How often do spark plugs need to be gapped?
Although, despite your best efforts, the gap will gradually increase over time. Typically, a properly gapped spark plug will last roughly 70,000 miles, depending on the material, before it needs to be replaced. When replacing your spark plugs, your choice of gapping tool matters. Those coin-style gap tools may not always be the best option.
What should I do before replacing spark plugs?
Allow the engine to cool completely before removing the old plugs. Adjust the new plugs to the proper gap beforehand. The correct gap for your engine can be found in the owner’s manual. To avoid mixing up the spark plug wires, remove and replace one plug at a time, or use tape to label each wire.
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.
Do you need to gap iridium spark plugs?
Most spark plugs and iridium plugs manufactured today don’t need to be gapped prior to installing them. If you’ve got a custom modified engine, though, you might be interested in checking or installing plugs at a different spacing.
How do you adjust spark plugs?
Adjust them accordingly. Use the tool to adjust the bottom electrode. When you hold the spark plug with the electrodes facing the floor, you’ll want to bend the bottom one very gently either in toward the other electrode if you want to narrow the gap, or out, if you want to increase the gap slightly.
Are spark plugs pre gapped?
A spark plugs Gap directly affects the tip temperature and the voltage necessary to fire the plug. Bosch spark plugs traditionally leave the factory pre-gapped for their most popular application.
Are NGK plugs pre gapped?
While most NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped, there are occasions when the gap requires adjustment. Care must be taken to avoid bending or breaking off the fine-wire electrodes. NGK recommends a round wire-style or pin gauge gap tool to measure the gap.
Do you gap iridium plugs?
If you’re gapping true Iridium spark plugs do not use a standard gap tool. The Iridium center electrode is very hard, and very brittle. If you put any pressure on it you will fracture it for sure.