Does spark plug gap affect idle?
Spark plugs that are gapped incorrectly can cause an engine to miss, or run erratically, especially during idle. The incorrect spark plug gaps can cause uneven firing of individual spark plugs and delay engine combustion; both of which can cause an engine to miss or idle erratically.
Where do you find the gap on a spark plug?
The gap specification is determined by the vehicle manufacturer during engine design and is commonly found in the vehicle owner’s manual or the emission sticker under the hood. The accuracy of the gap is critical to an engine’s operation and efficiency.
What should the spark gap be on a motorcycle?
The rule of thumb for the spark plug gap on older engines is coil ignition 0.025 thou and magneto ignition 0.018 – 0.020 thou.Spark plugs are typically designed to have a spark gap which can be adjusted by the technician installing the spark plug, by the simple method of bending the ground electrode slightly…
How big is the spark plug gap on a Promod Turbo?
Some applications such as ProMod turbo cars using M1 fuel frequently run a spark plug gap as small as .012″, even though they are equipped with some of the highest output ignition systems providing in excess of 60,000 Volts high current and high mJ power output.
Can a spark plug gap cause a misfire?
As a rule, a properly gapped spark plug will burn hot without being too wide at high rpm to cause a misfire. Ironically, the car manufacturer’s recommended spark plug gap is not optimal!
Do you need to gap your spark plugs?
Spark plugs require a precise gap to ensure proper ignition of the air/fuel mixture, and gapping them requires appropriate tools for your vehicle’s specific plugs. 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.
When does a spark plug need to be widened?
Determine if the gap needs adjusting. If the tool passes through the gap without touching the electrodes at the appropriate measure, your gap is too wide. If you can’t fit it between the electrodes, the gap is too small and needs to be widened some. If it fits closely to the specified measurement, you’re safe to install the spark plug.
Some applications such as ProMod turbo cars using M1 fuel frequently run a spark plug gap as small as .012″, even though they are equipped with some of the highest output ignition systems providing in excess of 60,000 Volts high current and high mJ power output.
What are the symptoms of a narrow spark plug gap?
The duration of the spark has less travel distance, thus not remaining hot enough with sufficient charge to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The symptoms of narrow gap include a noticeable (continuous) cylinder miss, hard starting if all the plugs have narrow gaps, rough idle and engine hesitation.