How to Set Spark Plug Gaps

Part of the Video Series Changing Spark Plugs

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Working with spark plugs to make sure they function properly. Learn how to set the correct gap for spark plugs in this free online instructional video.

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Tags: car, car repair, spark plug, truck
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Video Transcript

How to Set Spark Plug Gaps
Hi! This is John on behalf of Expertvillage.com. In this video clip, I’ll be showing you how to properly gap your spark plug. After you’ve cleaned your spark plug or even if you go and buy new ones you always want to check the gap. Now when you gap your spark plug it’ll really affect the performance of your engine. So what you want to do is reference to your specification sheet and for this particular model of car it needs a 40,000th inch gap, so I’m going to use this spark plug gaping tool and there are little hooks on it, this one has the number 40 by it for 40,000ths and what you’ll do is you’ll slide it into the spark plug and on this particular spark plug there is a lot of space when I slide that in it, so that tells me that my spark plug gap is too big. The way that you set the gap, since this is too big is to take the spark plug and you gently tap it on the ground or table top and that’ll cause that gap to get a little bit smaller and you test it again and now it moves with just a little bit of friction, which is what you want.

About the Expert

Expert: Jon Olson holds a Bachelors of Science in Education and Human Sciences degree, with an endorsement in Industrial Technology Education from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Read More