Finally tried the torque wrench method vs the old feel approach on spark plugs

I’ve been changing spark plugs on Cessnas for 2 years just going by feel and hand tightness. Last month I bought a cheap Snap-on torque wrench for like $120 and tried it on a 172 engine. First plug I pulled was way overtorqued probably from my old method, but after using the wrench the new ones felt consistent and the engine ran smoother on startup. Has anyone else switched from hand tightening to torquing on smaller pistons and noticed a difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

jessica33117d ago

Yeah torque wrench makes a big difference on consistency for sure.

carr.luna17d ago

Hand torque works fine if you know what you're feeling for.

finley_smith17d ago

carr.luna says "know what you're feeling for" but how do you even learn that feeling without overtorquing a few plugs first? did you train with a torque wrench or just wing it till it felt right?