How to GAP a SPARK PLUG properly

[@d4a]

Spark plug gap tool I used: amzn.to/35KDLFh Alternative tool: amzn.to/33Eycqg Yet another tool option: amzn.to/32pHRAz

[@drewbriggs7749]

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[@vincenzokellen9343]

@Drew Briggs instablaster ;)

[@drewbriggs7749]

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[@drewbriggs7749]

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[@vincenzokellen9343]

@Drew Briggs Happy to help xD

[@reenapix]

As an instructional designer, I have to say that this was an excellent tutorial. Clear audio and good lighting. Nice closeups with clear directions. I could actually see what you were talking about (unlike other videos). Helpful tips. I've never done sparkplugs before, but this video makes me feel very confident!

[@edengel9376]

Thanks

[@vidiotray31]

Agreed, I haven’t used this style of gap tool before so I was going to use the gap wires and wedge them in 😅 glad I looked up what that extra metal piece on the side of it was for.

[@fatboyrowing]

I’ve seen a few videos that didn’t cover the subject adequately - this video did. Thanks for showing the PROPER technique for adjusting the gap. You can get a tool that pushes on the ground electrode with a jack bolt. These work well too (instead of pushing the plug onto the table or the tool). But again, thanks for showing the right way to gap a plug.

[@lawsontroya]

Great video NRJ. The feeler gage is by far the most accurate, the wire next and then the coin. I can address the use of a couple of these. I had never used the wire gapper since it never had the right gaps for GM or Ford products. Hence I am not familiar with its proper use. I have used the coin before and it is pretty self explanatory. However you insert the coin where it is at the lowest, rotate to the needed measurement. If it stops before you get there, or is too loose, adjustment is needed. It may be just right. If your spec falls between two measurements, one is high and one is low, use the space in between. When adjusting a loose fit just use a hard surface and force the electrode closer gently or tap gently. There is a risk of the electrode breaking off but they are pretty sturdy and I have never broken one off by tapping or otherwise. To adjust the tight fit, use the hole that is provided for placing on a key ring. The inside of the hole has a thin surface which you place the electrode onto and then you pry it to the spec you need, gently. As I have said I have never broken one off. The feeler gage is a little different in that you can customize the leaves to your spec. It is relatively easy to use once you have the spec measurement. You just place the feelers into the gap and you know if it is loose or tight and won't go in almost immediately. You can also use the end of the gage for adjustment if it is tight. A couple of other points. It's best to have a sparkplug socket. These are long enough or deep enough, if you will, that they will certainly do the job. You can also use a normal deep socket as this will work in a pinch, but getting the plugs out once unscrewed may be problematic. The sparkplug socket has a plastic or rubber insert inside the socket to grip the sparkplug. If you use the 12pt socket as opposed to the 6pt you may round the plug especially if the plugs are torqued. Last thing. The manufacturer's spec measurements are in imperial(SAE) or metric or both. The gappers you purchase now, as stated in the video, should have both imperial(SAE) and metric. I think you can purchase them with one or the other, so check carefully when you purchase. One last thing about the feeler gage. Suppose you only need one leaf, well that's okay just use it. If you don't see the feeler leaf you need you may need two or three. So what you'll do is add. So if you need 0.060in. what you do is add the closest two or three. The ones for 0.020in. and 0.040in. won't work, they create a gap in between and you might bend the tool. In this case use 0.012in.-0.014in. That should get it. Just remember they should be close together. It should also work for the metric as well.

[@spencerladd2496]

Nice and clear info, my question is if you needed .06 and added .012 and .014 wouldn't it give you .026 instead of .06...? I mean it seems like basic math... I don't get it...

[@larryreid8562]

I hadn't changed the spark plug kzbin.infoUgkx-6W-PtUzBRTmACHywsECak2ToY2OpjxN in my Toro 20" Recycler in the 6 years I've had it but have been good with all other maintenance. This season I noticed it sputtering a little bit every so often and just didn't feel like it was running as smoothly or as powerful as it used to. Switched out the spark plug for a new one yesterday and could immediately tell an improved difference. So I may have to make this a little more regular than every 6 years, especially for a $5 part!

[@danieldecherong3107]

Love the video no life story or talking forever. Just right to the point

[@oceanfront664]

Thank you, for your video... You, made it seem very easy, and you showed how to gap very clearly, with great audio! You, make a great instructor, if your not all ready!! Thank you!!

[@JeffReeves]

I've never messed with spark plugs before. You make it look very easy. Thanks for making this video!

[@brienq]

Very good, detailed, logically explained instruction, with excellent visual support. When I had gotten my gap adjuster home from the store there were no instructions and I honestly could not figure out the adjustment part and was nervous about damaging the electrode if I did it teh wrong way, though the measurement part was more obvious, except if you have a gap not included on the wheel as you showed. Thank you for helping me with this!

[@turbodiesel4709]

Professional technician here... You can absolutely re-set the gap on a used spark plug that is still working well! No reason why you can't adjust the gap on any new or used spark plug. I've done it millions of times over the past 35 years, never any issues. You can/should also clean & lightly sand/file the center & grounding electrodes prior to checking & readjusting the gap on used plugs. A simple piece of emory cloth is usually sufficient. The best gapping tool is most definitely the wire gapping tool, with the included "T" slotted tool used for carefully bending the ground strap electrode to obtain the correct gap.

[@georgeprolic8821]

Excellent instruction video with the wired tool. Direct and to the point.

[@d4a]

George Prolic Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@roadworthy6901]

I love your videos, ive been modifying cars for almost 9 years and I always learn something from your videos, and always get more information than anticipated, keep up the great videos!

[@d4a]

+Road Worthy Thank you so much for your support. Hearing that you like the content is really motivating :)

[@skie6282]

I never did any engine work until i went backpacking in Australia, bought a jeep that turned out to be missfiring so it needed spark plugs and all the wiring to them, machinic work there is really expensive so i did it myself, i bought thin feeler guages, and smacked the spark plugs on the pavement **carefully** to reduce the gap, never had any problems with it in 30,000 miles lol

[@blower1]

Spark plug 101: The best gap? - is the biggest gap you can get away with *under all conditions* without misfire. The larger the gap the bigger/stronger the initial flame kernel and the better combustion you will get - especially under low loads (idle/cruising), but ONLY if it actually fires. So yep, higher boost pressures will require a smaller gap under full boost pressure as to avoid a misfire. Many modern high boost turbo cars can have lumpy idles, in particular on high boost 4 cylinder direct injection engines - a lot of this is down to the small spark plug gap size necessary to ensure there are no misfires under full boost...this small gap results in poor combustion at idle on high boost direct injection engines, where the air fuel mixture is not very well mixed under the low (idle) air flow conditions. As for why the flame kernel is better with a larger gap - this is simply due to the both the ground electrode and tip taking heat away from the flame kernel - the bigger the gap, the less heat that is drawn away from the kernel and the stronger that flame kernel will be.

[@rosemberg041]

blower how are you doing ? you know what's the biggest gap you can get in 2012 acura tl?

[@Wes_5kyph1]

I agree, however, won't wider gapped plugs tend to foul-out sooner simply because there's less heat to burn off the carbon build-up on the electrode? I've noticed when using a wide of a gap (even w/o misfire codes thrown) there's a 'cushiony/springy' feel to the throttle.. could this be due to less heat? Thanks for your post. Relieving to read a comment from a person who knows what they're talking about.

[@jesustovar7931]

Thank you for the information.

[@moali2354]

6 years later still saving lives

[@BaselNajdawi]

what an excellent video. Also the fact you mentioned 0.004" for every 50 HP is RIGHT ON! literally my 328i F30 started misfiring 3 weeks after stage 1 Tune (it added around 50 hp) on relatively new ignition coils and plugs (10k km). i got new sparkplugs which are stock gapped usually to 0.032" and i gapped them down to 28" though, funny enough after removing the old ones i checked the gap to see 0.034"-35" which eventually cauesed limp mode drive terrain error. after the change the car now idles like butter and drives amazing.

[@julianc.6589]

Excellent, starightforward and to the point. appreciate it dude.

[@igorushka]

I did re-gap this way for my turbo subaru. At .033 gap at peak boost was getting cylinder roughness, decreased gap to .022 and all problems gone. In my other more boosted subaru the spark plug gap is like .019.

[@istudy9]

Amazing, short video, on point, and all information given with example. You added cherry on top with why gap is needed sometimes.

[@davidsstfarrelltighe]

great video dude a commonly over looked job when servicing a car even on a professional level people don't get when plugs are shipped there knocked around the place and possibly close the gap seen a few misfires after plug changes caused by this

[@d4a]

+david farrell tighe Thank yoy. True, as long as the spark plug fits most car owners, and sadly even some mechanics don't even check the gap.

[@davidsstfarrelltighe]

I'm in the automotive trade myself I seen a guy nearly put plugs that were 1cm longer reach into a polo 1.0 mpi before he didn't compare or check the plugs it's the simple things most people miss I find

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

I had no idea this was a thing! Thanks for the information. Very helpful.

[@geovannygerman1939]

Nice video, precise, and on point, thank you...

[@Funrunner008]

So what good is the wire gauge if you can't double up the gauge

[@kojis456]

Ayyeeeeee I was watching this cause I’m about to do my FRS plugs. 4age ftw!!

[@joelcr250]

*I like a 3-finger gap*

[@d4a]

+CR2504life lol

[@ramontrajano7661]

CR2504life iin

[@PRINYATIP]

Yooooooooo.... That made my day!

[@Auriam]

That's like throwing a hot dog down a hallway.

[@davidphan5843]

I like no gap get the richest ratio

[@ernestspriggs5701]

Great example and explanation

[@jorgevasquez-lz4be]

What a good video ! Thank you very much!!

[@pyrosaxplayer12]

this is a fantastic and helpful video!

[@TheRickjamesyall]

i liked how you showed with feeler gauge

[@husseinmasry7749]

Justin j so is the feeler gage can replace the wire gage ?

[@tanamaraqueen8951]

Ok so i just changed my plugs on my own and was super proud and here comes my dad with a giant pin and stabs that bubble. Anyway apparently i didn't "gap" them. I used ngk plugs that are pre gapped but he's adamant that they can shift during shipment and i need to gap them to my card specifics. Are they still ok with me not doing this out should i take them out and gap them or can i no longer do that. I've only had them in a couple days

[@d4a]

Your dad won't be happy but if the car is running well leave them. He's definitely correct, and they can indeed shift as they're tossed around during shipping, but that happens rarely and you can spot the compromised ones easily as the cardboard around them is a bit crumpled. I would leave them because they have already gone through a few heat cycles and gapping plugs like that isn't a good idea. Again, nothing will likely happen even if you remove them and gap them, but I'm 90% certain the gap will be correct on all of them.

[@tanamaraqueen8951]

@@d4a I also changed the maf sensor and i told him since changing those two the car is literally running extremely better. Actually turns on the first time and stays running and idling as it should. Still have issues occasionally after extended periods of driving like an straight hr plus of driving where it randomly bucks or trips idk how to explain it. Almost similar to when you have it at a stop and you put it in first gear sand begin to drive but don't give it enough gas and let of the clutch to soon so it jolts. Itll do that once or twice enough to feel it but then correct itself.

[@tanamaraqueen8951]

@@d4a Also thank you I really appreciate the response and info

[@loriszost2550]

what is the correct gap for a 21hp vangaurd v-twin? thanks

[@seventytwo4728]

For modified engines is it better with less gap?

[@nicselectronics81]

Started out @ .039 on my Accord factory is .044. Currently running .046 definitely running stronger with the bigger gap (quicker starts, smoother idle etc.) hoping for more mpg also. California emissions has it @ .052 wondering if that'll run even better 🤔 God knows I'll be trying 😅

[@willall2855]

What you came here for - 3:03

[@nadeem5476]

for better fuel mileage you should increase the gap

[@maheralmaher1952]

Hi If I gap spark plug from 11mm to 12 what deferent hapen to my engine (huyndai tuscan 2019 2000cm? Thanks

[@mongolioose]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing. One piece of input: The audio of the music is a bit too loud compared to voice. Again, thank you for sharing.

[@saleens330]

Also with more compression or FI, you reduce the gap to prevent spark blow out.

[@live_lifeor_dye8875]

Wire tool, aka to me is the "bottle" cap opener.

[@javierbroger2635]

What happen if your gap is less than the recommended altought the engine is stock

[@d4a]

+Javier Broger Usually when you suddenly floor it at lower rpms you will feel the engine hesitate. Might be a few misses at idle too.

[@carsfordays2076]

Beautiful explanation

[@boogeyman7777]

Good video

[@AR-mb3id]

I appreciate the explanations, particularly the last part about how modifying engines require an adjuatment i spark the plug gap. I have a question: why not use feeler gauges instead of the coin or the wire type?

[@sadgab.]

life saver. Thanks bro

[@tipttronic]

I think 1.02mm (.040 inch) is fine for the spark plug gap if the recommended is 1.1mm because it will expand anyway when it used for too long driving of the car.

[@LV1mage]

Very useful and informative vid man, Thanks

[@d4a]

LV1mage Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@mark_s1977]

Excellent video.

[@jeffbguarino]

It doesn't work. I have 4 spark plugs NGK ZFR5F GP. The gap is supposed to be .044 inches and the plugs all have too small of a gap. So I try the tool to bend the metal piece on the spark plug and it does not work, the tool bends and this tool is no good.

[@user-fp9cw7of9m]

Thx Nice tips i'll follow👍🏻

[@CC-uh8gl]

Why is it not recommended to gap used spark plugs?

[@MikemoRides]

Used plugs have been heated and cooled, weakening the electrode. When you bend a weakened piece of metal it can cause stress fractures which can lead to the electrode shearing off in to the cylinder.

[@CC-uh8gl]

Thanks!

[@martinkobert4402]

​@Mikemo haha let you tell it.

[@DougDeBurrooo]

THIS MAN JUST PUT FUTUREFUNK ON SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@bobbyt2027]

Great video! Very clear and thorough explanation! I have One question: would adjusting the gap help with high rpms? I got a new engine but ever since then, the RPMs have been higher than usual and when I change between Drive and Reverse, the shifting feels pretty forced (if I’m explaining it right). Would that be possibly wrong spark plug gaps? Only asking because no faulty sensors come up and supposedly my transmission is fine as well. Thank you and I hope you see this!

[@AdmiralDG]

Maybe the RPMs at idle, but none of the other symptoms you describe should be related to spark plug gap. You are likely looking at transmission issues or an issue with the new motor. Could be factory or something with the install. Hope that helps :/

[@farealwitit7947]

awesome vid thx!

[@jerrymontalbano3222]

The music plasts and the audio on the instruction can barely be heard. Perhaps a redo would help (and leave the jukebox from playing!)...

[@ForgedShaft]

1400-1500 hp 2JZ plug gap negative 4mm

[@d4a]

Forged Shaft Yup, you can find plugs like that in a parallel dimension.

[@FreakinKatGaming]

Son of a fuck! No sooner was I watching your video when I freaking snap the damn ahhhhhh! Cheap ass coin gap tool just made my shit list. You get a sub

[@barry.anderberg]

I bought a wire tool and its loops aren't long enough to reach the gap

[@BillGreenAZ]

In Mother Russia, spark plug gaps you!

[@d4a]

In Russia gap spark plugs you..... *facepalm

[@thomasfitzgerald2595]

You must not know much about sizing because you said you have to use the feeler gauge to get the right size but yet the wire gauge you have clearly states the exact size you said you needed lol you said yours called for 110mm (1.1) which is .044. The wire gauge has that EXACT size on it!

[@gabrieltorres3352]

Perfec video thankyou

[@joseparracardenas8460]

Hi, whats be the gap for a f150 1978 (351m) ? Please

[@MikemoRides]

.042 - .046 There should be a sticker on the valve cover or radiator support that shows the specifications.

[@leelee8206]

I have added on hp to my engine that no gap is required.

[@blazersaint144]

well done thank you

[@diegosc985]

0:55

[@RegurgiNate84]

Yeah thise coin tools suck. My mazda is supposed to be at .52. Bought plugs gapped them with the coin. Pulled the factory plugs out. They were at .60 according to the tool. Glad i checked first

[@jefferyeaton9403]

Thanks!

[@Banditt42]

6 and a half minutes for a 10 second video

[@ToddSills]

Thanks man

[@d4a]

+Todd Sills No, thank you :)

[@joker2712005]

What the hell is the point of having a spark plug adjuster if u can't even use it bc it doesn't have ur size on it. U should of jus used a feeler gauge from the jump..

[@Zer0_Cool69]

Idk about you guys but I’m checking my spark plugs daily, but I’m an avid user of meth amphetamines.

[@ShaneNCal]

Toyota camry spark plugs gap

[@mache3984]

Your volume is extremely low.

[@mstzmikebsteviec1119]

Like 801👍👍

[@mohammedali808]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with cleaning and gapping USED SPARK PLUGS. Definitely wrong advice.

[@stancedturtle8406]

Pp

[@ratdad48]

You keep saying very simple! You're probably talking to a mostly American audience. So speak slowly.

[@hughappleton6480]

First 3 minutes were a waste of time,,,,good video,,,,but get to the point,,and skip the stupid flashy intro,,,Inform not entertainment...

[@chrisleon27]

Thanks!

[@d4a]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@chrisleon27]

@@d4a thank u for ur video ,greetings from China