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Sponsored By BCA Bearings by NTN
This webinar is part of "AAPEX Repair Shop HQ Webinar Series: An 8-Part Webinar Series." Sponsored by AAPEX.
The typical repair shop is busier than ever – but what happens when the going gets rough? Many of today’s shop owners have never experienced a significant economic downturn. Has your shop prepared to weather any storms that are on the horizon, or have you just been keeping up with current demands? During this webinar you’ll hear real shops share a “just in case” safety briefing.
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Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!
Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!
ByNGK Spark Plugs on Mar 15, 2017
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High underhood temps, increased power demands and vibration can damage alternators or starters. Sponsored by ACDelco.
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Brake pads are thoroughly developed to produce the best result. This video is sponsored by ZF Aftermarket.
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Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination.
Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination. Yet 90% of spark plug damage claims are due to improper torque. Proper installation torque is critical in the plug’s ability to dissipate heat out of the combustion chamber and into the cylinder head. Not using a torque wrench when installing plugs can lead to over-torquing or under-torquing a spark plug, which will cause damage to the plug and possibly the engine.
It’s critical to follow the manufacture’s torque specifications when installing a plug. Make sure to use a torque wrench that corresponds to the torque specified on the packaging of the spark plug. Specifications vary by seat type, thread diameter and cylinder head types; so make sure to account for these three factors when installing a plug. The difference between an over-torqued or under-torqued spark plug, is often using an incorrect tool or not using one at all.
Engine Damage from Insufficient Torque
An under-torqued spark plug will not make full contact with the cylinder head. This reduces a plug’s ability to transfer heat and will result in elevated combustion chamber temperatures. Such temperatures can cause pre-ignition and detonation and lead to engine damage. Excess vibration and subsequent damage to the ground electrode and terminal nut may also occur. An over-torqued spark plug can cause stress to the metal shell, leading to thread damage or breakage. Over tightening can also compromise a plug’s internal gas seal or even cause a hairline fracture in the insulator. Such damage results in problems similar to an under-torqued plug: improper heat dissipation or exhaust gas blow-by.
Thread Damage from Excessive Torque
In addition to using the correct torque wrench, take care to clean the area around the spark plug hole with compressed air and make sure the plug thread is free of lubricant and carbon build-up. Torquing against debris and build-up around and on a spark plug prevents the plug from making full contact with the cylinder head, even if a torque wrench indicates otherwise. Secondly, avoid using chemicals during installation. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations on use of anti-seize, as it’s not recommended for all plugs and may cause thread shell damage. Lastly, make sure the engine is cool before installing or removing a plug to avoid damaging to the cylinder head.
Remember anything interfering with the torque process can cause a plug to fail or worse, engine damage.
For more information or questions about installing spark plugs you can reach out to the NGK Technical Support line by calling 877-473-6767 or visit them on the web at www.ngksparkplugs.com.
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Technical resources to help diagnose and repair engine-related service issues.