V6 Spark Plug Choice, Torque Setting, Stripped Threads

[BongoBonkers]

Hi

We are just about to change the spark plugs on our V6 after 2 years...... I am paranoid about stripped threads as it's one of those things that's so easily done but can be such a nightmare to sort out.....

Does anyone know if V6 heads are particularly prone to this mini-disaster? Does anyone know a suitable torque setting in NM for this job?

I am choosing either Bosch FR78X or NGK BKR5E-11. Does anyone have any experience of either being good / bad / indifferent?

Thanks

Dave

[apole]

Hi,

Regarding the plugs I've used the NGK ones BRK as you list. I've also used Denso Iridium IK16's, these are much more expensive but it did start slightly quiker and run well. Not worth the extra though IMHO.

Regarding the threads, well it is an allu head so you do have to be careful. I'm not sure of the torque setting, will try and find that out, but I follow common sense and tighten till it starts meeting resistance (i.e. the washer) then about half a turn more. Whatever you do don't apply too much pressure or you could damage something.

if you suspect this has happened in the past you can buy thread chasers for this quite cheaply.

You will need quite a deep extension to get at the plug, and check the hole hasn't got any junk in it before removing the plug.

Hope this helps and if someone has a torque setting I'd like to know myself. I'll try and do some research later.

Andy

[Doone]

I know my hubby's done quite a few V6's and he's never mentioned the threads stripping, so it doesn't seem like it's a common problem, although as you've mentioned, it's an aluminium head so you do have to be careful. As far as I know, you drop it in, tighten by hand until finger tight, then tighten it with the bar. My hubby isn't here so I can't ask about the torque setting but it's the sort of info that I expect is in the manual, so one of the members will have it?

[apole]

Hi there,

This may help:

http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/torque.htm

[BongoBonkers]

Thanks for the advice guys / gals. That's a useful link Andy, thanks. I think the plugs are 14mm (will check first!) so I reckon I'll do them to 25NM and see how it goes. Cheers, Dave

[wishmaster]

Hi there, just changed the plugs on our V6 and used Bosch super 4's FR78X, i changed the original NGK plugs to these when we first bought the bongo as ive always ran super 4's in our Kia for years . IMHO i find starting better and smoother running but that's just my opinion,but i would recomend them , saying this i won a set of these plugs on Ebay (6 new plugs) for £11 post free now thats a real bargain

Izzy

[cheffy34]

I just used orig ngk's cheap and cheerfull so you can change em more often