Running with the spark plug wrong gap: damage engine?

rG-tom

rG-tom

rG-tom

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Hey guys,

Just changed the spark plugs, and realised mid way through that the gap was different to my old ones....and my car has 2 listed gaps, 1mm and 1.3mm depending on age etc. The motorfactor said that mine should be 1.0mm, but my old ones are 1.3mm


To cut a long story short, it's running very slightly rough at idle and I can't get the 1.3mm plugs until the morning, but ideally need to do a 50 mile round trip tonight....would it damage the engine to do it?

Before anyone says it, you can't change the gap on NGK platinums :|

Cheers,

Tom.
 
Tim said:
What I was thinking, too easy maybe?

Try throwing them in like darts - should make it a bit more difficult:p
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urmm to change the spark plugs involves removing half the blood engine on this car (upper inlet manifold, loads of vacuum pipes, inlet manifold runner control, throttle body air filter)

Also, the other ones got wet as i put them on the floor and it ****** it down
 
So instead of doing it post on OcUK as that's quicker :p

I don't think you would damage the engine but it wouldn't do it much good or the economy either. Is the engine knocking?
 
Tesla said:
So instead of doing it post on OcUK as that's quicker :p

I don't think you would damage the engine but it wouldn't do it much good or the economy either. Is the engine knocking?
Click to expand...

economy i can live with.

IT's dark and it's wet, i cba to change the spark plugs again to only have to change them again tomorrow. No the engine isnt knocking :)
 
rG-tom said:
Before anyone says it, you can't change the gap on NGK platinums :|
Click to expand...

Actually you can, you just have to be very careful. The centre electrode is quite fragile so you can't just wedge something in there like many people do with normal copper plugs, and you may need a wire type feeler gauge if it has the silly V groove electrode.
 
MrSix said:
Willy waver, serves you right for not buying OEM ones ;)


*edit*

...and for having a burgundy car ;)
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NGK = win.

rG-tom said:
urmm to change the spark plugs involves removing half the blood engine on this car (upper inlet manifold, loads of vacuum pipes, inlet manifold runner control, throttle body air filter)

Also, the other ones got wet as i put them on the floor and it ****** it down
Click to expand...

Only pulling ya leg mate:)
 
rG-tom said:
urmm to change the spark plugs involves removing half the blood engine on this car (upper inlet manifold, loads of vacuum pipes, inlet manifold runner control, throttle body air filter)

Also, the other ones got wet as i put them on the floor and it ****** it down
Click to expand...

Don't be daft. You just need a longer length socket and to unscrew the coilpack at the back and move it aside a little.
 
No it won't damage your engine as longas it's not fouling anything. It might cause carbon build up if you aren't getting a full ignition. On modern spark plugs you shouldn't set the gap. there designed to run at the gap they are provided with, but you are meant to get the correct spark plugs.


It's only old spark plugs you need to gap.
 
Last edited:
pinkaardvark said:
Don't be daft. You just need a longer length socket and to unscrew the coilpack at the back and move it aside a little.
Click to expand...

hmm looks look a bloody tight fit! WIll give that a shot before taking the engine apart again tomorrow :p


It did the 60 mile trip fine, didnt like idling but was fine moving.
 
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