I recently did a set of spark plugs on a Gen 3 CRV. The service manual states to use a light coat of anti-seize on the spark plug threads, and to torque to 13 ft-lbs. I used the Denso SKJ20DR-M11 plugs, which are the OES plugs and were also the factory-installed plugs.
I was discussing this with a well-respected Honda tech on another forum, and he said that many of the late-model Hondas have an issue with the spark plugs loosening overtime, sometimes causing massive damage. A search online shows that the plug loosening issue is mostly limited to the 3.5L Odysseys and Pilots, though occasionally it affects other models, such as BITOG member sciphi's Fit.
His opinion was to tighten the plug further - to 2/3rd of a turn once the gasket seats. Quite frankly, I have no idea what torquing to 13 ft-lbs (w/anti-seize on the threads) has translated to - maybe 1/2 turn?
Per Denso, the plugs should be tightened to 16-22 ft-lbs for dry threads, or 2/3 of a turn.
http://www.densoiridium.com/installationguide.php
My thoughts are that the plugs are tightened properly as per Honda's instructions, and since Honda should know what they are talking about, I did the job properly and have nothing to worry about. Besides, the original plugs that came out appear to have been installed dry and were probably tightened to 13 ft-lbs too....and they stayed tight for 116k.
Of course, sometimes field experience trumps the factory service manual as well, but I am not in the position to judge here.
Thoughts on this matter? TIA.
I was discussing this with a well-respected Honda tech on another forum, and he said that many of the late-model Hondas have an issue with the spark plugs loosening overtime, sometimes causing massive damage. A search online shows that the plug loosening issue is mostly limited to the 3.5L Odysseys and Pilots, though occasionally it affects other models, such as BITOG member sciphi's Fit.
His opinion was to tighten the plug further - to 2/3rd of a turn once the gasket seats. Quite frankly, I have no idea what torquing to 13 ft-lbs (w/anti-seize on the threads) has translated to - maybe 1/2 turn?
Per Denso, the plugs should be tightened to 16-22 ft-lbs for dry threads, or 2/3 of a turn.
http://www.densoiridium.com/installationguide.php
My thoughts are that the plugs are tightened properly as per Honda's instructions, and since Honda should know what they are talking about, I did the job properly and have nothing to worry about. Besides, the original plugs that came out appear to have been installed dry and were probably tightened to 13 ft-lbs too....and they stayed tight for 116k.
Of course, sometimes field experience trumps the factory service manual as well, but I am not in the position to judge here.
Thoughts on this matter? TIA.