spark plug torque on aluminum heads

[hombres ruin]

Hi guys.i have a 50 8Ba and putting new plugs in.what is the torque specs for 14mm plugs on aluminum heads..is it 15ftlbs....thanks..HR

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by hombres ruin

Hi guys.i have a 50 8Ba and putting new plugs in.what is the torque specs for 14mm plugs on aluminum heads..is it 15ftlbs....thanks..HR

I put a dab of anti seize compound on the threads and install them "snug" without forcing them. Here's the anti seize discussion. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r228...eads-Yes-or-No
Here's the torque specs for cast iron and alum heads: http://www.nology.com/torque.html Quite interesting. Recommended that torque be reduced 20% if using anti seize.

[Lawson Cox]

Put 'em in snug, then just bump the wrench with your hand. Ford mechanics never used torque wrenches. Gimme a break.

[hombres ruin]

Thanks 19fordy for the links.when using the term snug,how snug is snug and is it enough?Are the torque specs for flatheads or other engines?

[OldDad]

Here's what the old man taught me. Take a ratchet and run them down until you start to feel resistance, choke up on the ratchet to where you're holding the ratchet end right up against your thumb and forefinger, and turn until it feels snug just using the twisting of your wrist and forearm. Like Lawson Cox said. State of the art advice from circa 1946, but by all means use a torque wrench if you feel the need.

[Paul Selfe]

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Originally Posted by OldDad

Here's what the old man taught me. Take a ratchet and run them down until you start to feel resistance, choke up on the ratchet to where you're holding the ratchet end right up against your thumb and forefinger, and turn until it feels snug just using the twisting of your wrist and forearm. Like Lawson Cox said. State of the art advice from circa 1946, but by all means use a torque wrench if you feel the need.

I agree with OldDad, that's the way I do em. A little dab of anti-sieze keeps it from stripping the threads out when you change them next time. Never had one leak, or loosen up. Paul Selfe.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by hombres ruin

Thanks 19fordy for the links.when using the term snug,how snug is snug and is it enough?Are the torque specs for flatheads or other engines?

"Snug" means you turn the plug until you feel it "touch bottom" and then turn it 3/8 in more. What I would do is practice with a 3/8 in. socket wrench handle and then check it with a torque wrench. That will enable me to develop a "feel" for when it's correct torque as soemtimes I can't put a torque wrench on the plug. The Van Pelt site shows the following torque settings for flathead spark plugs for 1932-48 and 49 to 53.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_torquespecs32-48V8.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ecs49-53V8.htm

[hombres ruin]

Thanks guys for the advice,learned alot.i will take it all on board.the info on this site is awesome.