Plug gap, why everyone says .044?

[98civex]

The Honda service manual says .039-.043 so I'm just curious why every spark plug thread I've come across they recommend .044?

 

[HeX]

I personally use the following reasoning: .44 is the max you should go and since most people use the inexpensive gapper disc, anything just below that is right in that range.

 

[98civex]

Is there any difference at all if set to .39 or the max .44?

 

[HeX]

Read this so you have a better understanding of how spark plugs work. http://www.howrah.org/spark-plug.html

In short, too close of a gap and and theres not enough space for a spark to ignight the fuel well but too far of a gap and the spark is too weak to ignite fuel well. Just stay within the range.

 

[mc360]

just buy the correct plugs and the come pre gapped to spec. i have only ever messed with my spark gap once and it was because my tuner told me i needed to close the gap down with my turbo

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

just buy the correct plugs and the come pre gapped to spec. i have only ever messed with my spark gap once and it was because my tuner told me i needed to close the gap down with my turbo

But make sure you check the gap before you install them.

 

[98civex]

But I'm curious if .39 would be better than .44 I know it's in the "range" but is there any benefit? Like maybe the plugs last longer starting at the minimum gap or something

 

[HeX]

To my knowledge, theres no major difference because its a minor gap difference.

 

[98civex]

Speaking of spark plugs, any of you ever encounter ones where the side ground electrode is offset the center electrode a bit?

Been seeing them on NGK's and wondered if it'd affect spark efficiency

 

[HeX]

Reference pictures, please.

 

[98civex]

No pictures at the moment as they're installed in my car. I remember seeing two like that and have always wondered if it'd affect idle or something?

Just imagine the side electrode not being completely centered over the center electrode

 

[HeX]

Assuming you errantly used the word offset, you must be describing any number of the models that have side electrodes along with or in place of the overhead electrode. Simply go read on one of their websites about that particular design.

 

[98civex]

Hopefully this helps show what I'm talking about. Googled the same V-power ngk plugs that I use in my civic

 

[HeX]

That IS properly centered. I think you need to research how spark plugs work and how theyre designed. Perhaps your judging off previously used low quality plugs.

 

[98civex]

I know in that picture it's centered I was just trying to show what I mean. Couldn't find a pic of one where the side electrode wasn't centered like I experienced. Just wondering if it'd cause an issue

 

[HeX]

If its purposy designed that way then its for a reason. Research it.

 

[98civex]

That's why I ask because I know it's not designed to be like that

 

[dancam]

That's why I ask because I know it's not designed to be like that

Ok, then either dont buy them or straighten them before installing. I have never seen one like that myself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[98civex]

I did try to straighten them but couldn't so just installed them.

I'm just curious if it'd affect performance? More so the idle. My idle has seemed shaky since my last tune up and just throwing random things that might contribute to it

 

[98civex]

Just replaced my plugs. Here's a pic of the old ones. Are they indicating a rich mixture?