so, when i get my package from intense this time [dont ask], ill be doing, among other things, the first plug change for me . . . ever. on to the stupid question:

how do i gap a plug? i know how to check the gap [medallion], but how do i change the gap if i need to?

thanks in advance.

If you buy a real time gap tool with the gapping you expect to use on it. (good luck finding .055) it will have the cuts in it to change gap. Be gentle when changing gap.. plugs don't like constant bending.

IIRC, Intense will gap them for you, ask if they did

the only stupid question is the one you don"t ask and doing the first plus change take youre time and do it on a cold engine and often its a good time to change the plus wires

here is a very basic video that uses a circular gaper (easier to use)

http://www.ehow.com/how_110_replace-spark-plugs.html

checked the gap today [figured its easier than emailing and asking -- also more sure].

theyre gapped at .06 inches, not .055

so ill need to modify the gap a bit, right?
EDIT: or do i?

mods will include: 180* thermo, 3.4 pulley, FWI
chosen wires will be: Jacobs Electronics Energy Core Spark Plug Wires (which say on the box, "For even greater improvement, increase plug gap by .005" when you install Energy Core Wires.")

You will want .055" with a 3.4 pulley. Just re-gap them at that time and you'll be fine. Do not use the circular gapper if you can help it. Because it has a taper to it, it'* very difficult to get consistent, even gapping across all six. You need to pay particular attention to that gap with a supercharged engine.

Don't use feeler gauges if you can help it either. You want the 'pin' type gapper. So it'll be a cylindrical 'wire' in the gap. You also need to use a tool to either spread or close the gap until it matches.

That video and tool is for the very basic everyday non-performance un-modded cars. That is quite frankly the lowest-quality gapping tool available.

That'* the flat-rate mechanic gapper! *guilty*

But seriously, on my own vehicles, where I'm in no hurry, I only use the pin gapper. You're getting the most even, consistent gap. Even 5 thou can make for a 2000V difference on the scope.

im looking for this "pin gapper" which has been mentioned twice, and i cant find one anywhere on the internet.

oreilleys, autozone, and advance all looked at me like i was an idiot, and the guy at oreilley almost had me committed [im sure] for not wanting to use a circular gapper.

Never:





This is a joke. The gap will 'rebound' after adjustment.





Getting there:

This provides the round profile to check the gap (wire) and the tools on each end to open/close the gap for adjustments.


The best:


The pins are round. Just make sure you get a set that has all the numbers you'll need. Starting with .055 or .060, and downward in .005 increments.

EDIT. Bad link, looks like external linking is blocked. Go here:
http://www.chiefaircraft.com/airsec/...ugService.html

Scroll down to the ATS 165 and click on PHOTO. This is the wrong range of pin diameters, but it'* the right style of tool.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lisle...spagenameZWD1V