Silverline Spark Plug Gap Tool 0.5 - 2.55mm / 0.02 - 0.1" (202148)

Product Information

And thirdly, the same spark plug can be specified for many different engines, but each engine may require a different gap size. Many experts say that if you drive normally (obeying speed limits, do a mixture of street and highway driving, etc.) you can actually increase your spark plug gap by about 0.010” for the best possible fuel economy. Some users have complained that the oil on the blades makes them very slippery to work with. But the oil is necessary to protect the blades from rusting. I suppose if this bugs you, you could wipe them off with a clean rag, then reoil them when you are finished working.

It won’t be as directly noticeable if the spark only fails intermittently in igniting the air fuel mixture. However, the firing failure will manifest as engine power loss and fuel inefficiency. 3. Why Are There Different Spark Plug Gaps? Older model cars might use SAE readings, which look like this: .025 or .030. Newer models will most likely list their numbers by metric readings, which look like this: 0.6 or 1.8, etc.When it does so, it ignites the air fuel mixture between the gap, creating combustion (like how a fire starter lights up a gas stove). 2. What Happens If The Spark Plug Gap Is Wrong?

You can buy shorter or longer versions, with short ones tending to measure about 75mm in length. Long feeler gauges are less common but still quite widely used for specialised applications, particularly in engine maintenance and repair. These models can be anywhere between 8 inches and 2 feet in length. Metric and Imperial Feeler Gauges A gap that is too small can cause similar problems, including missing, hard starting, and a rough idle. Do spark plug gaps increase over time?Advice, how-to guides, and car care information featured on AutoZone.com and AutoZone Advice & How-To’s are presented as helpful resources for general maintenance and automotive repairs from a general perspective only and should be used at your own risk. Information is accurate and true to the best of AutoZone’s knowledge, however, there may be omissions, errors or mistakes.

Silver spark plug: Silver is definitely a better conductor compared to the others. It’s also more durable. Be careful when adjusting it. It’s a rare type and found mostly in old model cars. Ease of Use: If you have limited experience setting spark plug gaps, look for an easy tool. A tool with a clear scale and easy-to-adjust settings is a great choice. You’d want to avoid introducing dirt into the engine’s combustion chamber or have it weaken the ignition spark. In this case, use a wire brush with gentle motions to clean off debris, and never use abrasive materials. Step 2: Measure Current Spark Plug Gap I have a few tips I would like to share with you on how to carefully select the appropriate spark plug gap tool. Gap problems aren’t the most common cause of misfires, but they can contribute. This is especially common as the spark plugs age since the gap naturally widens over time as a result of wear. Final Words

Halfords Spark Plug Gauge Metric

To widen the gap, hook the gauge onto the ground electrode. Tug it gently until you’ve widened the gap as much as you need to. Use caution in this step—you don’t want to touch the gauge to the center electrode or the porcelain. Each blade is laser etched in both SAE and MM, which means the numbers won’t wear off like painted numbers. The great thing about this feeler gauge is that they last forever! And with so many blades (sizes) available, you will never have to “guess” because your tool didn’t have the size you needed. Pros When the gap is too large, the voltage must travel too far. The farther the voltage must travel, the weaker the charge becomes. This can cause quite a variety of problems. That includes misfiring, fouled plugs, and engine hesitation. It can also cause a no-start or hard start problem. Can spark plug gap cause rough idle?

You can always start with the manufacturer’s setting for the spark plug gap. In general, that will be somewhere between 0.6-1.8M or 0.024 and 0.071 SAE. Here’s another very affordable old standard. The pros and cons of this Lisle Spark Plug Gauge are about what you’d expect for any gapper tool of this style. The tapered edge measures smoothly throughout the width range in both imperial and metric systems. It also has a central hole that can be used to adjust electrodes. Some of the most common sizes you will likely find yourself using include 1mm, 1.5mm and 2mm feeler gauges. However, the ones you tend to use the most will of course depend largely on what type of work you are doing. Correctly gap your new spark plug. Your original spark plug may come pre-gapped by the manufacturer. These plugs have a designated ignition gap, heat range, and torque that works for your engine. A new spark plug may not have the same gap size, and if you install it with a smaller or larger gap, you may notice a significant decline in your engine’s performance. Silver spark plugs. Of all the plug designs, silver offers the most conductivity. It is not an especially durable metal, however, so like iridium, you’ll want to be careful when adjusting the gap. Silver spark plugs are rare in automotive applications. You’re most likely to encounter them on older European cars.

Types of Spark Plug Gap Tools

The residue that forms on the plug will tell you quite a bit about the overall spark plug gap. If you are interested in trying different gaps but don’t want to bang the electrode on the cement to close it, the K-Motor Gap Tool is what you are looking for. You’ll see that the tool is simple yet functional. And not only that, but it’s also very accurate. It’s helpful that this thing has one side showing inches and another showing millimeter. Considering its affordable price, this tool performs really well. But it’s probably the type you wouldn’t usually use unless you were a professional. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the ergonomic design of the K-MOTOR Gap Tool.