Hi. Finally decided to get my spark plugs changed. I have the 1.2 8v engine. So what is the socket size to remove them?

Car done 34,000 kms on original copper plugs. Can't believe I let it in there for that long!! Fuel economy starting to go down to a point where I can't get 550kms out of a tank!

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure on the size but when I bought mine it was the standard size not the smaller one.

21mm then, based on Cyberface's post

Anyone got an idea what size the TA one is?

Mick.

It's either going to be 21 or 16mm, and you can usually got both in a pack for under £5 on ebay.

Not sure about twin air, but 1.2 definitely 16mm.

I was thinking of buying new plugs, measuring them, then buying the correct plug spanner.

I would be good if I knew the correct size first .......... just like Mila wants.

Thanks,
Mick.

Mick F said:

Anyone got an idea what size the TA one is?

Mick.

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Just measured a plug 15.7mm A/F (.618")
Genuine Fiat spare part
Checked with a ring spanner and 5/8 A/F will also fit
There isn't much in it 16mm = .630" (5/8 = .625")


Now for the BIG question
Does anyone know the torque setting for the plugs ??
Unfortunately gone are days when you just yanked it up "tight"

Pretty sure it's ok to do them up tight. Done like to to a few cars and no problem so far.

Finger tight, then a 1/4 turn with a ratchet. That's my rule of thumb anyway.

Mick F said:

Anyone got an idea what size the TA one is?

Mick.

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Soon due to change my spark plugs on my TA. I'm going for the new Laser Iridium - NGK ILKR9G8 - size 16mm.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380948129973?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT






A new BMC Air Filter wil be changed too. This can be cleaned periodically with the washing kit.

Aussie500nut said:

Now for the BIG question
Does anyone know the torque setting for the plugs ??
Unfortunately gone are days when you just yanked it up "tight"

Click to expand...

Well directly from the Haynes Manual for the 1.2, torque settings for those plugs are 25 Newton Meters or 18 lbf ft.

I realise to assume is to make an ass out of u and me, but I wouldn't be surprised if the TA's plugs are the same........

frupi said:

Well directly from the Haynes Manual for the 1.2, torque settings for those plugs are 25 Newton Meters or 18 lbf ft.

I realise to assume is to make an ass out of u and me, but I wouldn't be surprised if the TA's plugs are the same........

Click to expand...

I'd use the spark plug manufacturer's recommendations - 15-20Nm for a 12mm flat seat plug in an aluminium head. Also this link tells you all you need to know for just about any car you may encounter, and also gives some useful tips and background on fitting.

I'd add from personal experience that it's not a great idea to use a full size torque wrench when working with these low numbers - the DIY versions aren't always accurate at these settings and you have so much leverage that one mistake (or a faulty wrench) and you could easily be stripping threads. A smaller wrench of the type often used for motorcycle work would be better. It's also my preference to put a dab of anti-sieze on the threads before fitting, but if you do, use the lowest of the recommended settings or you risk overtightening.

Failing that, pinch tight plus half a turn is the NGK recommendation when fitting new plugs. On first fitment, the compressibility of the washer gives leaves a good margin for error when angle tightening (useful if you want to index the plugs); most folks probably overtighten rather than undertighten.

I seriously doubt many professionals use a torque wrench when fitting these.

jrkitching said:

.....I'd add from personal experience that it's not a great idea to use a full size torque wrench when working with these low numbers - the DIY versions aren't always accurate at these settings and you have so much leverage that one mistake (or a faulty wrench) and you could easily be stripping threads. A smaller wrench of the type often used for motorcycle work would be better.

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Couldn't agree more and the very reason why I bought a Draper small torque wrench specifically for tightening the bolts on my EGR valve/MAP sensor and other delicate jobs. Trouble is, they aint exactly cheap! The one in the link is the exact type I bought several months ago, cost me about 25 quid if I remember:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/draper-to...551?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c569b390f

Something like this is perhaps better suited to precision work. Costs less than you'd pay a franchised dealer to change the plugs, and you've got it for life.

If you check out some of the technical cycling websites, there are some serious tools out there.

Just today, bought a half-inch drive 16mm Sealey plug socket. Magnetic too.
£6.15

£27 odd for a small torque wrench so passed on that. I've managed all these years without torquing up spark plugs both in cast iron and alu heads so I don't think I'll be starting doing it now.

Regards,
Mick.