New Spark Plug Indexing

[Relic]

I have read every spark plug thread I could find on this site that describes indexing (tip orientation) and thread torque and understand what I need to do.

My issue is I can't index and torque these new plugs to spec without going out of spec on torque.

Two of my original plugs were barely better then finger tight but were indexed the third was tighter at 12 lbs and was indexed.

The new plugs are torqued at 17lbs to spec but the index on Cyls 1 and 2 are close to 120 degrees out of phase and the third 90 degrees of where they need to be and I tried several times to align.

Any tips on getting the new plugs to align properly? I used a marker on the socket extension to indicate where my indexing should be.

Thanks,

[CycleDoc]

Easier, cheaper to just use regular plugs and install them with indexing
washers like racers have used for many years. Here's
a link to one seller: SPARK PLUG INDEXING WASHER KITS from Western Power Sports Street

[Relic]

Thanks I'll look into those.

[CycleDoc]

Then here's what looks to be a better source...

YourOilShop - Spark Plugs and Indexing Washers

[jonnyvtec]

The plugs i removed from mine were random and non had the opening facing to the bulkhead. Same with the B spec plugs that all went back into my B head. I might pull them and switch around between cylinders to see if I can get them closer to where they should be.

Seems the stamping and effort for alignment is actually a waste of time in the real application.

[MN Driver]

jonnyvtec, Which way were your plugs facing?

[red1dr]

Originally Posted by jonnyvtec

The plugs i removed from mine were random and non had the opening facing to the bulkhead.

STM the gap should face the non-VTEC intake valve, which would be roughly 45 degrees off the direction towards the firewall. This is where the mixture would come from during LB, no?

[gderian]

Originally Posted by red1dr

STM the gap should face the non-VTEC intake valve, which would be roughly 45 degrees off the direction towards the firewall. This is where the mixture would come from during LB, no?

By the time the plug fires, the valves are closed and all the fuel is in there. The plug gap needs to be located per the mixture swirl, tumble and squish patterns, not necessarily per the valve location.

Are you saying your 3 B plugs in your B head are not lined up even in the same quadrant?

[red1dr]

Originally Posted by gderian

By the time the plug fires, the valves are closed and all the fuel is in there. The plug gap needs to be located per the mixture swirl, tumble and squish patterns, not necessarily per the valve location.

Good point. In LB it needs to be where the richest portion of the charge is, and also not disperse the rich portion of the charge during compression??

In http://youroilshop.com/plugs.htm they wanted the gap facing the intake valve, but that was for a non-LB Harley engine and they also noted that many customers didn't notice a difference if their plugs were indexed or not.

[CycleDoc]

Originally Posted by red1dr

Good point. In LB it needs to be where the richest portion of the charge is, and also not disperse the rich portion of the charge during compression??

In YourOilShop - Spark Plugs and Indexing Washers they wanted the gap facing the intake valve, but that was for a non-LB Harley engine and they also noted that many customers didn't notice a difference if their plugs were indexed or not.

True; with the everyday average engine, M/C or car, the only way you'd
know plugs were indexed would be because you knew you put them in that way; you'd never know judging by the way it would run...

But....the Insight is quite special, - because of lean burn, it needs all the
help it can get to run well, thus the indexed plugs. Using indexing
washers works much better than the silly-priced "special" plugs. And, you get to buy plugs anyplace....