This helps eliminate burning the spark plug boot or dimpling the header tube. The overall length has been reduced 3/16 in to 3/8 in (depending on the specific spark plug) to gain critical air gap between the spark plug boot and the exhaust manifold or header tube. Continue re-measuring and making minor adjustments until the gap in the spark plug matches your manufacturer’s recommended gap size. ACCEL's patented race proven spark plugs in a Shorty configuration. If the gap is too big, use the broad side of the gap tool to push the electrode down and make the gap smaller. If the gap is too small, pull the body of the plug away from the disc with the electrode hanging on the lip to gently force the gap open and re-measure it. If the gap matches your required size, you’re good to install it in your vehicle. Rotate the disc until you feel a firm resistance and check the measurement next to the lip. Then, grab a gauge tool, and slide the recessed lip under the electrode sticking out from the base of the spark plug.
How to install spark plugs with headers on a 350 manual#
Since every make and model requires a different gap size, start by looking in the owner’s manual for your vehicle to find the required gap size, or pull the information up online. If your spark plugs aren’t properly gapped, your engine may not burn fuel properly. These are effective to use while adjusting.Ī spark plug gap is the distance between the end of the electrode and the base of the spark plug. You can also use multiple blades to measure larger gaps. Built like a pocket-knife, this gauge features different blades of varying widths, some with wire on the end and some without, placed in the gap to check the spacing of the electrodes. A blade-style feeler gauge is an effective and versatile tool.A wire coin gap works essentially the same way as the regular coin-style gap, but features different wire measures of varying lengths on the edge around the coin.This is a good tool for older plugs you want to check the efficacy of, but can also inadvertently widen the gaps as you use it. The edge is marked like a ruler, designating the thickness of the edge at that point. A coin-style gap measure is usually the cheapest option, and works by running the edge of the "coin" through the gap until you reach a point where it stops.Most measuring tools will also feature a flat edge typically used for bending the bottom electrode on the spark plug to adjust the gap slightly. There are several varieties of tools used to measure the gaps of spark plugs, some of which are more appropriate for more modern plugs, which sometimes feature delicate precious metals.