What happens if spark gap is too big?
If spark plugs are gapped too wide, the ignition spark loses some of its strength as it crosses the spark plug gaps. This can result in engine hesitation. An incorrect electrode gap may affect engine performance as the spark magnitude may be insufficient to ensure complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
Do spark plug gaps have to be exact?
The gap between the center and side electrodes of a spark plug must be an exact distance; otherwise, your plugs don’t fire efficiently. Adjusting the distance between the two electrodes is called gapping your spark plugs. You need a feeler gauge to gap your spark plugs properly.
When should I increase spark plug gap?
The voltage requirement is directly proportional to the gap size. The larger the gap, the more voltage is needed to jump the gap. Most experienced tuners know that increasing the gap size increases the spark area exposed to the air-fuel mixture, which maximizes burn efficiency.
What are the symptoms of incorrectly gapped spark plugs?
An engine that hesitates, or stumbles, upon acceleration is often the result of incorrectly gapped spark plugs. If spark plugs are gapped too wide, the ignition spark loses some of its strength as it crosses the spark plug gaps. This can result in engine hesitation.
When did GM change spark plug gap to.045?
Back in 1975 when GM started using HEI, they wanted plug gaps set at .060 till they found out it was hard on caps and rotors, as mentioned. They then changed their specs to .045. So as mentioned, .040-.045 is right on the money.
How can I reduce the gap on my spark plug?
Reducing the spark plug gap is accomplished by tapping down the outer ground electrode with a small hammering tool, or prying it open with a thin blade, so that an accurate gap can be set with a spark plug tool.
What’s the difference between.040 and.045 spark plugs?
So as mentioned, .040-.045 is right on the money. They went to .060 – that was still an issue, so they dropped to .045. We changed so many dozens of rotors we had trouble keeping them in stock.
Are there spark plugs that do not gap?
As I remove the plastic hood covering the engine for access to the plugs I THEN SEE a notice on the valve cover that says use iridium plugs, but DON’T GAP THEM. Clearly my purchased plug gaps were narrower than spec – if only a couple of thousands.
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.
What’s the gap between the iridium spark plugs?
The owner manual says Denso or NGK Iridium plugs. I nab a four-set of NGK Laser OE spec Iridium Plugs. The o. manual says a .043 gap so I check them with my feeler guage and note they are off – just a tad; I adjust the gap a bit farther being careful not to abrade the electrode surfaces.
Can a high voltage spark jump the gap?
A high voltage spark jumps the gap, producing ignition fire. Spark plug specifications, which include type, heat range and gap, will be found in the owner’s repair manual.