Spark Plug Gap
06-12-2002 | 06:14 AM
#11
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg Pa
Vehicle: 2000 Tiburon
No matter what gapping method you use, best to keep the gap within factory spec, as a larger gap will put more strain on the ignition coil, eventually causing it to fail. Spark plugs are cheap and easy to replace and gap, ignition coils are not!
06-12-2002 | 06:49 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
Vehicle: 1998 Tib
QUOTE
Rich:
Hey guys, i just replaced my spark plugs w/ some Denso's (auto-zone didn't carry NGK sad.gif and didn't want to use champion plugs). I'm not sure if they're good, better, or best but the guy @ A/Z said they're made by NGK...anyway, the owner's manual said to gap the plug about.0039 -.0042 inches. Is there a 'performance' gapping method? I just gapped them @ .0040.
I'm unsure if i've been riding around on really old pugs or the Densos are awesome, but i felt a BIG difference in torque/hp and throttle response.
Very happy with this and i recommend any1 to replace their plugs!
Rich
Take them out. You will eat thin within 20,000 miles. I had Bosch in mine, and the mechanic at the dealership said NGK is the best for Hyundais. Anything else wears out.
Hey guys, i just replaced my spark plugs w/ some Denso's (auto-zone didn't carry NGK sad.gif and didn't want to use champion plugs). I'm not sure if they're good, better, or best but the guy @ A/Z said they're made by NGK...anyway, the owner's manual said to gap the plug about.0039 -.0042 inches. Is there a 'performance' gapping method? I just gapped them @ .0040.
I'm unsure if i've been riding around on really old pugs or the Densos are awesome, but i felt a BIG difference in torque/hp and throttle response.
Very happy with this and i recommend any1 to replace their plugs!
Rich
06-14-2002 | 01:31 AM
#17
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,851
Likes: 2
From: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Prius 2006 Suzuki SV650S
I learned of this process from "Modern Engine Tuning" by A. Graham Bell.
In testing on my turbo tibby, it didn't seem to help HP or detonation, but gas mileage went up by about 2-3 MPG.
In testing on my turbo tibby, it didn't seem to help HP or detonation, but gas mileage went up by about 2-3 MPG.
06-15-2002 | 05:13 AM
#19
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,851
Likes: 2
From: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Prius 2006 Suzuki SV650S
Do it to a new set of plugs. The earth electrode can be rather weak after the plug has been used, and it may "snap off" while you try to bend it into the proper position.
Anyone care to guess how I know?
For those of you who use "ordinary" plugs. Every 5000 miles or so, yank your plugs and file down the sides, end, and bottom of the earth electrode with a small metal file. Just remove enough material to expose new metal, don't actually grind anything away. Ditto for the round positive electrode in the center.
Just make sure you re-gap the plugs when done.
Basically this process exposes "new" "fresh" metal for the spark to jump across. It's like having new plugs every 5000 miles.
Anyone care to guess how I know?
For those of you who use "ordinary" plugs. Every 5000 miles or so, yank your plugs and file down the sides, end, and bottom of the earth electrode with a small metal file. Just remove enough material to expose new metal, don't actually grind anything away. Ditto for the round positive electrode in the center.
Just make sure you re-gap the plugs when done.
Basically this process exposes "new" "fresh" metal for the spark to jump across. It's like having new plugs every 5000 miles.
06-15-2002 | 06:11 PM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Vehicle: Lancer Evo IX
QUOTE
Random:
Do it to a new set of plugs. The earth electrode can be rather weak after the plug has been used, and it may "snap off" while you try to bend it into the proper position.
Anyone care to guess how I know?
For those of you who use "ordinary" plugs. Every 5000 miles or so, yank your plugs and file down the sides, end, and bottom of the earth electrode with a small metal file. Just remove enough material to expose new metal, don't actually grind anything away. Ditto for the round positive electrode in the center.
Just make sure you re-gap the plugs when done.
Basically this process exposes "new" "fresh" metal for the spark to jump across. It's like having new plugs every 5000 miles.
DUDE! Thank you so much you just saved me a boatload of $$$$$$!!!!! smile.gif smile.gif
Do it to a new set of plugs. The earth electrode can be rather weak after the plug has been used, and it may "snap off" while you try to bend it into the proper position.
Anyone care to guess how I know?
For those of you who use "ordinary" plugs. Every 5000 miles or so, yank your plugs and file down the sides, end, and bottom of the earth electrode with a small metal file. Just remove enough material to expose new metal, don't actually grind anything away. Ditto for the round positive electrode in the center.
Just make sure you re-gap the plugs when done.
Basically this process exposes "new" "fresh" metal for the spark to jump across. It's like having new plugs every 5000 miles.