I searched for tips on spark plug changing and came across information on how to get to the back plugs, but not on how to read the gap tool. I'm planning to do my first spark plug change this weekend on our '06 SE Vulcan and wanted to check the spark plug gap before I get everything set up. I have the "coin type" gap tool which has the circular ramp and corresponding gap measurements. I inserted the ramp into the gap until it was a snug fit and wouldn't easily go further. I then read the line at the edge of the outer electrode (highest number it was touching). Is this the right way to read it, or should I look at the center of the outer electrode, or am I way off? I know it's a simple thing, I just wanted to be sure before I change them all and install them. Hopefully I was gentle enough with the plugs, I did not force anything. However, when checking for damage, I did notice that not all the center electrodes were uniform. Is this normal, or did I damage them despite trying to be careful? By the way, the gaps varied from .025" to .042" using the method above (I'm planning to open them to .044") but the part number matched up at rockauto.com. Thanks in advance for the help.
dgillenman
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15,724 Posts
My lazy way of doing it is tapping the spark plug while it is on the ramp at the specified gap in the middle of the electrode. Then I wiggle the spark plug very slightly so that it comes off the ramp without any wiggle room.
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15,724 Posts
The gap changes because of the spark jumping from electrode to tip (or vice versa) erodes the metal. The tip doesn't physically move when it's in the engine (unless a piston slams into it, but that usually won't happen and if it did, you'd know).
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