First thing, I'm not an English major. In fact, English was my worst subject and I hate it with a passion. I cannot write/type in a manner where everything is organized properly and have it make sense. Most of my thoughts are random, so that is how I type. In short, get off my nuts if I used the wrong word/terminology to describe something. If you see something wrong, correct it and don't be a dickwad.
This post is to clear up, or inform, about spark plug gapping. It was inspired by a fellow member that's been asking me questions about what gap and plugs he should run.
People always ask what spark plug gap they should run. The real, and short answer is run as large as a gap as you can get away with without breaking up. This rule applies to every setup, regardless of how much power you're making.
You see, between the ground strap and electrode(the gap) there is nothing but air(gasses). These gasses act as an insulator until the spark plug exceeds it's dielectric strength. In laymens terms, the air in the gap will act as an insulator until the spark plug has enough energy to arc to the ground strap.
When break up occurs, that means that your ignition doesn't have the energy required to arc(or "jump") the gap. This is because the air in the gap has a higher "tolerance" of the energy. Upgrading your ignition system might help, but the cheapest and quickest way to get rid of ignition break up is by making that air gap smaller.
Now, if you have too small of a gap, you can have a weak spark. This is due to it not having enough time to build up enough heat when it arcs the gap. But the one advantage to a tighter gap is that it will ALWAYS fire.
For boosted setups, I start off with NGK 7 heat range plugs and gap them at .035" and adjust as needed. For NA, I start off with the factory gap(.044"). If you ever hit anything smaller than a .020" gap, it's time to go with a colder plug. Although, I've known of tuners using even tighter gaps with good results.
It takes trial and error, but you'll eventually get it right.
This post is to clear up, or inform, about spark plug gapping. It was inspired by a fellow member that's been asking me questions about what gap and plugs he should run.
People always ask what spark plug gap they should run. The real, and short answer is run as large as a gap as you can get away with without breaking up. This rule applies to every setup, regardless of how much power you're making.
You see, between the ground strap and electrode(the gap) there is nothing but air(gasses). These gasses act as an insulator until the spark plug exceeds it's dielectric strength. In laymens terms, the air in the gap will act as an insulator until the spark plug has enough energy to arc to the ground strap.
When break up occurs, that means that your ignition doesn't have the energy required to arc(or "jump") the gap. This is because the air in the gap has a higher "tolerance" of the energy. Upgrading your ignition system might help, but the cheapest and quickest way to get rid of ignition break up is by making that air gap smaller.
Now, if you have too small of a gap, you can have a weak spark. This is due to it not having enough time to build up enough heat when it arcs the gap. But the one advantage to a tighter gap is that it will ALWAYS fire.
For boosted setups, I start off with NGK 7 heat range plugs and gap them at .035" and adjust as needed. For NA, I start off with the factory gap(.044"). If you ever hit anything smaller than a .020" gap, it's time to go with a colder plug. Although, I've known of tuners using even tighter gaps with good results.
It takes trial and error, but you'll eventually get it right.
. I will make this a sticky
__
Comment