thegipper

I'm still relatively new to owning a TL, so I've been reading a lot about the problem areas to be aware of. One that I have read a lot on this forum is the loose spark plugs problems that have caused some serious problems for people.

I replaced the spark plugs on my TL about a year and half ago with NGK iridium (OEM ones). To be honest, I didn't torque them down but I definitely torqued them down good.

Now my TL runs great but it does occasionally (maybe once a week) start rough. It will start up immediately, but it will be low rpm and feel rough for a split second before returning to normal rpm at idle and be running fine. No idea if its spark plug related or not.

After reading the problems people were having with their spark plugs loosening, I figured I should check mine.

Pulled out my torque wrench set to 20ft/lbs and started checking the plugs. Forgive me for not knowing which cylinder is which but facing the engine from the front, working on the front 3 (left to right), the first and second cylinder plugs were LOOSE. The first one need about 1/2 turn before I hit the 20ft/lbs. The second one needed probably a full turn, maybe more!!! At first I thought the threads were stripped because of how much it was turning before it finally hit the 20ft/lbs. The rest of the cylinders, including the back 3 were all pretty much at or near the torque spec.

I'm going to see now if I have any more of those rough start scenarios anymore. And after taking it for a test drive, it honestly feels like its running even better/smoother. Could be my imagination but I think it made a difference.

I never thought it could loosen up that much on its own. I will now be checking the spark plugs every 15k miles.

Just thought I would bring this up for any other new TL owners. Don't risk doing some serious damage to your engine, check your spark plugs periodically to make sure they are torqued down good!

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

cool

erdoc48

Is that 20 ft-lbs with anti-seize or without? If with, they're too tight- spec is 16-18 without anti-seize and 13 with. 20 is a little tight.

thegipper

I did 20 ft/lbs without anti seize.

I swear multiple posts on here said 13/with 18-21/with out. So I did 20.

Oh well, there on nice a snug now.

thegipper

Another quick question, there is a faint ticking noise coming from the engine. It was there before I retorqued the plugs and is still there now.

Is this some kind of valve train noise? Timing belt/tensioner was done at 90k (120k now). It is faint but its there. Is this normal or do I need a valve adjustment?

I can post a video at some point if that helps.

anagramjones

might be timing belt auto-tensioner. rev your engine above 3000 rpm after cold start when you hear the ticking, and see if it magically disappears above 3000 rpm. ticking should go away when engine warms up too

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

20 with anti-seize is not going to hurt. You're better off erring on the side of too tight with these engines.