indexing spark plugs

[spederman]

Does anybody do it on their cars?

i'm changing out my plugs tonite and thinking of doing it.

Ideally the gap on the plug should be facing the valves, preferably the exhaust valve. Ive never had the heads off, so i dont know where the valves are in relation to where the spark plugs sit in the heads. Anybody know which way i should have it face?

 

[squeak93]

I think your chasing ghost.... Put them in and torque to specs. How do you plan on them holding tight if they DO happen to be turned the wrong way... can't go too tight w/o damaging the plug or heads, too loose and you've got issues as well.

 

[StangYellow]

Indexing the plugs are done with the heads off, and you dont want to aim the "spark" towards the exhaust valve. You want to burn the incoming air, so facing them towards the exhaust valve does nothing. There is no way to properly index plugs with the heads on. I dont really think its worth the effort unless you are doing an engine rebuild.

 

[spederman]

this is the method i was planning on using to index the plugs. sounds pretty easy.

FORDMUSCLE.com web-magazine - How To Index Spark Plugs

or

BULLITT Indexing your Spark Plugs

 

[Mustang5L5]

Indexing the plugs with the heads on is a PITA. It can be done, but it's a pain.

I've done it with cars i've had the heads off...but with them on i just toss them in and let them aim any way they please. Not worth the time to me

 

[twogts4us]

How do you index the plugs with the heads OFF? I've never heard of such a thing...are we all talking about the same thing?

I personally don't index mine, but I thought the premise was to use thin washers to properly index the plug, getting it to face in the desired direction. Moroso and Accel make washer kits for this.

An alternative is to have dozens of plugs and play hit or miss...

 

[Mustang5L5]

How do you index the plugs with the heads OFF?

The same way you do with the head on....except you can visually see where the plug is pointing now

View attachment 254512



I'm confused...how can you NOT index with the heads off?