Do Not Gap Your Spark Plugs!!! At Least Not The Old Way..

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[@merg2928]

you are correct but you might want to show people how to gap them properly if you’re going to create a video like this. Just saying.

[@CROFTY71]

Fuck yeah good comment

[@forrestweldon9168]

My immediate thoughts are "okay so then how genius"

[@swirledworld340]

Tip is "likely" to "break" the tip woth a disc style cause you pry off the center elctrode to make the gap... new wire tools have a piece on it that prys off the back of the ground electrode. Manufacturers alsp say dont gap it as the new cores are powerful enough to overcome slight tolerances due to shipping. 🤷‍♂️

[@Scott-jh2go]

So how to check gap

[@swirledworld340]

@@Scott-jh2go same way just don't open it woth the disc pry off ground electrode only

[@jamesbillet8954]

Don't bring a problem to the table unless you can show the solution.

[@shlink2]

Show us how to gap these new Platinum or Iridium units, kind sir!!!

[@mikegordon329]

They come pre-gapped 😂

[@harv1957]

That's what they want you to believe. But they're not all gap the same.

[@gtaashwagandhaman7551]

Pliers👌

[@charleskirkpatrick8944]

There's no such thing as free grab spark plugs if anybody's got any common Sense during shipment being knocked around or human error which that's obviously who gets the spark plugs mishaps are likely to happen so therefore it's a bunch of BS

[@gregoriohernandez4842]

Nope 😂 ​@@mikegordon329

[@RCichard]

Two tips: Show the proper way to gap them by prying on the back of the ground arm rather then on top of the electrode. Also, give a quick explanation as to why we should not pry up on the much smaller iridium electrode compared to the more stout older copper plugs. Outside of the above, good points and video!

[@mikeburdi3464]

He goes over all of that in the full video.

[@meljane8339]

​@@mikeburdi3464 'will check it out.

[@johndoe-xy4xq]

I like Kenny

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

Replaced all 6 on 3800s2 with the top tier O'Reilly has of Autolite iridium.... more than half has massive gap or almost none at all. Luckily we didn't damage them, but probably adjusted 5 of the 6.

[@adammamayek6237]

I didn't realize. That might be one of my problems. Thanks for the tip.

[@williamreilly8520]

This guy was in a Christmas story.Youl shoot your eye out😂

[@mikeschaner5853]

Should specify about that particular gap tool you showed. A lot of those, have the hole that's offset specifically for platinum plugs. Doesn't put any pressure on the electrode. Good show sir

[@xA-A-RONx]

Well how should I gap them then? The gap isn't always right from the factory

[@leonelvillalobos4509]

Iding know but I was figure you right

[@robertwest3093]

Great advice Kenny! I've never given this a thought.

[@paulputnam2305]

Thank You Kenny for really caring about us. Much Love and Hugs

[@KO-pk7df]

I have never done it that way or seen anyone do it that way in my 50+ years of working on engines. But maybe his guy used to.

[@kimchee94112]

My new Denso IRIDIUMs pre gap plugs were not wide enough per my car's specifications. I had to regap all six of it with a needle nose plier very carefully. I had a regap tool but gave it away, need to buy another one. That old tool also has a brush to clean out the carbon inside the plug, they don't make that anymore.

[@invisibilianone6288]

The flat disc gap gauges have a hole,,,hook it carefully on the GROUND electrode, to adjust. The round disc gap gauges that have the wire loops,,, they have the little ears,,,that are used for adjusting the GROUND electrode. Do NOT touch, or put pressure on the CENTER electrode, on platinum, or irridium plugs.

[@randyleonard4126]

That hole is to hang it on the side of my tool chest lol..jk

[@saewoody6366]

Exactly thinking what the other commenters are thinking. So how do you gap them? Is there a new style gapper?

[@Emoralis]

They come pregapped. You can check them and if they’re incorrect get a replacement. I have literally never gapped a spark plug. Never had problems either. I run double platinum currently.

[@NateASE]

Thats why most new gappers have the hole in it to grab the tip without touching the electrode. Good vid!

[@Pork-Chopper]

I do not use platinum or iridium plugs. For one they are too expensive n do not increase performance. A spark is a spark. Conventional plugs work just as well and when you change them you can also see how well the air/fuel mixture is burning. The expensive plugs get dirty just same. Don't waste your money. They can also get stuck on the head because you supposedly can leave them in longer creating other problems, like fucking up the threads. A good quality plug like autolite with a copper conductor work great, and save you money. 🤖

[@Krankie_V]

Replacing your plugs 3x as often doesnt really save money lmao. Regular platinum plugs are like 5 bucks and cooper are 2. Meh. Just use whatever the application calls for. Modern high energy ignition systems will burn up a copper plug in short order. Some of them run at an excess of 100kV.

[@Pork-Chopper]

@@Krankie_V Fact is, You don't need anything over 50kv to fire a spark plug. You only need one match to light the gasoline. I never said I replace my plugs 3 times as much. If a 40kv coil produces a good strong spark to burn efficiently, I don't see what 100kv will do. May as well throw a fucking grenade in the combustion chamber. It's totally not necessary. All a higher output coil is gonna do is burn off the electrodes. I can take my regular copper plugs n clean them n they will work just fine for another 10k miles. Also, when it comes to spark plugs, just like tires, you choose what you want or what works best for you, not necessarily what the application calls for. I replaced an old points type distributor on a Chevy small block with an updated HEI ignition. So, in some cases who gives a shit what the application calls for. Same for clutches. If you have a pressure plate which works fine with 2200lbs of pressure, anything higher is just going to add stress to your clutch linkages n not do a damn thing for added performance, n in fact, make it harder to clutch n shift smoothly. The engines I have built for my trucks are working just fine, n periodic maintenance is waay cheaper than a false sense of security with products that claim to last forever, which they don't.

[@Krankie_V]

@Pork-Chopper the point being that in modelers vehicles which are designed with double platinum and iridium plugs in mind, your junky copper plugs won't hold up for very long at all. Copper plugs are good for 30k in systems designed for them. Platinum usually for 90 to 100k miles. Of course I'm not telling you to put a 100kV coil on a 68 camaro. I'm telling you not to put copper plugs in a 2020 f-150. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out.

[@Pork-Chopper]

@@Krankie_V No argument there. Cept that my trucks are over 50 years old and running as good as new, a small block n a big block. Can't say the same for alot of these newer vehicles that I've seen that don't seem to last more than 10-20 years made out of plastic n aluminum with engineered obsolescence built in .. Can't say that copper plugs are junky. Copper is the second best electrical conductor next to silver. Probably why platinum n iridium need a higher voltage to produce the same spark a junky "copper" plug can at a waay lower voltage...

[@jamesbosworth4191]

They say 100,000 miles, but I will not ignore them for that long. I don't believe in waiting until it misfires

[@richard1835]

I just check to see if there gapped before installing. That's it.

[@daniellee770]

Recommended alternative is to use a wire spark plug gap tool. Use feeler gauges to check gap for finer accuracy.

[@annesmith9296]

Thanks for the tip and head's up. I remember my dad gaping spark plugs for his 71 F-250 when I was a kid, I didn't realize you can actually ruin the plugs like you're talking about

[@donhendricks2950]

Great info as always Kenny. Also i notice when i first used the new style plugs i use to always put anti seize on the older plugs but while installing the newer plugs notice on the box the new plugs came in it said "do no use anti seize".

[@lincoslam]

Many anti seize compounds are non conductive. Use will create high load misfire.

[@linden5576]

Yes, it would’ve been nice to show how to gap the new platinum type spark plugs and what type of gaffer to use on the new platinum type plugs! I am a female and I’m just learning how to maintenance my lawnmower. I knew zero about spark plugs! But now I’m learning how to order how to remove them what tools and gaffers I need what type of spark plugs they are etc. so I can maintain my Lawnmower. To all the men, teach your significant other how to maintain things in the home, in the vehicle and any power tools, lawn, mowers, etc. she may use. And I’m talking about the type of products you used to clean your vehicle went to get a tire rotation Dues and don’ts dealing with the lawnmower do not wash it when it’s hot, etc. All of these things can be very beneficial to to her in the future. I found that out when my husband passed away before he retired of cancer. I was left suddenly blindsided and how to maintain and keep up with the vehicle lawnmower, Weedwhacker, etc. I didn’t think that I would need to know all of those things, because I never thought that I wouldn’t have him in my life. So please teach your wives or whoever the value of your items and how to maintain things properly entire pressure and a good and bad battery, etc. because it’s pretty scary when you’re on your own all of a sudden and you know none of these things and you have to learn all of them! The prices of everything in the prices of of taking your lawnmower to have it repaired you can learn to do it yourself and not get ripped off not that everyone would!

[@LA_Commander]

I agree. Most plugs are already "pre gapped". It doesn't hurt to check them first (I always do). But I haven't had to adjust any new style plugs at all.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Shipping always ruins plug gaps..

[@jamesbosworth4191]

No they are not pre gapped. All spark plugs are used on a wide variety of engines, not all of which call for the same gap.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Takes a few minutes to gap your plugs for a balanced running engine.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@Workerbee-zy5nx Is that why some don't want to do it? Pure laziness I guess.

[@LA_Commander]

@@jamesbosworth4191 Could be that. Or maybe they just don't have a gapping tool

[@wessmith1449]

Excellent tip there are so many people that I'd know messed this up.

[@emilecrotteau7312]

🇨🇦 THANK YOU,,,OVER 40 YEAR'S MECHANIC WAS NOT AWARE OF THAT

[@notsure7554]

You have to gather plugs. You can’t trust the gap the factory has put on it and with shipping that gap gets all messed up with that spark plug rattling around inside that box. Show people how to use the hole in that gap tool you had in your hand to gap newer, iridium, or platinum plugs without touching the center electrode.

[@Botman.com1125]

Right, how do you gap without damaging?🤔

[@invisibilianone6288]

@@Botman.com1125 use the hole, in that flat round gap gauge,,, hook it carefully on the GROUND electrode, to bend. Don't touch the center electrode, of the plug.

[@meljane8339]

'Sounds like marketing for new tool production... I knew I shoulda taken a machine shop class just after automotive. ... What about regular sanding/refurbishing the spark plugs ? They look like record turntable needles in comparison. I'd never checked that, but your demonstration is a bigger difference that I thought.

[@GodsHerosGodsHeros]

Thank you you are correct I keep asking orilley about this and they are clueless 😊

[@donames6941]

I got a 1976 truck the newer plug are never gaped right for it i also drive it every day and would never buy a new junk car

[@brianyoung9945]

Good thing I’m still purchasing good ol copper plugs

[@johnlampman353]

Please keep up the good work and the tips thank you

[@josipdrazin6708]

Wow 😮 I never thought about this 😅.. thanks

[@marccrotty8447]

I would not coat the shown copper plug with that much anti-seize. Potentially create ground issue. Just a little bit.

[@Scot_in_Otium]

Hi Kenny. I enjoy your videos and especially your mechanics stories and yarns! Another Iridium Spark Plug tip. Per NGK and Denso spark plug manufacturers, Do Not apply anti seize lubricant to the threads of their Iridium Spark Plugs! They already apply a nickel coating to the threads. Before I knew about this guidance, I applied anti seize to iridium spark plugs in my Acura TL. I had a heck of a time removing them and I had not over-torqued installing them. The old anti seize lube on the old spark plugs looked like dried up glue!!! Some say it’s a chemical reaction between the nickel coated steel threads and the aluminum head in Acura engine. Thanks for all the great knowledge.

[@mikeschaner5853]

And yet denso explicitly puts their anti seize in with their plug/wire kits, and o2 sensors which they say do not use anti seize on also.. dont tell me not to use it, If you give it to me 😆 😆 ngk puts denso stuff in too

[@Scot_in_Otium]

Interesting. I’ve been buying NGK and Denso plugs (when I can find NGK) for years. Never noticed any anti seize included in the spark plug boxes. I just replaced my O2 sensors for my Acura TL with NGK and did not come with anti seize. It may be provided by other O2 sensor manufacturers like Bosch. In any event..like Kenny said..to each his own. I’ve just decided that I’m going by the recommendation by NGK not to add anti seize.

[@mikeschaner5853]

@Bryan C fair enough. Wasn't trying to argue with ya, just found it ironic.

[@Seanyhwh-qu4sb]

love the 3 week old grime under his thumbnail.hes the real deal mechanic.😁👍

[@joshuac837]

I work at a parts store and I always tell the customer that when they buy iridiums or platinums. Most customers like that they don't have to worry about it

[@stevendecker9239]

I've also heard from Scotty kilmore and someone else that we're not supposed to put anti-seize on those iridium spark plugs either like we did the old spark plugs.😮

[@vdog4799]

​@@stevendecker9239 I didn't know that at all. Thanks for the heads up!👍

[@MECHc3ify]

For everyone asking how to gap them, there is a special tool (basically a mini vice) that pushes on the top electrode into as fast as you need. I always check with feeler guages, but im sure an autozone gapper will be okay to check if you dont get too crazy with it.

[@howarddavidiii6171]

Thanks for the heads up. Good to know.

[@LOUIS-fp3bv]

Kenny, your a movie star!

[@gtaashwagandhaman7551]

That's why I used pliers👌

[@markcollins457]

Roger that, I made the mistake gaping my plugs 97 Ranger 3.0 w/platinum plugs have a skinny pin and i cracked the porcelain. Did not realize til i trouble shot for 2 days , 2 plugs were cracked live & learn.

[@josephfleeman]

My feeler gauge has a L shaped bar with a little slot i ue to bend the electrode from the side. Sometimes the plugs are gapped wrong.

[@HellTriX]

I just gapped 16 new Iridiums like that, lil brass hammer, tappetapp tap. If its too tight, bend the electrode back using the prybar on some of the capping tools being careful not to touch the center electrode pin

[@ewconway]

Absolutely Kenny!

[@1952truck]

I never gapped my spark plugs I always gaged them in, but you are right the new platinum style spark plugs come pre-gaged from the factory

[@jamesbosworth4191]

That is not possible, as no spark plugs are made for only one application.

[@kevin2298]

You know what's so crazy..I just recently did a spark plug change on a bike & the plug that came out was a champion plug & it was gapped.. always started up before that & still does & the new one is gapped but is a ngk plug

[@AriesRocker68]

Which spark plugs would you recommend replacing on a 1988 Chevy K2500 truck? Are Iridium necessary or the $3.99 AC Delco, all at my local NAPA?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I always try to go with whatever the factory replacement is . For 88 , I'd think they were just standard plugs . I'd definitely use AC Delco

[@dennissecor8092]

I haven't gapped a plug in years, I visually look at them and install them, never had a problem, thanks for sharing, great video!!!

[@jasminelindros8923]

If I go for a long walk on a short pier, I can create problems. If I build a huge bonfire in a small closet, I can create problems. If I dump 45 cubic yards of gravel onto a busy freeway, I can create problems. In fact, I can create problems all day, boy, without your help. If you want to post a video worth watching, post solutions, not problems.

[@f.chrisliuzzo7889]

Most times iridium or platinum plugs come with a plastic or cardboard sleeve over the end so they can’t get smashed down while in the box. but I have had some that came without sleeves and all I did was make sure they are in spec and install. But copper plugs I always have to gap them and they never come with a sleeve..

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

what if i just put the ground strap in a vise and bend it that way and dont touch the iridium?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

That's fine. You can do that. Thanks for watching 🔧

[@andrewhiller8663]

So how do you set the gap on new style

[@blb6547]

Good to know thank you

[@Tactical.Pastor]

Thanks

[@robertg9334]

So return them and charge parts store for travel expenses when they don't gap check correctly

[@davemi3213]

So how do you set the gap?

[@mosthated8190]

Those glasses are awesome! What are they ?

[@WhatsTheQuestion719]

My alldata literally said the same thing when replacing spark plugs on a crv, specifically tells you in the procedure not to mess with the iridium ones!!!

[@richardjohnson4365]

So how do you do it without the tools available?

[@Frankbarrera714]

So how is it done?

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

Fun fact: did you know that circle gapper you held up has a hole specifically made for gapping? You’re welcome.

[@rickl6697]

I was hoping you were going to show how to properly gap the new style.

[@scottrussell6717]

Exactly right

[@kujonyanthawa594]

#1 That round gauge. Isn’t a gap tool, unless it has the hole to hold on the electrode.

[@johnstorton]

OK, fine. NGK plugs come gapped to.040, my car requires .044, but I'll just leave them at .040 like you said. I won't touch them. Let's see how that works out. Better call Saul.

[@donames6941]

The hole in the round gauge is for ajusting the ground strap

[@joanstehlik235]

You gotta use needle nose pliers on iridiums. Stay away from the small electrode.

[@LeeYang07133]

I had just dont my spark plugs the other day and i gapped them with that exact tool. On iridiums as well. The tips had not been touched. Also, the spark plugs came in with gaps all over the place. They must be gapped consistently.

[@Mechanickirk]

You don't need special spark plugs if you do regular tune ups. I trust spark plugs for a few years and change them. All you're paying for is a bunch of B's and supposed longer service intervals.

[@shaynenelson481]

Thank u so much I have wondered about this for years now. How do u recommend gapping them if they need it?

[@Krankie_V]

You're supposed to use the hole in the coin gauge to open the gap rather than just levering the gap open with the same portion of the tool that you mrasure the gap with.

[@shaynenelson481]

@@Krankie_V Thank u, good to know!

[@fiercefix]

Platinum and iridium are pre set no adjustments required.

[@swirledworld340]

He is saying do not gap them at all. Manufacturers pre gap them, so only reason to perfect the gap is from shipping and handling faults. But with iridium cores, the slight "misgap" is allowed per Manufacturers instructions. The main thing with gapping with a disc is if you pry off the center elctrode it may break

[@pedrobedoy9574]

I grabbed it with pliers from top Bent it upwards without touching electrode 😂

[@mackenziesibley7025]

I've ran into that on a ls

[@larrybrooks9068]

you can use the wire gap kind I do it all the time!🤔🤨😌

[@TonicofSonic]

The measure tool you showed is not for gapping it is for measuring. At least that is how they are advertised. They have a hole in them for making the gap bigger by using leverage. Are you suggesting some people just jam the measure tool between the tip and the electrode to gap them? That would be pretty ridiculous.

[@mikeburdi3464]

He didn't suggest anything like that.

[@Skipperj]

Never seize on the old plug, a good practice

[@michaelhiggins3786]

Ok so how do you gap the plug

[@Mikkeyboyy]

whats your reasoning to this effect

[@Ranger_k16]

I like the part where he showed the proper way 🙄

[@aaron___6014]

How do I gap them. Left us hanging and panicking.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Don't panic. I will make a video on how to gap spark plugs this weekend. Thanks for watching! Keep wrenching 🔧

[@frankrodriguez7683]

Yeah, I found out the hard way

[@Scott-jh2go]

They say it comes pre gapped so how do we know it is at the right gap

[@Paul-oo6uu]

It almost like if you watch the whole video he says you can check the gap with the old tool but if you pry on the new smaller plugs it can cause damage.

[@americawehaverights3926]

The new plugs my 96 jeep 4.0 does NOT like them she likes the original plugs.

[@railroaded1991]

Ya don't gap them if they're at .045 and the setting calls for .055... That flat style gapper is a new style gapper the first gapper I had was a multiple wire gauge and had a tool for bending the ground. That was 60 years ago. Big question though if you can't put anything between electrode and grounding strap how do you check gap? Eyeball it? From internet: You can bend the spark plug electrode with this tool but accuracy can be an issue due to the gradual slope of the edge. Good for traditional copper spark plugs, it shouldn’t be used with iridium spark plugs. Using a coin gauge can damage the precious metals in this type of spark plug

[@refugiollamas7350]

Say why. Explain what happens and what to do.

[@metalsurgeon9196]

Use a gap opener to open the gap. Forcing that disc between the electrodes and wiggling it to open the gap was the wrong way from the start. Don't use those trash gappers. And gap EVERY plug before you stick it in. Even gaps across all cylinders eliminate misfire also.

[@ryanallen5334]

Yup.. everyone thinks I'm wrong when I mention this

[@williamkelley7654]

A bit disingenuous, as others have said, the hole in the gap tool is to gap the plugs and the dial is just for checking results. Also, depending on which plugs you buy for your car, they may not come correctly gapped.

[@ricktotz4078]

Screwdriver works well

[@computingwithcoffee3907]

What is the new way?

[@jamesbosworth4191]

You are supposed to gap your plugs. Too small a gap means a small spark, too wide a gap means a weaker spark.

[@djsi38t]

See the chrome like coating on the threads of that first plug?...That plug does not need any anti seize.

[@t.bickle]

and so like how tho?

[@UseWallow]

If you’re not careful. You forgot to put that in there my guy.

[@oldbiker9739]

you will break the tip of the center electrode, they com pre set for your type of engine .

[@jamesbosworth4191]

That is only possible if your engine is not he only one in the world that specifies that plug

[@TEMPMAIL-wd5du]

Okay cool but then how do I gap them

[@charleskirkpatrick8944]

Why don't you tell the people genius how you Gap in new style for spark plugs Don't just run a video saying you can't do it why don't you tell the people why and show them what tool to use what a genius you are

[@samgal1630]

10 years later

[@domesticengineerlifecoach6938]

Well???.... I'm waiting!!!! R U GONNA SHOW US HOW?🤷