Spark plug gap and torque

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

rwmorrisonjr

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Posts
389
Reaction score
123
Location
Memphis, TN
I'm going to change the plugs on my 2012 with 97500 on the clock, and need the plug gap and torque info. I've googled it and found .052-.056" for gap and 9-15 lb/ft for torque, but want to confirm those numbers before starting the work.
 

1955moose

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 23, 2014
Posts
6,004
Reaction score
1,351
Well you've got the gap right, from what I read about the first two gens, and probably pertains to yours. A little more torque, at 18-22 ft lbs. theirs controversy about whether or not to use anti sieze on plugs. Me I would use a thin amount. Steel and aluminum don't mix with air. I've seen so many plugs take out aluminum threads. Don't over torque plugs. 18-20 is what I hear on ft lbs. any one else want to chime in on Torque!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ManUpOrShutUp

Full Access Members
Joined
Mar 27, 2016
Posts
2,113
Reaction score
1,157
Location
PA
9-15 lb/ft is correct. I'll second the vote for anti-seize. I use just a very light coat of high temp nickel anti-seize. If you use it remember to knock about 20% off those torque numbers. So if you're aiming for 12 lb/ft, stop when the needle read 9.5 lb/ft.
 
OP
OP
rwmorrisonjr

rwmorrisonjr

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Posts
389
Reaction score
123
Location
Memphis, TN
I went with .052-.056" gap and 10 ft/lbs (120 in/lbs) torque since the plugs were seated firmly with just hand tightening, and I didn't want to risk stripping the threads by going too tight. Did a run around the neighborhood and on the highway it it runs like a top; seems to have a little more low-end oomph to it now. Also did the throttle body cleaning.

All said, I saved $986 over what the dealer wanted to charge me for the service. They wanted to charge ~$240 for parts that I got, from the same dealer, for ~$144. Three hours labor later, I'm good for another 100k miles!
 

danzaokid

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2022
Posts
2
Reaction score
1
Location
Walnut Creek, California
Update - for those with metric 1.4mm = 0.054". Also don't forget the dielectric grease on the plug connectors. Turns out the individual coil boots only uses spring tension to make electrical contact. The old distributor and individual spare plug wires used a snap type connection.
 
Top