How to: Installing 3rd gen spark plugs

[jreask]

So I am getting ready to do plugs on my new 2000 limited and bought the NGK's in this forum, but I have a question on the gapping. Is the gap on a double plug a summation of the two gaps? Or should I have .043 between each side? All 6 of the plugs I got are between .024 and .028. Do I bend them out?

If they are indeed gapped incorrectly take them back to where ever you purchased them. They should be pre gapped a lot closer than what you have.

 

[tystaco]

If they are indeed gapped incorrectly take them back to where ever you purchased them. They should be pre gapped a lot closer than what you have.

So there should be a .043" gap between the tip and EACH electrode, not a .043" gap between the two electrodes? The guys at Advanced Auto Parts were not helpful and thought the gap the plug had should be the gap you use.

 

[tystaco]

I guess my real question, after looking at single electrode spark plugs where you measure the gap as in the height from the tip to the electrode, is how do you measure gap on a double electrode plug. Which tool do you use?

 

[zcruiser]

I guess my real question, after looking at single electrode spark plugs where you measure the gap as in the height from the tip to the electrode, is how do you measure gap on a double electrode plug. Which tool do you use?

Use a wire gap tool, not a flat feeler gauge type. The gap of .043 is where the spark jumps across to the center post, so .043 for each side, not additive. The spark doesn't jump all the way across, it jumps to the center post from either side.

Sorry, old plug I had lying around but hopefully this shows you must use a wire gauge on each side.

 

[zcruiser]

[MENTION=148400]tystaco[/MENTION], any way you can post a pic of your plug? I've never heard of a factory-gapped plug at .024.

 

[tystaco]

[MENTION=148400]tystaco[/MENTION], any way you can post a pic of your plug? I've never heard of a factory-gapped plug at .024.

I was just using a coin gap tool at the counter of the store, I will look for a wire gap today. I hit the other forums hard last night and saw a lot of the same... .02-.03, and a LOT of people saying you just leave them the way they are, which seems crazy since these were the factory plugs with a supposed set gap. I am wondering if the coin tool was getting caught between the two points of the arc on the electrode and essentially measuring a tangent between them and the side of the center point.

 

[TheDurk]

^^^Coin is definitely the wrong tool. You'd be way off.

 

[jreask]

It's hard to tell by just looking, but those look about right. Just comparing to the ones I just installed in my 2002 Sport with 256K miles.

 

[zcruiser]

I am wondering if the coin tool was getting caught between the two points of the arc on the electrode and essentially measuring a tangent between them and the side of the center point.

Exactly.

 

[tystaco]

The job is done. Picked up a wire gauge at home depot...had gauges for .04 and .045...two plugs had a side that would allow the .045, so I slightly reduced those to easily clear .04 but not .045.

Everything went pretty smooth except the last two on the driver's side. The middle plug had the lower portion of the boot stuck on it...had to use hemo-clamps to pull it out so the spark plug wrench could get on the plug...and then the last is just a *****...luckily I have Donald Trump sized hands and managed.

My rig had been having issues with a hard start once hot...had to crank on it for 5 or so seconds. I replaced the fuel pump...no fix. I am thinking doing the plugs got it, but I haven't driven enough to fully test yet.

Thanks for all of the help!

These were the plugs that were in it...

 

[tystaco]

I also need to figure out how to size images...

 

[zcruiser]

Who the heck put in the wrong style plugs???

 

[limitedvan8]

i just swapped in new NGK plugs and followed the pre-gapped thought process...

i did check them with a flat gauge and was only getting .024 like above....didn't wan't to start messing with them, now i'm glad i didn't

i have a coin and flat gauges....guess i'll have to get a wire one

i'll pull the plugs when i get my new wires

 

[Ru44er20]

Just Installed New Spark Plugs and Wires

So I just installed new NGK Plugs and wires. Everything went pretty smooth except I was worried about the color od the plugs I pulled. They all look to have white residue on them. Is this normal?!!

 

[ZionXIX]

I also need to figure out how to size images...

Using MsPaint, there is a resize button. I like to choose "pixel" and I type in 1024 which usually resizes my photos to 1024 x 768px.

 

[zcruiser]

So I just installed new NGK Plugs and wires. Everything went pretty smooth except I was worried about the color od the plugs I pulled. They all look to have white residue on them. Is this normal?!!

Normal. You want a tan color, IIRC

 

[Ru44er20]

Ive read that tan is normal, but the ones I took out pictured above look more white do they not?

 

[zcruiser]

Ive read that tan is normal, but the ones I took out pictured above look more white do they not?

There are dozens of spark plug color charts out there. Here's one...

 

[Ru44er20]

Thanks, youre right, mine just look worn out.

 

[tystaco]

Who the heck put in the wrong style plugs???

Looking through the service records, looks like it was done at some small shop. All I know is, my hot start problem is gone.