Mi16 Spark Plug Gaps

[Guest robyp25]

In my bx haynes it says that the gap should be 1.6mm, is this a misprint ? It seems a little excessive.

[welshpug 1,657]

sounds correct IIRC, I'd leave them at whatever they come as, spark plugs are pre-set an packaged to protect the ends these days, a quick check to make sure they aren't damaged an in they go.

 

most plugs nowadays are also not designed to be adjusted and you may risk breaking the earth electrode off if you mess with them.

[Guest robyp25]

thanks, the plugs seem to run best at 0.8mm, setting for the 8v motor, done some research since last post and the 405 haynes and another internet source are saying the gap is 1.6mm on the 16v motor. i know that with most plugs, the gap is under 1mm, which why i was concerned, the car starts and idles like a bag of s***, this was okay before though it was running rich. other wise drives fine whilst warm or over 2000rpm whilst cold.

Then when unused for 6 weeks had probs since with starting and idling when cold, gonna change coolant temp sensor as looks suspect, any other ideas guys thanks

Edited April 25, 2010 by robyp25

[dee205 3]

Sometimes giving the throttle body, butterflyand AFM etc a good cleaning with carb cleaner does wonders for getting rid of idle problems but it's still overlooked by some people. Coolant sensor could also be to blame. Then you could troubleshoot as far as leads, plugs, cap, coil..... bla bla....

[welshpug 1,657]

i've never gapped a plug for a pug

 

IIRC the standard plug for the 16v is a twin electrode anyway, so cannot be gapped.

[Baz 421]

Triple electrode!

[robnic 0]

Hi Autodata is listing;

 

Beru 14FGR-7CTU @ 1.2mm

Bosch FR7DCO @ 0.8mm

NGK BCP7ET @ 1.2mm

 

I'm not sure of the Beru but the Bosch plug listed is a twin electrode and the NGK is triple electrode and as has been said they come pre-gapped and are not adjustable but give them a visual to check they all look equal before fitting!

 

hth

 

Rob