Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I recently purchased a Honda HS520AS snowthrower at 50% off at HD and the manual says for a new spark plug to tighten after base contact 1/2 turn, for used spark plug 1/8 - 1/4 turn after base contact.  I rather have a torque specification, and for the lack of one, I went with 13 ft-lbs.  Isn't there a general torque specification for small engines?  I'm used to wrenching on cars and they always have a torque specification for everything (that's where I got the 13 ft-lbs, from my Honda I4 87 CRX/DX D15A2 engine).

You can do it either way for most small engines. Using a torque wrench is more precise, but it isn't "better" for a small engine. A cast iron head ain't going to strip out.

An aluminum head..... you _should_ use a torque wrench IMHO - the consequences of overtorquing the plug can be a hassle, resulting in much swearing. Do I use a torque wrench on my OPE plugs? Nah....

http://www.ngk.com/charglossary.asp?kw=Plug+torque+settings

John Davies
Spokane WA