Spark plug gap

[Tractorak]

I just bought some new plugs for my car they are the motorcraft SP-534 one step colder and the gap is more than .30 looks around .036. The plugs say to not gap them. I have never tried to gap iridium plugs should I try? I assume it's the electrode that they are worried about. So if a guy can bend it down without closing the gap too much would that be ok?

[Tractorak]

I also found the 3 bar in town for $118.00 so I am pulling the trigger on that tomorrow. Still hovering with my finger over the cart on the alky kit.

[Tractorak]

I just bought some new plugs for my car they are the motorcraft SP-534 one step colder and the gap is more than .30 looks around .036. The plugs say to not gap them. I have never tried to gap iridium plugs should I try? I assume it's the electrode that they are worried about. So if a guy can bend it down without closing the gap too much would that be ok?

Ok so after some leg er.. finger work I found this document from Denso- http://www.densoiridium.com/installationguide.php that tells you how to gap the Iridium plugs and torque specs. I would assume that it should be similar to the motorcraft plugs. It looks like our plugs are the tapered kind so 1/16th turn after finger tight.

[The Bone]

I replaced mine and they were tighter than that. Dont forget the antisieze. they dont come with it and there was carbon on the threads. Go figure since I only use Chevron gas. Changing to Shell. Hope this makes a difference. I also gaped my plugs that I got from the dealer. No guarantee that the gap is right for your car.

[Tomc612]

My SP- 534s all 6 came at .30.. always use a good feeler gauge to check  Iridium plugs. I tighten using only the socket until it stopped and then attached the ratchet and turn it very gently until nice and snug.You don't really need to torque them.

[BiGMaC]

Performance companies such as LMS do not recommend feeler gauges, although they can work fine.  They use precision tools much like this:
http://www.jegs.com/p/Accel/Accel-Spark-Plug-Gapping-Pliers/764136/10002/-1