Question about spark plugs

pmezo33 · August 23, 2016, 12:29:21 AM

Quote from: ZSHO on August 22, 2016, 10:32:45 PM
Quote from: pmezo33 on August 22, 2016, 07:15:47 PM
I just got sp534's from rockauto. All of mine were gapped at around .034 or .035. I just install them as is, but my mks is stock.
It sounds like the gaps and prices went up on these plugs compared to a couple of months ago which were 3.95 ea. IDK. Z

My mistake. Just went down in the garage to check them again and they're gapped around .032 or .033. They were all about that. I ordered them a few months ago for about $7 each.

sholxgt · August 23, 2016, 12:38:29 AM

That made me cringe. This is just a word of advice. I would not recommend that type of gap tool for fine tip iridium plugs. The tips chip/break easily. I had one break with little to no force with a different car. The sliding motion as you ramp up on that type of gauge is enough to break a tip. I learned that the hard way about 12 years ago.

They also aren't overly accurate.

pmezo33 · August 23, 2016, 12:53:00 AM

Ive had this gap tool forever and never had any issues with it. I'll keep an eye on though. Thanks for the tip. Spark plug tips are all still intact.

sholxgt · August 23, 2016, 12:55:32 AM

Quote from: pmezo33 on August 23, 2016, 12:53:00 AM
Ive had this gap tool forever and never had any issues with it. I'll keep an eye on though. Thanks for the tip. Spark plug tips are all still intact.

I have one as well and still use it on regular plugs. It's very possible that the plug I broke was weak out of the box or I was just too rough with it. I now use feeler gauges to measure and a little plug gapper thing to adjust.

SHOdded · August 23, 2016, 06:11:59 AM

Yeah, these precious metal plugs are a PITA. Wish sometimes you could just glare at them to adjust the gap, LOL.

FistyMcgee · August 23, 2016, 05:44:23 PM

Quote from: SHOdded on August 23, 2016, 06:11:59 AM
Yeah, these precious metal plugs are a PITA. Wish sometimes you could just glare at them to adjust the gap, LOL.

"glaring intensifies" to widen the gap? I use a gapping tool and follow up with feeler gauge to ensure proper gap.

FoMoCoSHO · August 23, 2016, 06:56:13 PM

I like my method.....hey mr tech, make sure you gap that s*** correctly and don't break any tips off. Then I drink some coffee and read a car mag. Easy peasy.

sholxgt · August 23, 2016, 07:16:45 PM

But, but....that method doesn't give you the satisfaction of a job well done!

Or, filthy hands, pulled muscles, aching back, hours of cussing while sweating in a 90 degree garage.

Can someone remind me why I work on my own stuff? LOL

ZSHO · August 23, 2016, 07:48:09 PM

IMO..Different strokes for different folks i guess. Z

pmezo33 · August 23, 2016, 10:42:53 PM

Quote from: sholxgt on August 23, 2016, 07:16:45 PM
But, but....that method doesn't give you the satisfaction of a job well done!

Or, filthy hands, pulled muscles, aching back, hours of cussing while sweating in a 90 degree garage.

Can someone remind me why I work on my own stuff? LOL

Because you know the jobs being done right. At least after plenty of mistakes.

ZSHO · August 23, 2016, 10:57:35 PM

Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 23, 2016, 06:56:13 PM
I like my method.....hey mr tech, make sure you gap that s*** correctly and don't break any tips off. Then I drink some coffee and read a car mag. Easy peasy.

FoMoCo kinda like that nonchalant approach(just chillin).

Z

Ryan02Stang · August 23, 2016, 10:59:46 PM

Mine came from Rock Auto at .030 - .031, and I did them about two months ago. We did my brother in law's last month and same thing from Rock Auto.

SHOdded · August 24, 2016, 04:25:32 AM

Quote from: ZSHO on August 23, 2016, 07:48:09 PM
IMO..Different strokes for different folks i guess. Z

Indeed!

Wardog692 · August 24, 2016, 07:47:04 AM

Quote from: Ryan02Stang on August 23, 2016, 10:59:46 PM
Mine came from Rock Auto at .030 - .031, and I did them about two months ago. We did my brother in law's last month and same thing from Rock Auto.

Mine came all around .030 as well. I'm still stock, but I assume they won't do any damage if I install them as is? Maybe a little worse on the mpg side, but that's all correct?

ZSHO · August 24, 2016, 08:00:02 AM

Quote from: Wardog692 on August 24, 2016, 07:47:04 AM
Quote from: Ryan02Stang on August 23, 2016, 10:59:46 PM
Mine came from Rock Auto at .030 - .031, and I did them about two months ago. We did my brother in law's last month and same thing from Rock Auto.

Mine came all around .030 as well. I'm still stock, but I assume they won't do any damage if I install them as is? Maybe a little worse on the mpg side, but that's all correct?

I stand corrected!....changed my plugs out SIX Times a charm and always found the plugs to be gapped between 0.30-031 and to the OP if your planning on installing a tune in the very near future you should be fine,best of luck to ya and due keep us updated on all fronts,enjoy.BTW if you were closer by me would of installed the plugs for ya in 45min and a couple of beer's. Z