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So much for not gapping NGK plugs out of the package

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by mac84, Jul 19, 2017.

  1. Jul 19, 2017 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Changing plugs and wires tomorrow. Took the cardboard tube off and this is what I found. 2 others are like this but not near as bad. IMG_0274.jpg
     
  2. Jul 19, 2017 at 6:46 AM
    #2
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Seems some disagreement on the boards - are both sides gapped at 0.043 or is each side gapped at 0.022?
     
  3. Jul 19, 2017 at 6:49 AM
    #3
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    more like one side is bent in from being dropped in transit :(
     
    cruxofthebisquit likes this.
  4. Jul 19, 2017 at 6:57 AM
    #4
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sure what it looks like. I emailed NGK and got the standard answer: "Do not gap" - but how do I not fix this???
     
  5. Jul 19, 2017 at 7:02 AM
    #5
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    I would just try to bend it out and make sure the gap is correct. or return it for replacement. depending on where you got them local auto stores will usually take them back for exchange
     
  6. Jul 19, 2017 at 7:35 AM
    #6
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Here's the specific reply...thought it interesting that he says there is no way to measure the gap accurately:

    Thank you for your E-mail. The NGK dual electrode spark plug are a circular gap so there is no way to check the gap accurately. This type of spark plug they are pre-gapped to the OE specification range. They are designed to be installed dry, and operate to the OE recommended service life.
     
  7. Jul 19, 2017 at 7:42 AM
    #7
    MagicMexican

    MagicMexican Well-Known Member

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    I gapped mine, stuck the gauge in sideways to get a 'close enough' gap. Most of them were ok, a few needed a bit of adjustment. Truck runs great, 18-20mpg avg for a 3.4L 4x4 xtracab so...
     
  8. Jul 19, 2017 at 8:38 AM
    #8
    dgshelto

    dgshelto Well-Known Member

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    +1 , did the same. Gapped each side to 0.040"ish and was good to go.
     
  9. Jul 19, 2017 at 8:53 AM
    #9
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    .043 give or take .005 or so, though I've personally messed with opening / closing the gap and never been able to tell a difference in performance.
     
  10. Jul 19, 2017 at 8:54 AM
    #10
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 Not A Well-Known Member

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    *truck mysteriously explodes*
     
    Wulf likes this.
  11. Jul 19, 2017 at 9:47 AM
    #11
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm going to just swap out the truly bent ones and then check the gap at what they indicate and go for it! Transmission pan drop and fluid/filter replacement on Saturday!
     
  12. Jul 19, 2017 at 11:40 AM
    #12
    MagicMexican

    MagicMexican Well-Known Member

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    I'll just blame the paisa who sold it to me XD
     
  13. Jul 19, 2017 at 12:05 PM
    #13
    JPinFL

    JPinFL Well-Known Member

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    I've always checked the gap in spark plugs. A few times they have been off. No big deal to fix it.
     
  14. Jul 19, 2017 at 2:16 PM
    #14
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    i had a plug like that before. not noticing it i installed the plug and ended up with an intermittent misfire at low idle. parts store exchanged it for me.
     
  15. Jul 21, 2017 at 12:32 PM
    #15
    mac84

    mac84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I ended up 'carefully' bending it back and then checked every plug for gap....installed along with new wires and runs perfectly. Old ones were Denso on Driver and NGK on the Psgr side....leads me to believe they were original. Looked it too!
     
  16. Jul 21, 2017 at 2:10 PM
    #16
    3rYODA

    3rYODA Don’t sell to me, I don’t pay.

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    Hahaha damn I need to do my plugs but I'm scared to find somthing seized
     
  17. Jul 21, 2017 at 2:18 PM
    #17
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    How many miles on your truck?
     
  18. Jul 21, 2017 at 2:18 PM
    #18
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    The longer you wait, the more likely that becomes a possibility
     
    Clearwater Bill likes this.
  19. Jul 21, 2017 at 2:30 PM
    #19
    MagicMexican

    MagicMexican Well-Known Member

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    Just do it. I had to heli-coil a spark plug hole once, it was kind of a pain but not impossible or anything. I was a 19 year old drunk college kit at the time, too, so if that guy could do it...
     
  20. Jul 21, 2017 at 3:01 PM
    #20
    3rYODA

    3rYODA Don’t sell to me, I don’t pay.

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    lol I just gave my t100 to the shop when I needed that done 1200$ later I shoulda just put a new motor in
     

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