Re-using spark plugs

energy · 18 May 2008 at 21:45

Perhaps a stupid question:

I think I may have set my spark plug gap wrong. Would it be unwise to re-fit them after removal? Will they still seal OK or are they shot once removed?

Thanks!

Iceman · 18 May 2008 at 21:48

Yeh they will be fine
While you have them out just try and clean any soot off them and re set the gap

moss · 18 May 2008 at 22:15

Pretty much every spark plug we now sell at work are preset gaps, I know of very very few modern cars which need the gap set.

energy · 18 May 2008 at 22:27

Mine needed setting to 1.0-1.1mm and as I now have a slightly lumpy idle and was in a rush when fitting I suspect I may have set one out of spec. Just wondering if the crush washer will no longer seal well after being refitted!

So they are Ok to refit... will do that tomorrow. If anyone thinks this is not a good idea please do post.

Thanks!

gurusan · 18 May 2008 at 22:28

of course you can refit the spark plugs. It's a good idea to use anti-seize on the threads though......I always do this even with new plugs. Also I don't usually trust the factory gapping, I check it myself. Back in the states I used NGK V-Power copper plugs which in my opinion were the best for the money, but despite what it said on the packaging always required gapping.

energy · 19 May 2008 at 19:10

Thanks for your advice - I thought they might not seal properly once refitted or something!