What happens if plug gap is too big

For most racing applications, you usually want the plug gap to be between 0. Most engine builders seem to settle around 0. Factors such as the type of ignition you run, cylinder heads, fuel and even timing can affect how much gap will work best for you.

A smaller gap will yield a short, intense spark and will usually make the engine real responsive. While most NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped, there are occasions when the gap requires adjustment. Care must be taken to avoid bending or breaking off the fine-wire electrodes. Properly gapped spark plugs require less energy to create the spark that gets your engine running. Multiple failed cold start attempts can cause your engine to be flooded with gasoline.

Spark plugs that are gapped incorrectly can cause an engine to miss, or run erratically, especially during idle. The incorrect spark plug gaps can cause uneven firing of individual spark plugs and delay engine combustion; both of which can cause an engine to miss or idle erratically. In short, yes, in some situations spark plugs can increase horsepower.

The theory behind spark plugs increasing horsepower is that by providing more spark to the firing tip of the spark plug, it will and does combust more fuel.

Excessive spark plug gap results when the voltage has too far to travel. The increased length of the spark travel weakens it, robbing it of the hot, strong ignition charge it needs to fire the plug. Using the gapper is simple. All you need to do is slide the spark plug electrode opening into the gap opener and gently move it over to the smallest side of the gapper. All spark plugs become less efficient — and less fuel efficient — over time.

As the spark plugs wear, the spark plug gaps widen, also weakening MPG. This is because the wider the spark plug gap, the more voltage is required to arch between the electrodes. Even if the preset gap matches that required by your engine, it is always good practice to physically check the gap as it may have shifted during transportation.

In short, either too wide or narrow a point gap will cause a misfire under load. I recommend setting your point gap with a feeler gauge and fine tuning with a dwell meter. NGK does not recommend the application of lubricant such as copper grease to spark plug threads as the result is a reduction of frictional forces at the thread faces.

Over tightening can lead to distortion of the spark plug and breakage. In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped.

Should you decide to re-gap your Iridium Power plug, use extreme caution as improper gapping may damage or destroy the Iridium center electrode or porcelain center. About Us. Contact Us. Find My Part. Select Language. Message Regarding Your Privacy. I accept Submit Submit. Importance of the Spark Plug Gap When replacing spark plugs, ensuring that the plugs have the proper gap is critical to engine performance.

Finding the Proper Gap Setting. Step 1 Locate a gap gauge or feeler gauge. Step 2 Clean the spark plug. Step 3 Measure the existing gap of the spark plug. Step 4 Make any needed adjustments. Step 5 Check the gap again. Consequences of Incorrect Spark Plug Gap. Back Back to Technical Tips. Related Stories. Join our champion Mailing list Join. It can also cause a loss of top-end power. Spark plugs MUST be gapped before installing in the engine.

Even iridium plugs! As the spark plugs wear, the spark plug gaps widen, also weakening MPG. This is because the wider the spark plug gap, the more voltage is required to arch between the electrodes. The smoother the combustion process, the lower the demand for engine power and the lower the demand for fuel.

Each type of spark plug has a different internal resistor depending on the vehicle and the engine specifications.