Gapping Spark Plugs.....?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 540
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From: Pembroke Pines, Fl
Gapping Spark Plugs.....?
What the hell is that? I read somewhere that you will have to gap the Densos? What is that and how do you do it? Please someone explain to me what I have to do when I get my Densos from JL. Thank You
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Warner Robins, Ga, CSA
There is a 'gap'(air space--distance) created between the center(vertical) electrode tip(end) and the ground(horizontal-connected to the plug shell) electrode lower surface. This gap is usually measured in .001" increments. The plugs will have a 'gap' when you receive them but never install any plug before measuring for the correct gap for your eng.
Go to Sears, Auto Zone, etc. and buy a 'wire-type' gapping tool. This a combination gap-checking(the wires) and gap adjusting(small notches in the edge of the tool) tool. Make sure the tool you buy has the needed wire size--needed gap, on it. Never use a 'feeler' type gauge to check for proper plug gaps. When you are changing the gap(particularly on Densos), be extremely careful as the tool may touch the center electrode(you 'form' the ground electrode when gapping) and the tip will break off in a n.y. second. If needed, form the ground electrode up or down gradually , a .001" at a time until the wire gauge will fit thru the gap with a very slight 'drag' on the gauge wire. Be very careful when handling spark plugs--if you drop one--throw it away or you will be installing a permanent mis-fire. JL should have told you the proper gap for your eng./mods.
Dan
Go to Sears, Auto Zone, etc. and buy a 'wire-type' gapping tool. This a combination gap-checking(the wires) and gap adjusting(small notches in the edge of the tool) tool. Make sure the tool you buy has the needed wire size--needed gap, on it. Never use a 'feeler' type gauge to check for proper plug gaps. When you are changing the gap(particularly on Densos), be extremely careful as the tool may touch the center electrode(you 'form' the ground electrode when gapping) and the tip will break off in a n.y. second. If needed, form the ground electrode up or down gradually , a .001" at a time until the wire gauge will fit thru the gap with a very slight 'drag' on the gauge wire. Be very careful when handling spark plugs--if you drop one--throw it away or you will be installing a permanent mis-fire. JL should have told you the proper gap for your eng./mods.
Dan
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 726
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From: Mobile, Alabama
L838, Where is Pembroke Pines, Fl, how far are you from Mobile Al. If your not to far we need to get together and I'll be more than happy to give your some pointers and show you what you need to know about your plugs.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,303
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From: Chesapeake, VA USA
Ditto on being very careful. If you snap one off(they are very hard and very brittle) you can buy singles for about $19 shipped from here: www.sparkplugs.com I found out the hard way. Went to Sears and got the wire gap checker(.040).
