Hey all :wave:, so I have a misfire on cylinder #1 that’s tripped my check engine light ( got the codes read at my local auto zone). And I think I want to give it a try and replacing them myself… I’ve watched and read many articles on how to and it doesn’t look too daunting getting to the plug… the…

Ford may have issued a TSB for your engine, with updated torque recommendations. It’s worth some research.

I’ve never used a torque wrench when installing spark plugs. This is because on some applications, you can’t get a straight access to the spark plugs. And if you’re using a swivel joint to gain access to the spark plugs, a torque wrench is useless. I use the old tried and true method when tighteni…

I’ve never used a torque wrench for plugs either. Just give 'em a good tighten with the ratchet. Don’t hulk out on them or anything - get them tightened to where they don’t turn anymore and then give them a moderate crank. If you happen to be overly muscular, adjust that down to a very light crank. …

I just hold a 2/8 drive ratchet by the head in my fist and tighten by rotating my wrist.

I can guarantee you that if you torque them to 25 Ft. Lbs that they’re going to strip out before they tighten. And the plugs do not blow out because they’re torqued to 13 Ft. Lbs. Tighten them as Tester mentions. For me, I’ve never torqued a plug in my life and that’s a lot of plugs. Just snug them…

[image] oldtimer-11: I just hold a 2/8 drive ratchet Is that the same as a 1/4 drive ?

I’ve never used a torque wrench either. Just snug them up by feel. For the first time in 50 years though I paid someone else to change mine and get their hands all scraped up. I dunno if he used a torque wrench or not.

Appreciate all the responses so far! :slight_smile: I figure i might as well just change them all out while I’m at it. But the consensus is to not use a torque wrench and just use a ratchet/handntightening then when installing them and giving them one last snug after they are seated in. Should I u…

If the cylinder heads are cast iron, which I believe is true on your Grand Marquis, a small amount of anti-seize on the plug threads will help in future removal. Just change the plugs first. And if the engine runs smoothly with no Check Engine light, you found the miss. Tester

Right amount of torque installing spark plugs

Maintenance/Repairs

MikeInNH April 20, 2017, 6:45pm 2

I’ve never used a torque wrench for sparkplugs.

If you want to use a torque wrench, the torque spec might actually be in your owners manual.

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Right amount of torque installing spark plugs

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