do you need to gap spark plugs ?

[dorifuto.boi]

hey,

so in the camry manual, it says that the spark plug needs to have a certain gap.

well on the spark plug box, it says DO NOT REGAP.

so do i have to check the gap or not ? ugh...

thanks =]
d

[fenixus]

you can check the gap with the coin style gauge from parts store., but as said those double electrode plugs should not need re-gapping ever ... unless someone dropped them ... or they are worn already and gap is wrong because electrode is shorter.

if you are using Iridium-IX plugs though (single electrode) then those should be checked before install I think.

[dorifuto.boi]

so regap to what toyota recommends on single electrode but dont touch the plugs with more than 1 electrode ?

i also heard that people with boost has to regap them smaller. is that true ? how much smaller than recommended should i regap with boost if its true ?

thanks a lot,
d

[fenixus]

no idea about boost regapping. search and you will find

[Chris Crash]

I just installed some Iridium's and did not gap them, as the box said not too. The electrode is far too fine and will be easily damaged. Also, I think they come pre-gapped.

[MR2Jedi]

Can't say I've ever used plugs that said " not to regap", but I would at least check the gap to make sure it was withing spec. if they are dropped during shipping or something, the gap could be off.
And yes, when running boost above stock, you should use a smaller gap as the environment inside the combustion chamber is " wetter " due to the extra fuel, to maintain the proper A/F ratio because there is more air from the extra boost pressure.
Shorter arc , less chance of it going out.

[JohnGD]

For many applications the gap is already pre-adjusted at the factory. However, if the engine requires a different gap, then it should be adjusted. I did hear that the fine iridium electrode can get damaged by careless gapping and read in many places "do not gap". And I do double check the gap before installation.

Here is what NGK Spark Plugs has to say:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_su...p.asp?mode=nml

Q: Do I need to set the "gap" when installing a new set of plugs?
A: Maybe. A spark plug part number might fit hundreds of different engines from many different manufacturers. Although the NGK factory will set the gap to a pre-selected setting, this may not be the right gap for your particular engine. The incorrect plug gap for your engine can contribute to a high rate of misfires, loss of power, plug fouling, poor fuel economy, and accelerated plug wear. It is always best to check the gap against the manufacturer's specifications. If adjusting the gap on fine wire or precious metal plugs such as platinum or iridium be very careful not to apply any pressure or prying force to the fine wire center electrode or insulator as they can be damaged. The gap should be adjusted by only moving the ground electrode.

Another consideration that should be taken into account is the extent of any modifications that you may have made to the engine. As an example, when you raise compression or add forced induction (a turbo system, nitrous or supercharger kit) you must reduce the gap (about .004" for every 50 hp you add). However, when you add a high power ignition system (such as those offered by MSD, Crane, Nology) you can open the gap from .002-.005".

You can always check with NGK Technical Support:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/About_n...h.asp?mode=nml

[ghettosled]

always check the gap - mistakes happen. i always adjust the gap to match precisely what the manual recommends.

[fenixus]

how do you guys adjust it if needed? just bend it against a wall or floor or something (with gauge in between to set the proper distance)?

[JohnGD]

I have something like the $5 KDS165 tool that includes gauge wires and an adjuster. You move the ground electrode with it. However the KDS165 is for smaller gaps, but I can't find the one for larger gaps.

Maybe the $1.99 KDS2327 will work but it doesn't have that many wires for precise adjustments.

(And maybe I should have adjusted the 75K mile NGK iridiums that's only slightly out of spec instead of taking them to the recycling center with other used parts? ) But seriously the ceramic can age too and leak/crack. So I think the Iridium-IX are excellent plugs for the price.

[fenixus]

... interesting

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Another consideration that should be taken into account is the extent of any modifications that you may have made to the engine. As an example, when you raise compression or add forced induction (a turbo system, nitrous or supercharger kit) you must reduce the gap (about .004" for every 50 hp you add). However, when you add a high power ignition system (such as those offered by MSD, Crane, Nology) you can open the gap from .002-.005".

You can always check with NGK Technical Support:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/About_n...h.asp?mode=nml

Good info. Much better said than I could ever do.
OEM plug gap on NGK's for my MR2 Turbo is .032. I gap at .028 and run 18(somtimes 19) psi.

You should "at least" check the gap of a new plug, regardless of make or type, to know with certainty, that the gap is correct.

[fenixus]

it makes me want to check all spark plugs gap on both cars now

stock 0.044'' here (both cars same I think unless I'm wrong)... did I mention that I'm tired today?

6-pack doesn't help really get rid off that feeling either ... well, actually it's a 12-pack ... ... but it's not all for tonight!

[fenixus]

got a quick question. how do you guys clean the spark plugs if let's say you find them dirty (e.g. from running rich) after half the time they are supposed to serve?

just asking, because so far I never even bothered checking on dealer installed plugs on my V6 and they have like 30k miles and 3 years on them. I figured that maybe some day I should at least remove them for inspection ... but then what do I do if I find them dirty (engine used to run rich in past when AFR sensors were not working). buy new ones or clean them off with something?

I figure it would be also a good time to check the gap

[Chris Crash]

I just wipe them off and maybe take a fine sandpaper to them. But at the motorcycle shop, we sand-blast 'em.