Why are spark plug gaps different?

narrow-gap risk: spark might be too weak/small to ignite fuel; narrow-gap benefit: plug always fires on each cycle; wide-gap risk: plug might not fire, or miss at high speeds; wide-gap benefit: spark is strong for a clean burn.

What happens if you gap spark plugs wrong?

Spark plugs that are gapped incorrectly can cause an engine to miss, or run erratically, especially during idle. The incorrect spark plug gaps can cause uneven firing of individual spark plugs and delay engine combustion; both of which can cause an engine to miss or idle erratically.

Does spark plug gap have to be exact?

Do Spark Plugs Always Have to Be Gapped? Not always. In the past, it was necessary to gap spark plugs, but today spark plugs are usually pre-gapped. It is advisable to double check that the gap is correctly set to the vehicle’s recommended setting when installing spark plugs.

What should my spark plug gap be?

For most racing applications, you usually want the plug gap to be between 0.020 and 0.040 of an inch. Most engine builders seem to settle around 0.035 of an inch. Factors such as the type of ignition you run, cylinder heads, fuel and even timing can affect how much gap will work best for you.

What is the proper spark plug gap?

How close does spark plug gap have to be?

Are NGK Spark Plugs pre gapped?

While most NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped, there are occasions when the gap requires adjustment. NGK also recommends adjusting the gap no more than +/- 0.008” from the factory preset gap.

Why do spark plugs need to be replaced?

For this reason, plugs need to be replaced to ensure that a spark is reliably created. Early spark plugs were made with nickel electrodes and cores. As engines became more powerful and reliable, the conditions in the combustion chamber became more stressful.

How long do spark plugs last before wearing out?

Luckily, spark plugs don’t wear out very quickly. You can typically get 80,000 miles on them before they need replacing. But if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your spark plugs checked out with an engine tune-up. Continuing to drive with worn out or damaged spark plugs can ultimately cause engine damage, so don’t put it off.

What happens if the spark plug gap is too wide?

A wider gap increases the load on the ignition system, demanding higher voltage. Replacing this with a fine-wire plug would allow running a decent plug gap and still offer the potential for improved combustion. The copper core does transfer a significant amount of heat.

Where does the energy in a spark plug come from?

The energy is created by the ignition coil or coil pack, which builds voltage until the spark occurs between the two electrodes. If you zoom in on a spark plug’s tip, as we have done in the image above, you can see that there is a central electrode that sticks up and a side electrode that curves around it.