spark plugs

i plan onchangeing my spark plugs this weekend....ive never done it before but im reading on here that your suppossed to "gap" the new plugs.....what happens if i just put the plugs in the way they came in the box?

 

They should be pre-gapped but not gaurenteed. If the gap is to small or to big then the engine will not run right...

 

In fact, check them before you leave the store.

I caught 2 of 6 at the dealer that had both ground electrodes misaligned. Like, way off sideways, not away form the middle electrode. But all the ones I ended up with were all gapped correctly right out of the box.

You need this kind of gauge (assuming V6, not sure what the 4-banger uses):

 

I recommend going with the OEM replacement plug and not an aftermarket plug. As others have noted, the plugs come pre-gapped and some with a protective sleeve. Although I've never found a plug improperly gapped in the past 15 years or so, I still check every plug I put in to make sure the gap is correct. I also check the gap of the plugs I take out to see if there was uneven wear from cylinder to cylinder. If you were the one that gapped them when they went in (or confirmed gap setting before installation), then they should be the same coming out. Also check the spent plugs for other tell-tale signs of engine problems. Haynes/Chilton manuals generally have a color picture page to help you troubleshoot issues. They also have tips to keep you from crossthreading or removal/installation suggestions.

Good luck!

Kevin

 

alright, thanks for the info!

 

What is the number on the gauge? .043

 

Yes. I tried hard to make it show...

 

How do you gap a spark plug anyways?? I know how to do a good amount of mechanical work but ive never gapped a spark plug haha

edit: nvm just looked it up on youtube