Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

The spark plugs need to have proper clearance for the engine to operate smoothly. The size of the gap affects the ignition temperature of the spark plug, which is directly related to the combustion of the fuel and gas in the engine. Expanding this gap creates a wider spark, useful with several types of custom motors to maximize performance. You can learn to create gaps by measuring and adjusting accordingly. See step 1 for more details.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Clearance measurement

1. 

   Find out the specifications of the clearance for your vehicle. Whether you are looking to buy a new spark plug, or you just bought a new spark plug and want to test it before you install it, or you want to test the functionality of your current spark plug kit, you need to find out about the proper gap between the two electrodes at the end. spark plug.
   • Each vehicle has a different gap size, although most are in the range of 0.07-0.15 cm. You can also look in the manuals or go to auto parts stores and ask them to find you.
   • Tuned motors will require making a smaller clearance to withstand the current flowing through the motor. Rule of thumb: the larger the current, the narrower the gap.

2. 

   
   
   Choose a suitable gap gauge. There are a variety of instruments used to measure spark plug clearance, others suitable for modern spark plugs containing a fragile rare metal component. Most gauges will have a flat hem feature that is commonly used to bend the terminal on the spark plug and gently adjust the gap.
   • A coin gap gauge is usually the cheapest option, by running the edge of the "coin" through the gap until it stops. This point is marked as the ruler, which determines the thickness of the border at that point. This is a useful tool for older spark plugs when you want to check performance, but it can also inadvertently widen the gaps when you use them.
   • The wire coin gauge works the same way as a regular coin gauge, however it has segments of different lengths on the edge around the coin.
   • The leaf ruler is a very efficient and versatile tool. Made to look like a hand knife, the rulers have multiple sheets of different thickness, some with a wire at the end and others not, placed in the middle of the gap to check the distance between the electrodes. pole. You can also use multiple leaves to measure larger openings. They are very effective when used to make adjustments.

3. 

   
   
   Clean the spark plug. If you have removed it from the box it should be in its original condition, but if you check the spark plug you are using in the car it is better to clean it with a clean cloth. Spark plugs can create a whitish soot on the contacts, so you will have to make sure they are clean for accurate results.
   • You can use a little quick-drying alcohol (90%) on the contacts to clean if they become heavily soiled. However too much soot or black flakes on the point of contact may be a sign that the spark plug is out of date.

4. 

   
   
   Measure the gap by passing the instrument through the electrode. Place a foil or wire on the gauge between the spark plug electrode or pass a coin over the electrode to confirm the measurement. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Clearance adjustment

1. 

   Determine if the clearance requires alignment. If the instrument passes through the gap without touching the electrode with the proper measurement method used, then your gap is too wide. If you cannot fit the electrode, the gap is too narrow and needs to expand a little more. If it fits a particular gauge, you can now safely insert the spark plug.
   • Most spark plugs and iridium spark plugs manufactured today do not require a gap measurement prior to mounting. Although if you own a pre-engineered engine, you may still find pleasure in inspecting or installing spark plugs at different distances. Adjust them accordingly.

2. 

   Use a tool to adjust the lower electrode. When you hold the spark plug with the electrode facing the floor, you should bend the lower pole gently towards the other electrode if you want to narrow the gap or outward if you want to increase the clearance slightly.
   • Never bend more than 1 mm. Doesn't need much pressure so be extremely cautious. It is very durable but not that strong.
   • If you are having trouble using the tool to adjust the gap, bend the tool with a flat surface like a table to apply a little pressure on the electrode to correct it.

3. 

   Measure the distance and make reasonable adjustments. Be careful not to touch the electrode in the middle of the spark plug and damage the core. If the electrode is broken or short you will have to discard it and buy a new one.

4. 

   Always be light. Breaking the electrode takes time, and breaking the electrode is not difficult either. It is enough to bend the electrode with only a small amount of force. advertisement

Advice

• Try to have the same clearance between all spark plugs
• If the color of the terminals is different then the motor may have a problem
• Do not screw the spark plug too tightly. The head is mostly made of aluminum and the thread can be swirled out easily.
• Spark plugs are relatively cheap, so it's best to replace them as often as possible.

Warning

• Be sure to reinsert the spark plug cord in the correct order.

What you need

• Ruler of the leaves
• 22m socket with drive
• Clip
• Rag