Let’s go through a couple of FAQs to understand the spark plug gap a bit more. But in a V8 engine, those 8 stock plugs would need gapping. Secondly, there’s no way to account for spark plug handling from its factory release until it gets to you.Īnd thirdly, the same spark plug can be specified for many different engines, but each engine may require a different gap size.Ī new spark plug could have a factory gap for a V6 engine, and you’d likely be able to install all 6 plugs as is. Why Should I Measure The Spark Plug Gap?įirstly, while manufacturers try to make stock plugs the same, it’s simply unrealistic in a mass-production environment. Now, you may wonder why you’d need to measure the spark plug gap, especially on a new plug. Any damage to either electrode means you’ll need a new spark plug. It’s durable, but it’s not meant to deal with lots of pressure and might snap off. However, you shouldn’t adjust the ground electrode more than 3 times. Repeat the adjustment until the gap tool fits closely between the spark plug electrodes. Don’t bend the ground strap more than 0.008” in either direction.Never exert any force on the center electrode or its ceramic insulator.Gently bend the ground electrode to widen or narrow the gap. Use the gap tool to adjust the spark plug gap size. If the feeler gauge or gap gauge (with the correct size) passes through the gap without touching any electrode, the gap is too wide and needs to be narrowed. If the feeler gauge or gap gauge can’t fit at the needed gap size, the plug gap needs to widen. Then, run the feeler gauge or gap gauge between the electrodes to determine the current measurement. Step 2: Measure Current Spark Plug GapĬheck the owner’s manual for the recommended gap size. In this case, use a wire brush with gentle motions to clean off debris, and never use abrasive materials. You’d want to avoid introducing dirt into the engine’s combustion chamber or have it weaken the ignition spark. However, old spark plugs may be dirty around contact points. If you have a new plug, this shouldn’t be an issue. Now, here’s how to do spark plug gapping: Step 1: Clean The Spark Plug A platinum or iridium plug has a delicate center electrode that can be damaged by the usual keyring-styled tool, so you’ll need a proper gapping tool to make adjustments.Īnd always - if you’re not familiar with spark plug installation, let a professional mechanic deal with it.Multiple electrode spark plugs are vehicle-specific and come with a factory gap that isn’t adjustable.For this task, you’ll need a gap tool like a feeler gauge or gap gauge. How To “Gap” Spark Plugs (Step-By-Step)īefore you begin gapping, make sure you have the right spark plug for your engine. Next, let’s see how you go about gapping a spark plug to its recommended gap. In all cases, the spark plug gap must be wide enough for a sufficiently energized spark, but not too wide that the spark skips at higher speeds - which will result in cylinder drag or engine rattling. Engines with a high RPM give the distributor little dwell time to build up a solid spark, also making ignition tougher.Engines with high flow intake ports (like racing engines) will have lots of charge swirl and movement in the combustion chamber, making ignition harder.More cylinder pressure means denser airfuel mixtures that demand a higher voltage for ignition. Engines with higher compression or forced induction have higher pressures in the combustion chamber during spark discharge.Some engine environments make it even harder for ignition to happen. But if the gap is too wide, the spark will be weak and won’t have enough energy to ignite the charge, leading to cylinder misfire.Īnd while the spark plug is a pretty simple piece of equipment, it has to work in very tough conditions. So when the spark plug fires, there’s a possibility that nothing ignites.Ī wide gap between the center electrode and ground electrode allows for a strong, clean burn. But if the spark gap is too small, there won’t be enough room for the airfuel mixture between the ground electrode and center electrode. This makes it critical to engine performance.Ī smaller gap ensures the spark plug fires on each cycle. The spark plug gap influences the heat range of the spark produced to ignite the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Setting the correct gap distance is called “gapping” the spark plug.īut why is the spark gap significant? Why Is The Spark Plug Gap Important? This gap width is critical so electrical arcing (a “spark”) can occur at the right voltage, igniting the air fuel mixture in an engine’s internal combustion chamber. The spark plug gap defines the distance between a spark plug’s center electrode and the ground electrode (also called a ground strap which is a curved piece of steel at the end of the plug).
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