HELP - spark plug torque setting and other tips?
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Joined: 08-09-2020
Posts: 118
From: tampa bay
HELP - spark plug torque setting and other tips?
I am planning to do a much needed tuneup this weekend. New iginition coil/boots/plugs etc.
I looked all over the net and tried various search queries on this forum and can't find the info on the torque setting for the plugs. I assume 'hand tight' but some of us have strong hands.
Also, is it recommended to put some anti-seize on the threads or is this a no-no on these engines? I think not - i'm remembering a recent rockauto newsletter where the guy brought this up and i was like, huh? i dont remember ever using that on plugs.
I looked all over the net and tried various search queries on this forum and can't find the info on the torque setting for the plugs. I assume 'hand tight' but some of us have strong hands.
Also, is it recommended to put some anti-seize on the threads or is this a no-no on these engines? I think not - i'm remembering a recent rockauto newsletter where the guy brought this up and i was like, huh? i dont remember ever using that on plugs.
Last edited by RetroHHR2020; Oct 13, 2022 at 04:43 PM.
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Joined: 10-13-2011
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From: Welland,Ont Canada
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...e-items-54648/
In here ^^^^, spark plugs 15 ft lbs
I apply anti seize like Never seize from Permatex to the spark plug threads , very sparingly.
In an aluminium head engine, remove the plugs with the engine cold!
In here ^^^^, spark plugs 15 ft lbs
I apply anti seize like Never seize from Permatex to the spark plug threads , very sparingly.
In an aluminium head engine, remove the plugs with the engine cold!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 08-09-2020
Posts: 118
From: tampa bay
Thank you for the tips! It’s been so long since i did a tune up i forgot the other basic advice - engine cold. (Let her sit overnight and do it in morning)
of course, who likes working on a hot engjne? Maybe Mr Teflon Man 🙂
of course, who likes working on a hot engjne? Maybe Mr Teflon Man 🙂
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 08-09-2020
Posts: 118
From: tampa bay
i'm at 191K now - don't know previous history prior to purchase at 167K... already had to replace ICM which helped a bad running issue prior - so i figured i'd replace the rest of the components as well finally as i am still getting a p0300 random cylinder misfire code.
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
P0300 does not mean "random misfire" it means "misfire detected". It rarely has anything to do with the ignition system.
Since you said ICM, I am assuming you have a 2006 or 2007 2.2L. A misfire is detected by variation in the crankshaft speed.
Have you replaced the crankshaft sensor, any of the computers? The CKP variation needs to be relearned if they have been replaced.
Check the ECM ground
Check all of the vacuum hoses, that is ANY rubber hose under the hood.
Check fuel pressure
Is coolant disappearing/oil increasing?
Inspect the spark plugs for signs of unusual colors, like pink on the ceramic insulators or steam cleaned or oily business end
Check the connectors to the ECM for bent/pushed back/loose pins
At least look at the timing chain, if there is any visible slack between the sprockets it needs to be replaced.
Since you said ICM, I am assuming you have a 2006 or 2007 2.2L. A misfire is detected by variation in the crankshaft speed.
Have you replaced the crankshaft sensor, any of the computers? The CKP variation needs to be relearned if they have been replaced.
Check the ECM ground
Check all of the vacuum hoses, that is ANY rubber hose under the hood.
Check fuel pressure
Is coolant disappearing/oil increasing?
Inspect the spark plugs for signs of unusual colors, like pink on the ceramic insulators or steam cleaned or oily business end
Check the connectors to the ECM for bent/pushed back/loose pins
At least look at the timing chain, if there is any visible slack between the sprockets it needs to be replaced.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 08-09-2020
Posts: 118
From: tampa bay
P0300 does not mean "random misfire" it means "misfire detected". It rarely has anything to do with the ignition system.
Since you said ICM, I am assuming you have a 2006 or 2007 2.2L. A misfire is detected by variation in the crankshaft speed.
Have you replaced the crankshaft sensor, any of the computers? The CKP variation needs to be relearned if they have been replaced.
Check the ECM ground
Check all of the vacuum hoses, that is ANY rubber hose under the hood.
Check fuel pressure
Is coolant disappearing/oil increasing?
Inspect the spark plugs for signs of unusual colors, like pink on the ceramic insulators or steam cleaned or oily business end
Check the connectors to the ECM for bent/pushed back/loose pins
At least look at the timing chain, if there is any visible slack between the sprockets it needs to be replaced.
Since you said ICM, I am assuming you have a 2006 or 2007 2.2L. A misfire is detected by variation in the crankshaft speed.
Have you replaced the crankshaft sensor, any of the computers? The CKP variation needs to be relearned if they have been replaced.
Check the ECM ground
Check all of the vacuum hoses, that is ANY rubber hose under the hood.
Check fuel pressure
Is coolant disappearing/oil increasing?
Inspect the spark plugs for signs of unusual colors, like pink on the ceramic insulators or steam cleaned or oily business end
Check the connectors to the ECM for bent/pushed back/loose pins
At least look at the timing chain, if there is any visible slack between the sprockets it needs to be replaced.
I will have to research how to check fuel pressure as I've not done that before.
coolant level has been consistent.
I am not looking forward to but plan to do the timing chain job.Will be my first timing chain job.
I recently changed the belt, and tensioner - which was a major pain as the hole in the frame where the tensioner bolt is was not lined up enough to be able to put a socket through on the bolt. wondering if engine mounts are worn to cause the slight misalignment.
One of the admins said they did a timing chain in 3 hours the first time and now down to about an hour... They didn't mention if they use a lift or not or if they remove the enginet to do it.
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Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
If the tensioner bolt is low in that oblong hole, then your upper engine mount is toast!
I don’t use a lift just a floor jack and safety stands, I’ve changed so many timing chain sets, I don’t have to search for tools or torque values, I have a sequence of steps to get the job done.
Do not go cheap on the chain kits and change the water pump while you’re in there!
It really is an easy job, just intimidating because you haven’t done it before!
you have a 2LT with a 2.2 litre ? Check your RPO code sticker to be sure, the 2.4 uses a different kit for the timing chain.
I don’t use a lift just a floor jack and safety stands, I’ve changed so many timing chain sets, I don’t have to search for tools or torque values, I have a sequence of steps to get the job done.
Do not go cheap on the chain kits and change the water pump while you’re in there!
It really is an easy job, just intimidating because you haven’t done it before!
you have a 2LT with a 2.2 litre ? Check your RPO code sticker to be sure, the 2.4 uses a different kit for the timing chain.
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