Spark plugs

[Frodo]

Okay, well feel free to can that question...already bought them.

Another, that hopefully somebody can answer: These plugs (like so many things these days, Grrrrr) come with ZERO written instructions, just those oh-so-helpful pictures. The last pic seems to indicate we shouldn't mess with the gap.

I called where I bought them and asked if they should already be correctly pre-gapped and got the equally oh-so-helpful response, "Yeah, they should be." As always, I never have any idea how to interpret that. Could actually be, "Yeah they're gapped right, leave them alone." The other possibility: "I have no idea."

I checked one of them. Don't have a set of the nice feeler gages, just one of those circular guys that you insert into the gap and turn it until it's touching. It (Bentley) calls for 1.6 mm, which equals 0.063". On my gage, it looks to be significantly more narrow than that.

So, do I ignore the pictures and adjust it? Do I void the warranty if I do so? Should I invest in a nicer tool to measure the gap? And/or to adjust it?

Recommendations? TIA.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Okay, well feel free to can that question...already bought them.

Another, that hopefully somebody can answer: These plugs (like so many things these days, Grrrrr) come with ZERO written instructions, just those oh-so-helpful pictures. The last pic seems to indicate we shouldn't mess with the gap.

I called where I bought them and asked if they should already be correctly pre-gapped and got the equally oh-so-helpful response, "Yeah, they should be." As always, I never have any idea how to interpret that. Could actually be, "Yeah they're gapped right, leave them alone." The other possibility: "I have no idea."

I checked one of them. Don't have a set of the nice feeler gages, just one of those circular guys that you insert into the gap and turn it until it's touching. It (Bentley) calls for 1.6 mm, which equals 0.063". On my gage, it looks to be significantly more narrow than that.

So, do I ignore the pictures and adjust it? Do I void the warranty if I do so? Should I invest in a nicer tool to measure the gap? And/or to adjust it?

Recommendations? TIA.

You should "ALWAYS" check plug gap with the "correct tool" and make sure they are to spec.
To not do so is foolish and piss poor automotive methodology.

[Frodo]

Well...don't want to be guilty of piss poor auto methodology.

So why, pray tell, does NGK (and presumably other manufacturers) tell us NOT to do that?? With a big RED slash through the pic of someone doing exactly that? It makes zero sense to me. Why do they want to set their plugs (and themselves) up for failure??

A rhetorical question, probably, but one that needs to be asked..

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Well...don't want to be guilty of piss poor auto methodology.

So why, pray tell, does NGK (and presumably other manufacturers) tell us NOT to do that?? With a big RED slash through the pic of someone doing exactly that? It makes zero sense to me. Why do they want to set their plugs (and themselves) up for failure??

A rhetorical question, probably, but one that needs to be asked..

Most likely because people today have lost touch with the simplest of mechanical ideas and tasks.
Let me ask a question or two.
How many miles have those plugs traveled from manufacture to your hands??
How many times have they been banged around? Dropped? handled?? moved???stocked??? restocked.???
All you have to do is drop one on your garage floor before installing it to close the gap on a spark plug.
Then what do you have?????? Improper gap!!!!....possible misfire!!!!... Then you have to pull the plug to try and figure out why you have a misfire. Then you need a new plug crush washer because crush washers are designed for one time use.
When all you had to do was verify the plug gap was to spec. before installing it.
Verifying things like plug gap can potentially save loads of tail chasing.

It is also proper automotive methodology.

[Frodo]

Ah...ignoring the 'human element' was I? Little pride in workmanship left I guess. Not the first time I've made that mistake..

I still find it curious: why is is that NGK (et al) don't take that into account as well? Why do they convey the impression that all's hunky dory, just pop these guys in and you/re good to go? Geez, the possibility these things have potentially been that beat up in transit is kind of disquieting.

Have done additional research, think I'm good to go at this point.

Thanks blue for the input..

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Ah...ignoring the 'human element' was I? Little pride in workmanship left I guess. Not the first time I've made that mistake..

I still find it curious: why is is that NGK (et al) don't take that into account as well? Why do they convey the impression that all's hunky dory, just pop these guys in and you/re good to go? Geez, the possibility these things have potentially been that beat up in transit is kind of disquieting.

Have done additional research, think I'm good to go at this point.

Thanks blue for the input..

In the "old days" checking, cleaning and adjusting plug gap, point gap, point dwell and ignition timing every 30000-35000 miles was basic automotive maintenance.
If you didn't do it your car gradually ran worse and worse.
Computer engine management and modern materials have changed that to a large degree. But in the end an internal combustion engine is still very basic and one of it's most basic operating principals is proper fuel ignition ...Good spark..

[Frodo]

Thanks, blue. I didn't "live" them days (as in personally doing that stuff), but I did witness my fair share of it. My dad and my uncle, dad's brother, out in the garage with dirty hands and dirty fingernails, working together, under a drop light. "Points and plugs," timing light strobes, screwdriver carburetor adjustments, the whole works. All while my aunt and mother created a wonderful meal up in the kitchen.

Thanks for the words of wisdom, and the opportunity to relive moments of those bygone days.

May they be resting in peace—my dad (and his brother) would laugh at me getting all wrapped around the axle at something as simple as changing spark plugs..

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by blue62

How many times have they been banged around? Dropped? handled?? moved???stocked??? restocked.???

The expensive, fancy plugs (iridium, platinum, etc.,) usually have the cardbox ring that protects the bottom of the plug, I assumed that for that reason the factory gap settings remain on the plugs, perhaps not?
.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Gilles

The expensive, fancy plugs (iridium, platinum, etc.,) usually have the cardbox ring that protects the bottom of the plug, I assumed that for that reason the factory gap settings remain on the plugs, perhaps not?
.

Well I will say it again. To fail to do something as simple as varifying proper plug gap before installing them is foolish and piss poor methodology.

But do what you wish.