Using a impact driver to install spark plugs

[greg0649155]

There's an automotive tech who was replacing spark plugs in a Ford Explorer. Instead of torqueing the spark plugs the spec, he drives them home with an impact driver so hard, he couldn't budge them with a ratchet. I want to know what's your opinion about him.

 

[dnewton3]

Well, he actually is using a 1/4" impact driver, and probably set low.
He hand starts the plugs, then lightly runs them down.
And then he hand snugs them. (min 2:05)
Not ideal, but not nearly as terrifying as your post seems to let on ...

 

[GW.]

Nope…..

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Moron with power tools ... Grunt grunt.

The only time I would use a power tool on plugs would be backing them out after breaking them loose by hand - you know them fake hemi's with 16 plugs on a bent eight.

I always run plugs in or out gingerly by hand. -Arco

 

[Vercingetorix]

How does anybody who cares about mechanical devices not blow out those leaves?

 

[The Critic]

How does anybody who cares about mechanical devices not blow out those leaves?

Not included in the repair time.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Not included in the repair time.

Blowing out spark plug holes should be mandatory, 10 extra seconds for the leaves?

 

[The Critic]

Blowing out spark plug holes should be mandatory, 10 extra seconds for the leaves?

Large debris around the coils before removal? Yes.
Blowing out the inside of the holes? No.

Those extra 10 seconds were not paid for by the customer.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Large debris around the coils before removal? Yes.
Blowing out the inside of the holes? No.

Those extra 10 seconds were not paid for by the customer.

I guess I’m used to using better mechanics.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Not included in the repair time.

It is, but some like to rush through jobs and run up their hours.

 

[IndyIan]

Large debris around the coils before removal? Yes.
Blowing out the inside of the holes? No.

Those extra 10 seconds were not paid for by the customer.

Well, I guess that's difference between a good independent shop, and a flat rate shop...
I guess it would be a brave service writer to tack on 5 minutes for cleaning the work area, but I think it would make sense to a lot of customers in the rust belt or rural areas where dirt often needs to be removed before you work on an engine. I think most people would be fine with that.
I guess if the coils are sealing normally, there should be next to nothing below. But if you can't see the back bank well and dump a teaspoon of sand into a cylinder... Probably the customer will never know, but its pretty poor workmanship, and potentially a serious problem.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Honestly, I think it's highly unlikely those spark plugs were overtightened to the point of causing damage. Not defending the tech at all - power tools should not be used for spark plugs, but seemed he had reasonable control on the ugga duggas.

 

[iCurious]

Looks like he's on flat rate? Otherwise, what is the rush?

 

[The Critic]

Well, I guess that's difference between a good independent shop, and a flat rate shop...

To be fair, most successful independent shops are flat-rate. It is really the only way you can attract and compensate high producing technicians.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Well, I guess that's difference between a good independent shop, and a flat rate shop...
I guess it would be a brave service writer to tack on 5 minutes for cleaning the work area, but I think it would make sense to a lot of customers in the rust belt or rural areas where dirt often needs to be removed before you work on an engine. I think most people would be fine with that.
I guess if the coils are sealing normally, there should be next to nothing below. But if you can't see the back bank well and dump a teaspoon of sand into a cylinder... Probably the customer will never know, but its pretty poor workmanship, and potentially a serious problem.

Never heard of a shop that wasn't flat rate. Is that a thing somewhere?

 

[JWC86]

I don't think I watched the same video as the OP

He starts them very gently, runs them down slow and does final tightening by hand.

Where are you getting this "runs them down so hard he can't budge with a ratchet" ?

 

[Urshurak776]

Did the OP link the wrong video? I don't condone an impact (even a 1/4" one) for spark plugs, but this video does not seem to ring the alarm bells like the original post reads. To me anyway. Clearly YMMV.

Edit: First post by the OP, so...yeah.

 

[Dave1027]

Should never take chances with aluminum heads. Doesn't matter what.

 

[greg0649155]

Did the OP link the wrong video? I don't condone an impact (even a 1/4" one) for spark plugs, but this video does not seem to ring the alarm bells like the original post reads. To me anyway. Clearly YMMV.

Edit: First post by the OP, so...yeah.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU8yIe0G_Fg

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Nothing wrong with running them in with a tool, as long as they're started and final torqued by hand.

With that said it saves a whopping 30 seconds.