[SOLVED] Spark plug tube torque Solved

Dec 05, 2011 Last reply: 1 year ago 3 Replies
1998 Camry I4 5SFE engine I'm trying to confirm the torque on the 30mm spark plug tube nuts that secure the valve cover.. Haynes manual shows 33 FTLB and Toyota shows 17 FTLB. Which one is correct ? 17 seems too low.

After investigating, I've come to the conclusion that the torque specs changed from Gen 3 to Gen 4. Both the Toyota and the Haynes manuals confirm this. They increased the torque and I believe the rubber seals are thicker on the later design. Toyota probably did this due to the sealing problems with this engine.

Any Toyota techs out there that can confirm this?

17 ft lbs is the correct torque for the nuts that hold the valve cover down. The 33 lbs may be for the tube itself. That’s what I’m surfing to find out.

My guess was correct. You torque to 33 lbs without the valve cover to get the tubes properly tightened (use appropriate thread sealant). Remove nuts and install valve cover and top tube seals. Install nuts and torque to 17 lbs.

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