Spark plug gaps

[Guest]

Do I need to adjust them if I just buy new plugs?

[Big T]

Yes, you should. They could have been damaged in transit

[Guest]

Yes, you should. They could have been damaged in transit

Thank you for a consise answer.

It appears getting the shims to meassure is easy, but what do I use to bend them if they are out of spec?

I was thinking of these shims:

[Grimly]

They're the proper feelers, and for setting the gaps you can buy a tool for it.
Otoh, I've never used a special tool, just a small-bladed plain screwdriver to lever against the side shell and slightly force the outer electrode up - be careful to never put any force on the central electrode or ceramic insulator.
To reduce the gap, simply tap something (another plug, screwdriver handle, small spanner, etc) against the outer electrode. Gently does it though, you don't want to go too far.

https://www.championautoparts.com/Technical/Tech-Tips/Spark-Plug-Gap-Tip.html

https://www.gsparkplug.com/shop/spark-plug-gap-settings

[rphillips]

Come on, where's the picture of the round gap gauge that has the little hook to bend the outer electrode in or out without pecking or prying on anything?

[Redman]

I have found them to always be quite close. THey (NGK anyway) are packaged with a little tube over the end that protects it.

Any auto parts store has the gap checker / adjust tool for 2 - 3 - 4 bucks.
Some have a different gap adjuster feature than this one.

[Nessism]

I've always found them to be spot on so I don't bother to check them anymore.

[posplayr]

Do I need to adjust them if I just buy new plugs?

depends on the plugs. I bet there is a Youtube video on this topic.

https://www.zoro.com/gearwrench-spark-plug-gap-gauge-set-coin-166d/i/G2120456/feature-product?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6PD3BRDPARIsAN8pHuEhCokbyA5z2HtQOHoUUhvsVxswY1wQptuq3MXUUjLlvO1tNdPWXscaAniaEALw_wcB

[LAB3]

I've got one of the round ones like Redman posted. It doesn't take much time and you'll know because you measured.