Do I need to gap my Spark Plugs?

[greypianosflying]

Hi All.

I bought some genuine Ford Spark plugs for my MK6.5 Fiesta. The Haynes manual says that the Spark plugs should be gapped to 1.3mm, but my feeler gauge says that they are currently closer to 1.1mm.

The plugs are used in other vehicles, so they could be set to something generic from the factory, I guess. Is it normal for the same plug to have different gaps depending on vehicle?

Just wondering whether I need to set them to 1.3mm. I would phone Ford, but they are shut tomorrow and I need to do the job tomorrow...

Thanks!

[750turbo]

greypianosflying said:

Hi All.

I bought some genuine Ford Spark plugs for my MK6.5 Fiesta. The Haynes manual says that the Spark plugs should be gapped to 1.3mm, but my feeler gauge says that they are currently closer to 1.1mm.

The plugs are used in other vehicles, so they could be set to something generic from the factory, I guess. Is it normal for the same plug to have different gaps depending on vehicle?

Just wondering whether I need to set them to 1.3mm. I would phone Ford, but they are shut tomorrow and I need to do the job tomorrow...

Thanks!

Yes

And

No

There you are, both bases covered...

Set them to 1.3mm

[greypianosflying]

It's a bit odd because the AYFS22CB plugs I got should have been preset to 1.3mm from the Factory.

Kinda worried that I'm using the feeler gauge inaccurately as I've had to use.63, 0.30, 0.25, 0.05 and 0.07 to make 1.3mm.

[Buff Mchugelarge]

If it's too small of a gap open it up with a screw driver, too big give it a little tap to close it up onto a pre sorted feeler gauge, as long as the blades are tight together it should be accurate enough.

[DocArbathnot]

Gap them, but it won't make much difference.

[Mastodon2]

I don't know about your spark plugs OP, but I see you are a fan of the late, great Shawn Lane. Much respect.

[greypianosflying]

Mastodon2 said:

I don't know about your spark plugs OP, but I see you are a fan of the late, great Shawn Lane. Much respect.

Thanks . Glad someone recognised the reference. Everyone I know has no clue who he was.

[dirkgently]

1.3mm is about the thickness of the cover on a Rizla packet. Don`t you youngsters know anything.

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

I remember an article in 'Cars and Car Conversions' magazine that tested this. They ran several different cars up on the dyno, and tried different plug gaps to see if it made a difference to the power and emissions.

It made no difference at all...