Is a spark plug gap tool necessary?

You need a feeler gauge to gap your spark plugs properly. Gap new as well as old spark plugs, even if the package says that the new plugs are “pre-gapped.” To avoid problems, work on only one plug at a time, in cylinder sequence order.

What tool do you use to gap a spark plug?

A feeler gauge is made up of a collection of calibrated metal strips of varying thicknesses. The blades look like a pocket knife when joined together. It’s the best tool for measuring and adjusting the spark plug spacing.

How big of a gap do you need for a spark plug?

The first step is to figure out the size of the gap that your vehicle requires. My vehicle requires a 0.054″ spark gap. We will now measure the gap on one of the new spark plugs using our spark plug gap measuring tool.

When do you need to change spark plugs?

Problems with mechanical or electrical systems can interfere with a plug’s job and shorten its service life. When worn or fouled, a spark plug may work fine at idle, but at higher engine speeds or under heavy loads, you may notice one or more cylinders misfire. So you’ll need to check and, if necessary, replace them.

What to do when your spark plug is loose?

If the plug seems hard to turn, just turn it about 45 degrees counterclockwise and spray oil penetrant around the base of the plug. Wait 15 minutes and turn the plug back and forth about 45 degrees. Use more lubricant, if necessary, until the plug becomes loose but don’t remove the plug just yet.

How many miles does a spark plug last?

A spark plug can last approximately between 20,000 and 100,000 miles (32,000 and 160,000 km), depending on the type of spark plug used and the engine’s condition and the way it’s been maintained. Problems with mechanical or electrical systems can interfere with a plug’s job and shorten its service life.

How often should you change the spark plug gap?

The spark plug gap adjustment should not be changed more than 3 times and should not exceed .008″ in either direction. Excessive changing of the spark plug gap setting will result in weakening of the spark plug ground electrode and can lead to breakage. Also, the spark plug gap should never exceed .055″ unless pre-set by the manufacturer.

Can a spark plug have an improper gap?

A spark plug that has an improper gap will show certain signs and symptoms. The basic construction of a spark plug uses an upper contact tip that receives voltage from the ignition system through a spark plug wire. The tip continues down as the center electrode through an insulated core composed of a ceramic housing, usually made of porcelain.

Where is the spark plug gap on a champion?

For Champion spark plugs it is a little less logical and is as listed below: Spark plug gap is where spark plug spark discharge is designed to take place. On a conventional spark plug, it is the area between the center and the ground electrode.

What is the pressure between the spark plug gap and ground electrode?

between the spark plug gap (center electrode and ground electrode). 2) Pressure in the combustion chamber at time of spark discharge – Depends on compression and aspiration of the engine. High compression engines and engines with forced induction have higher combustion chamber pressures at time of spark discharge.