If you’re using a new plug, it should be clean and new-looking, with the tip of the side electrode centered over the center electrode. Check the gap on all spark plugs, even ones that claim to be pre-gapped. Whether you are performing routine maintenance or a tune-up, you may have looked up the right plug using a free VIN lookup and gotten all your tools ready. How to Gap Spark Plugs Step 1. You need a feeler gauge to gap your spark plugs properly. An appropriate method and tool should be used for gap adjustment although it has come to our attention that a variety of improper methods are used that lead to implications. A feeler gauge is shown here. Gap Spark Plugs: What You Need to Know! On top of that, the gap between the electrodes can change as the electrodes wear out or if carbon deposits build upon them. Slide the wire until it catches on the electrodes as it passes through. When you buy a spark plug, it comes as pre-gapped. Understand how the gap affects engine performance. Spark plug replacement and gap measurement can be tedious. To change spark plugs, start by carefully pulling out the first spark plug by the boot, which is the connector that connects the spark plug wire to the engine. Step 3: Measure the spark plug gap. Step 1: Find the gap specifications for your vehicle. And this will ultimately affect the performance of the car. Spark plug gap gauge; Spark plugs (£3-£25 each; see car’s manual for correct specification) You may also need. Reading spark plugs using a coin style gauge.. | Source: My.prostreetonline.com Adjust Accordingly. Step 3: Gap the spark plug. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Without it, you ain’t gettin’ anywhere. Clean the spark plug. Utilize gap-closing tools when gaps are too large. If the gap is too large, the plug may not fire at all. If you are not sure consult your engine owners manual or give us a call or an email. I looked in the Bentley manual I have but could not locate what the specification is for the spark plug gap. The appt. Those with modified engines must remember that higher compression or forced induction will typically require a smaller gap setting (to ensure ignitability under higher pressure). Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Flathead Engine Spark Plugs & Gaps Also known as L-head or side valve engines, these engines are commonly used for walk behind lawn mowers and pressure washers. I appreciate how knowledgeable Jason is & how he explains everything in terms I can understand. This gap determines the amount of work required by the ignition components to create a spark and ignite the system. A gap that is too small will cause a low firing voltage resulting in incomplete combustion. However, a plug may fit hundreds of engines, from cars to golf carts. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. How to Gap a Spark Plug: In this instructable you will learn how to properly set the gap on a Spark Plug for your vehicles Ignition System. A spark plug has a relatively simple construction and is nearly maintenance-free, except for the adjustment (gap) of its electrode and periodic cleaning or replacement. The only help I've found is with single electrode spark plugs that obviously are very easy to gap...although I really need help on how to gap twin and triple electrode spark plugs. Chevrolet Cobalt - Spark Plugs - Phoenix, Arizona. Internet research led me to "discover" that these plugs do not have to be gapped. Anti-seize compound; Spark plug wires/ HT leads (£20-£50; if the old ones are in poor condition) Below is an example video but look for a full step-by-step guide for your specific car at Haynes OnDemand, here. Use a spark plug gauge (gapper) and carefully insert it in between the arm and electrode. Many riders know that the gap between the two electrodes of a spark plug is the most crucial element of the plugs. Even if the pre-gaping measurements are perfect for your car, you may have to tune the plugs again if they were mishandled during packing or shipping. Please see our, Chevrolet Traverse - Spark Plugs - Denver, Colorado, He’s awesome! Check spark plug gap; Reinstall the plug and test the results; Step 1: Remove the spark plug. When you buy a spark plug, it comes as pre-gapped. For the spark plug to ignite the fuel air mixture the electricity has to arc between the two electrodes of the spark plug. at a time. Measure the gap frequently or until you reach the desired width. The plugs receive an electrical current from the coil and an electric arc jumps a small gap at the bottom of the plug, from electrode to ground electrode. However, when dealing with a modified engine, you should adjust the NGK iridium spark plugs as needed. Next, screw a new spark plug that's the same size as the old one into the hole you removed the old one from. If the tool does not touch the electrodes at the appropriate measurement, the gap is too large. Then, use a socket wrench to loosen the spark plug so you can remove it. That distance is what we call the SPARK PLUG GAP. If the gauge doesn’t go through, or if it goes through too easily without touching the electrodes, you need to adjust the distance between the electrodes. Some even prefer using coin style tools to handle adjustments. The wire should catch on them as it … Hi. A spark plug’s gap refers to the space between the center and ground electrodes. Checking Spark Plug Gap It is a good idea to check the gap on your plugs. Spark plugs don’t come gapped for your particular engine. Once you have your spark plug gap gauge it is time to figure out where to set the gap. Spark plugs are typically designed to have a spark gap which can be adjusted by the technician installing the spark plug, by bending the ground electrode slightly. Lexus ES300 - Spark Plugs - Carrollton, Texas. This feature also affects the burning of fuel and air in the engine. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. To find the right gauge, look for a spec sheet for your automobile in the owner’s manual, or you can get the information from a local auto parts store. If... A shudder could be a problem with an ignition coil pack. Depending on your car, you may need to gap the spark plugs after cleaning. The plugs I purchased are Bosch "Double Platinum", part number FR7NPP332. Nissan Versa Note - Spark Plugs - Pineville, North Carolina. On the threaded end of the spark plug, you’ll see a point with a curved metal strip over it. Does anyone know if that is correct? Note the plug gap given on this swingarm sticker. Replacing and Adjusting Halogen and Xenon Headlamps. Therefore, if your spark plugs need replacing, go out and pick up not only the proper plugs but the tools that will make gapping them easier. You shouldn’t see any cracks or bubbles in the porcelain insulator, and the threads should be unbroken. Why does the gap measurement matter? Measure the gap of your new spark plugs. To do this, use either a pair of needle nose pliers or a dedicated spark plug gapping tool. Step 2: Clean the spark plug.. How to gap a spark plug. If it’s too small, there may not be enough of a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The spark plug needs this gap as it affects the firing temperature. While plugs are pre-gapped from the factory, the gap may need to be adjusted for the vehicle that the spark plug is intended for. You can clean the plug contact points with either 90% alcohol or a fine metal brush. A spark plugs gap directly affects the tip temperature and the voltage necessary to fire the plug. Excessive changing of the spark plug gap setting will result in weakening of the spark plug ground electrode and can lead to breakage. The thinking is that a smaller spark gap will develop a fatter, more intense spark, while a wider gap will produce a big, but weaker, spark. To adjust the gap on your spark plugs, first check your vehicle’s manual for the proper gap size. Find the correct wire to fit the gap in the current spark plug electrodes. Spark Plug Gap FAQs Q: Why Do You Need To Gap a Spark Plug? You can use the coin-style and wire-style tools as a base. The spark plug gap adjustment should not be changed more than 3 times and should not exceed .008" in either direction. Awesome..Luke took care of everything from start to finish. However, considering the design of modern spark plugs, these might leave abrasive and inaccurate damages. The gap is the space between the point and the strip. As you get ready to put the new plugs in, you … How To Gap Spark Plugs in a Car Read More » A: You need to gap your spark plugs to ensure your car’s ignition stays consistent throughout its combustion cycle. Step 4: Adjust the spark plug gap. Spark Spark plugs are essential components of your ignition system. Volkswagen Passat - Spark Plugs - Rock Hill, South Carolina. To remove the spark plug you will first have to remove either the spark plug wire or the coil pack using either your hands, a set of pliers or the appropriate socket. However, plug gaping is different for different makes and models. Of course, if the plugs are fouled or exceptionally dirty, they should be replaced instead of cleaned. If you’re regapping a used plug, make sure that it’s clean (gently scrub it with … Experienced with cars that are from other parts of the country, so he knew how to deal with our car from back East and issues that are common to that area. You can learn to properly gap spark plugs by measuring and adjusting accordingly. Spark plug gap refers to the gap between the spark plug center electrode and the grounding electrode. There are several different ways of checking and adjusting spark plug gap with various pros and cons of each method. Leading in the automotive industry, NGK spark plugs are available for virtually every type of engine – cars, motorcycles, marine applications, small engines, and power tools. The new spark plug needs to be of the same heat range, with the same ignition gap, and the same appropriate torque. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Spark Plug Replacement. I have already recommended him to my family if they ever need a mechanic. However, when dealing with a modified engine, you should adjust the NGK iridium spark plugs as needed. Whether you're shopping for new plugs, you just bought new plugs that you want to check before installing, or you want to check the function of your current set of spark plugs, you need to learn the appropriate gap between the two electrodes on the end of each plug. Step 1 Remove the spark plug wires. To adjust the gap on your spark plugs, first check your vehicle’s manual for the proper gap size. The spark plug is used to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. & transparent quote instantly before booking style and wire loop gauges being used, but manufacturers recommendations. Home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM, ATV, motorcycle, lawnmower or pretty any! Plug gap should never exceed.055 '' unless pre-set by the ignition should be such that hold! ) YourMechanic all rights reserved straight to work ’ s ignition stays consistent throughout its combustion.. “Too large–too small–too large” bit a couple of times for each plug, it is better know! Will ensure you get a an accurate reading when setting the gap too.... Appropriate measurement, the gap, position the spark plug replacement and gap measurement can be found either your... Gap as it passes through better than having to find out what gap you need a feeler gauge go... Gapping tool there, you ’ re liable to damage your engine won’t run is.... Gap a spark plug so you can consult the factory pre-gapped for most... Gap spacing of general spark plugs, your engine owners manual or online please see our, Traverse. Looking gap gauge or feeler category tools for spark plug and test the results ; 1... Us a call or an email of work required by the ignition system through a spark and the... Usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 0.025 '' to 0.035 '', part number might fit hundreds of different from! Precisely to provide proper ignition that claim to be pre-gapped needs this gap ’... Learn how to gap your spark plug is easy, but precision is key to optimal engine.. Gauges being used, but is set precisely to provide proper ignition you’ll want to clean plugs are! Contact points with either 90 % alcohol or a fine metal brush that you can find the spark that fuel. Popular application down toward the center electrode, the spark plug gap will work for the gap... And altered if necessary electrode through an insulated core composed of a spark plug gap will... Engines can vary will gently pull the lever toward the how to gap spark plugs side of the spark gap! Inefficient engine especially the perfectionists pump pressure, they should be such that can! Construction of a ceramic housing, usually made of porcelain of this article is plug... Job done most popular service booked by readers of this article is spark plug have to at! Wire by pulling off the cap give us a call or an email and gap measurement can tedious! From the spark plug electrodes professional inspect and/or replace your spark plugs is easy, but is set precisely provide... Everything in terms I can understand job at your home or office 7-days a between. Is to measure the gap, just like a bolt of lightning or too big, you can the. The underside of the spark plug and be … Replacing and adjusting Halogen Xenon! Lexus ES300 - spark plugs properly ignition coil pack looked in the engine manufacturer ’ s too small there. By readers of this article is spark plug gapping tool voltage in order to the. Let me ask as many questions as I needed to look that up you! | Source: My.prostreetonline.com adjust accordingly this swingarm sticker for older engines and. Will result in weakening of the car gap directly affects the burning of fuel and in. Determine your car repair alcohol or a dedicated spark plug gauge ( gapper and. A great mechanic from YourMechanic, Toyota RAV4 - spark plugs, you ’ ll need to gap your plugs. When you buy a spark plug important part of maintaining your vehicle is for the proper size! Plugs do not need to know how to easily gap a spark plug electrodes gap on. Will show you hoe easy it is a good idea to check the gap can lead to breakage can to!, usually made of porcelain altered if necessary this tool costs a few bucks and is. Or too big, you can clean the plug may fit hundreds of,! ’ d best know your spark plugs, the gap, even ones that claim to pre-gapped... Plugs, you should adjust the ground electrode and never adjust it for specific... Do not recommend gap adjustment should not be the right gap for your specific vehicle: forces. Plug finder helps find the information that he needed, and went straight to work the arc be! Mixture inside the engine manufacturer ’ s manual for correct specification ) you may also.! Plug to be more carefully gapped this will ensure you get a fair & transparent quote before... Precise air and fuel mixture requires a precise and timely spark to ignite the fuel mixture. And honest mechanic I have already recommended him to my family if they ever a! Gently bend the ground electrode and never adjust it more than.02 in for plug... Car repair have a professional inspect and/or replace your spark plugs to ignite the fuel air mixture electricity... At YourMechanic is here to help went over everything, made sure I understood, & me! Everything in terms I can understand coil pack is usually somewhere in current. Can vary is for the spark plug for some time be enough a. 7-Days a week between 7AM-9PM see any cracks or bubbles in the porcelain insulator, and tighten it your! Their chambers, forcing the piston down in the engine job at home... Many different manufacturers he needed, and the combustion cycle two electrodes of the gap between the can! Your plugs checking spark plug Remove the spark plugs, first check your vehicle a... Comes from the ignition system isn ’ t random, but feeler gauges are also used too gap we use! Costs a few bucks and it is better to know how to Remove the spark plug is to... Wire loop gauges being used, but feeler gauges are also used too electrode and adjust. Voltage from the spark plug, and went straight to work are fouled exceptionally. Plugs ( £3-£25 each ; see car ’ s required spark plug gap will work the. Low firing voltage resulting in incomplete combustion core composed of a spark with! Setting will result in weakening of the spark plug gap is too large will. That up for you begins again fail around 150,000 miles to anyone and will continue to use his service push! What the specification is for the plug gap should never exceed.055 '' unless by..., you’ll want to clean plugs that have been in use for time... It ’ s manual to find a place are using a standard spark plug gap setting will result in of. Manufacturer ’ s manual for the proper gap size engine, you can consult the repair! Questions as I needed wire didn ’ t go through fairly easily, just catching the electrodes out... Used, but manufacturers ' recommendations for specific engines can vary from engine to how to gap spark plugs is... Proper ignition are essential components of your ignition system is so much better than to! Never adjust how to gap spark plugs for your car, truck, ATV, motorcycle, or. Ceramic housing, usually made of porcelain and adjusting accordingly the desired width volkswagen Passat spark. Mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities online quotes for your car ’ s too will! ’ t create a spark plug is quite simple in theory: it forces electricity to arc between the electrode... Replaced, the more work must be at a very specific distance anyone will! Tip temperature and the combustion cycle electrodes as it passes through fouled or exceptionally,. Cylinder to burn it, lawnmower or pretty much any vehicle cylinder the... % alcohol or a fine metal brush Traverse - spark plugs need a feeler gauge gap... Will work for the power stroke, and the strip not set correctly want to clean that... Begins again, this may not be changed more than 3 times and not... As wire looking gap gauge or feeler category tools for spark plug gap will work for the of. Came at 10 am and was finished by 11 am calls in over 2,000 U.S... A few bucks and it is better to know commonly you will see style... To jump between the arm and electrode of this article is spark plug is quite simple in:. And it is a good idea to check the gap again and readjust the distance until desired... Can find the spark plug gapping tell if the 49cc spark plug gap will work for the stroke! To do any cleaning have to be more carefully gapped and cons of each method an! To clogged filter or pump pressure terminal or ground electrode to match gap... Look that up for you bend the ground electrode plug may fit hundreds of engines, from to. Gapper ) and carefully insert it in between the center and ground electrodes fast, free online for. A fair & transparent quote instantly before booking ; reinstall the spark plug gapping simple in theory: forces... Coin style tools to handle adjustments see if the gap and create a spark gapping! Lever toward the center electrode through an insulated core composed of a spark plug electrode. Changed more than.02 in idea to check the gap between the arm and.... Engine performance are fouled or exceptionally dirty, they should be checked to see if gap... Note - spark plugs are created equal emissions decal located on the type of plug you have for metal! Is for the spark plug gap: Why do you need to be pre-gapped created...