Hi,
I have a 95 Accord LX with an EX VTEC engine swap and am about to put in new NGK ZFR5FIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plugs but I have a torque specification problem.

According to the 97 FSM, torque should be 13 lb-ft as shown at the bottom here:

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But the NGK website seems to differ. I'm fairly certain these plugs are 14 MM and would therefore be torqued at 18 to 21.6 lb-ft as seen here:



Can somebody help me with this discrepancy? Also, if there is a difference, I prefer fuel economy over performance. If there is a specific torque setting that will enable better gas milage, please lmk.

Also, if I have missed a thread while searching that deals with this, please point me in that direction with a link.
Thanks!

 

A former moderator would post not to install platinum or iridium plugs into those engines as they would give cold start issues.

Just use the zfr5f-11 copper v-power plugs and change them every 24K miles.

 

Ok, I can return them to Amazon without much trouble. Sorry for the dumb question, but by cold start do you mean when the engine is cold or do you mean specifically in cold climates? I'm in Florida.

Either way, I'll take your recommendation on the copper plugs. But I would still need a torque recommendation if possible.

 

I go with the factory service manual - 13.

 

Just one other thing to add. Make sure the engine is cold, or at least atmospheric temperature, before you do the spark plug change.

 

Generally, Honda's recommended torque for spark plugs on the Accord is 13 lb-ft. This has been the case, for 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, etc. generation Accords (I didn't check all other generations).

Honda probably plays it on the conservative side to minimize the chances of over-tightening; and 13 lb-ft. is sufficient.

As you can read on Denso's website, " If a thread lubricant such as grease is coated on the thread, tightening to the recommended torque is tightening too much..."

DENSO SPARK PLUGS

 

I generally go with the turn hand tight then give it a 1/4 - 1/2 turn and that's it! Never actually used a torque wrench to see what that equates too though. ????

 

Bostik advertises a 40% torque reduction for their Neverseez compound. That gives you about 13 ft-lb from 21.6. Since the Honda manual says to use anti seize it makes sense.