Most drivers know what a spark plug is, but they are oblivious to the importance of the gap on them. It’s one of the main things you should check before placing a plug in your vehicle. If the gap on a spark plug is not verified, you might have to face some troubles such as misfires and other problems with the ignition that can cost you a lot of money.
Why Gap Matters?
The gap on a spark plug is significant, and you should not ignore it. Most plugs come calibrated with a proper size for the vehicles, but some do not have the required size.
The primary reason to have a perfect gap on a plug is that this plays an essential role in the spark produced for the ignition.
The spark is required to ignite fuel in an exact matter. If the first step causes problems, your vehicle won’t even start.
The improper gap on a spark plug can cause the engine to miss, poor start, and similar other problems.
Correct Ways To Gap Your Spark Plug
What Plug Gap Tool will You Need?
Wire type gauge of feeler gauge any of these two can be used to measure the gap on a spark plug. These tools have wires placed between the electrodes to measure the gap.
The Plug Should be Clean
Before measuring the gaps, clean the plug, especially an old one. Debris or dust can create a difference in the measurement. The new plugs do not require cleaning.
Make the Necessary Adjustments on the Size of the Spark Plug Gap
If there is a considerable difference between the spark plug gap and the manual reading, you should make the required adjustments by touching the I-shaped section of the plug with a feeler gauge.
Do not apply too much pressure because the plug components are susceptible.
Measure the Gap Again
Measure the gap again after making adjustments in the hole. Repeat this process until you get the required size.
How To Gap a Spark Plug Without a Tool
Using the spark plug gap tools is recommended because they are very cheap and readily available. In case you are stuck and do not have a tool at hand, what can you use under such circumstances to create the required gap on your spark plug.
The first requirement is to know the exact gap your vehicles need for a spark plug, typically between “0.028” and “0.06”. This is a crucial step, and guesswork can cause a severe problem with the engine, so it’s better safe than sorry.
You can use a Penny that has a measurement of ‘’0.06’’ and a dime that is “0.053.”
So if you want a gap on the spark plug between these two measurements, you can use these coins, but if the size varies, it’s better to invest in a feeler gauge or other measuring tools.
Bottom Line
It’s better always to be ready and keep some essential tools on your vehicle, but when you get in trouble, use your creativity and solve your problems quickly.