Thread: Changing Spark Plugs?

I find some of the posts on this thread somewhat illogical. If you were shopping for a brand new BMW and had the choice (same price) of a bike assembled with the use of torque wrenches or one done without torque wrenches but by skilled mechanics, which would you buy? If the former, why would you not continue to use a torque wrench? I have no doubt people who make a living spinning wrenches can probably get very close to the proper torque by...

Quote: Originally Posted by JimMoore For you guys who are afraid to tighten a spark plug without a torque werench, .... . If you tighten it hand tight, then 1/8 of a turn to crush the crush washer a little bit, it will stay forever. It's the "Then" that causes me a problem. Nothing ruins my day quite like ... then a little more, a little more, a little more, whoa - why did the torque just go to 0 ?

Quote: Originally Posted by PETDOC I find some of the posts on this thread somewhat illogical. I'm very careful witt a lot of things. Spark plugs ain't one of 'em.

The oil drain bolt on my 01 F650 was a bolt strippers nightmare. As I remember the threads were aluminum on the bolt itself never mind the aluminum crankcase. The stripping happened not when tightening but upon threading. The bolt would jam halfway and if you forced it or even used a torque wrench on it the threads would disintegrate leaving the bolt stuck halfway to bottoming. The crankcase wont hold oil like that. A fine mess that. Im one...

Quote: Originally Posted by Semper_Fi I found this worked well on my hex, should apply here Extended Reach 5/8” Spark Plug Socket Reference www.harborfreight.com Item number 91705 It wasn't the reach, but didn't fit through the opening is this one slimmer in diameter?

Quote: Originally Posted by beemermyke I remember seeing that post about having the valve covers off in the past (maybe Paul mentioned it?) Didn't work on my bike the last time I did my valves, that's why I ground down my socket like I did. It was a Craftsman. Was the wall thickness thicker than other brands? Dunno... but the ID of the cylinder head hole was still a bit too small for my R1150RS. Probably a thicker walled socket than...

This all comes down to if you are maintenance pragmatist, perfectionist,always take it to the dealer, or if it starts I will ride it type of person. Same as any discussion of religion or politics. We can fight it out forever, or agree to disagree. Lets just go ride, it is beautiful here. Rod

Quote: Originally Posted by PETDOC I find some of the posts on this thread somewhat illogical. If you were shopping for a brand new BMW and had the choice (same price) of a bike assembled with the use of torque wrenches or one done without torque wrenches but by skilled mechanics, which would you buy? If the former, why would you not continue to use a torque wrench? I have no doubt people who make a living spinning wrenches can probably get...

Spark plugs in cast iron Chevy heads are way diff from BMW and VW magnesium/aluminum ones...too each his own, but I am not going to be saying over something as simple as not using a T-wrench and pulling out a thread. Used to work with a fellow who torqued by feel...used easy- outs and new bolts a lot...but he never altered his method. I changed a set yesterday on a R12R and thought 23nm sure was loose compared to what I used to feel on the...

Quote: Originally Posted by JimMoore For you guys who are afraid to tighten a spark plug without a torque werench, here's something to consider. The plug is being held in place by the rubber boot. If you tightened it hand-tight, it would probably stay forever. If you tighten it hand tight, then 1/8 of a turn to crush the crush washer a little bit, it will stay forever. I agree with you. I've never had one fall out. the only thing I...