, way over-torqued.

michael_wood3225d ago

Ugh, preach! People just crank them down like they're trying to win a prize.

kai_stone991d ago

It's the same with jar lids at home. My dad puts them on so tight nobody else can open them later. That over-tightening instinct is everywhere, from oil filters to garden hose fittings.