Spark plug gap!!

[wolf_06]

I had hesitation at high way speed, like it was too rich mixture, took ok the plugs, all gap to 0.30". The recommended gap is 0.44.

Apparently I can go to .48 - .50 gap, amd it will run hotter and burn fuel better. My car is a 08 accent with a 1.6 L.

Is increasing the gap on a stock engine would affect the ignition system / voltage? Is it gona run better than smaller gap?

 

[GumbyJarvis]

I have always gapped mine to the minimum set in the OM maybe less, never had that problem

 

[JHZR2]

Sounds like someone installed plugs without checking the gap against the FSM. Dont do anything before you put fresh plugs, properly gapped, into the engine and see how it goes.

 

[The_Jeff]

If you run a wider gap you have a better chance of catching a fuel molecule between the prongs, so long as you don't misfire or cause your coil to find another way to ground. This is why HEI ignition came out with wider gaps and lean burning engines in the 1970s.

Most plugs I've seen on the store shelves have their gap as part of their part number unless they've been dropped. (had that happen once.)

 

[tommygunn]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
a better chance of catching a fuel molecule between the prongs


Huh? You catch thousands of molecules regardless of the spark gap (unless its none, lol).

Wider gap requires higher voltage to arc. If you can get away with it, it should be fine, and give you a longer spark (which lights fuel better). Most car systems will handle gaps wider then stock because as the plugs wear out, the gap increases.

Just monitor it carefully because if you go too wide or it wears out too wide it'll run poorly.

 

[Zaedock]

You're missing a zero in your gap specs.

A 2008 Accent's plug gap is .044.

 

[tom slick]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock
You're missing a zero in your gap specs.

A 2008 Accent's plug gap is .044.


Maybe that's the problem

 

[wolf_06]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
You're missing a zero in your gap specs.

A 2008 Accent's plug gap is .044.


Maybe that's the problem
yeah sorry forgot the extra 0.

 

[hattaresguy]

Just go with what the FSM says. Its very unusual on a modern car to have to even touch the plugs before 100k miles. I guess the factory had a bad batch when they built yours.