The Spark-Plug Gap If the gap is too small, the spark will likely be too weak and cause the engine to run poorly or with poor efficiency. A spark-plug gap gauge both measures and adjusts the gap and is inexpensive and simple to use. Common signs of failing spark plug wires include a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. In addition, the engine light coming on or visible damange to the cables can be signs of a failing wire.
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. Because of the many gap sizes required, no one offers spark plugs properly gapped for every application. Gapping has always been the job of the installer.
Iridium spark plugs have extremely fine electrodes while retaining excellent wear characteristics. Champion makes a specialized gapping tool for use on fine wire plugs if they do need to be reset. It is estimated that iridium spark plugs will last for at least 60, miles. So, an investment in these spark plugs would surely be worth it for this. You may never actually have these spark plugs go bad on you.
Iridium spark plugs allow for better combustion, lower emissions, improved fuel economy, and more horsepower. Increase fuel efficiency. If your engine is powered by worn-out spark plugs, it will not run as efficiently as intended. Spark plug gap is a main factor affecting the performance of the engine depending on the engine structure.
The gap adjustment can be critical to proper engine operation, so gap should be fitted in order to have best engine performance. A narrow gap leads to weak spark to effectively ignite the fuel-air mixture.
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. For this reason, most racers add high-energy ignition systems.
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. The Spark-Plug Gap If the gap is too small, the spark will likely be too weak and cause the engine to run poorly or with poor efficiency. A spark-plug gap gauge both measures and adjusts the gap and is inexpensive and simple to use.
Excessive spark plug gap results when the voltage has too far to travel. The increased length of the spark travel weakens it, robbing it of the hot, strong ignition charge it needs to fire the plug.
Excessive spark plug gap also happens as result of normal electrode wear and age. Lack of proper ignition system maintenance can cause problems that ultimately lead to backfires. For example, a spark plug gap may widen after the plug has been in operation for months and make it difficult for the spark to jump.
Also, carbon buildup may isolate the electrodes, preventing proper combustion. 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. Common signs of failing spark plug wires include a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
If the tool runs through the gap without touching the electrodes, the gap is too big and must be narrowed. Use your spark plug gap tool to adjust the gap. Gently bend the ground electrode in to narrow the gap or bend it out to widen it.
Be very careful when making adjustments. Don't bend the electrode more than a few fractions of an inch. It is durable but isn't designed to take a lot of pressure.
Also, take care not to hit the center electrode. If you snap off the bottom electrode or damage the center electrode from excessively prying on it, you'll need a new spark plug. Precious metal iridium or platinum center electrodes can be very delicate when it comes to prying them. It is important to use the proper spark plug gapping tool. Check the gap again. Repeat the adjustment process until the tool fits closely between the electrodes.
If the spark plug gap is incorrectly set, it can lead to engine issues. The customer may experience loss of power, misfires, spark plug fouling, increased plug wear, or poor gas mileage. Too small of a gap may give too weak of a spark to complete the combustion process within the engine; too wide of a gap can lead to the spark plug not firing correctly, causing misfires at high speeds. Learn more about quality spark plugs , find your car part , or find where to buy your auto part today.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic.
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