spark plug gap 2002 Tacoma

Hello everyone as you can see I am new to this forums but not to Toyotas. I've searched on here prior to registering but was only able to find this thread about the spark plugs

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...eplacing-spark-plugs-wires-5vz-fe-3-4-v6.html

My question is, with the plugs for a Tacoma being dual electrode how do I gap the spark plugs? I know that Toyota is supposed to pre gap them but in all honesty I've measured some pre gapped plugs for other cars and many times the plugs aren't all gapped to spec from factory. The gap should be .043 from what I've searched and some people run .040-.044, I would like to check before installing them to make sure they are in spec. Thanks in advance for the info.

Forgot to mention, my car for example calls for platinum or iridium plugs and sure enough when I measured them 3 out of the 6 plugs were way off so factory gap is not always in spec in my opinion.

 

Thank you! So do you mean putting my gap tool next to the tip and measuring the distance between the plug center and the electrodes? The center part is at the same level of the electrodes if that makes sense so the only gap is between (left and right) of the center piece.

 

You are a life saver man. Thank you SO much!

 

Damn Chris, is it that hot there now?

 

Yeah I saw your temp while here in Va. with a sweat shirt and blue jeans! Just wishing for 70°!!

 

make sure you gap your factory plugs mine were way off right out of the box. My dealer said they come gapped already (wrong!). Glad I took the time to check

 

Note only the OEM replacement copper Denso plugs are dual-electrode. If you want to run platinum or iridium plugs (like Denso IK16 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=292266&cc=1429084), they are more conventionally-shaped with a single electrode.

 

Ok. But no one listed on here, the engine type. Is it a V6 or in line 4 cylinder. As well, if a 4 cylinder, then is it a 2.4L or 2.L?

They will use different plugs. In all honesty, I think the correct gap for a 2.4L, 4 cylinder is about 0.033/0.032. The newer engines will run about 0.044 fairly well. I have done both in mine and I gapped them at 0.033. It actually ran well, and better than the 0.044.

Only the V6 engines will use the doubles. Or at least they are recommended for a V6 and not a 4 cylinder.