gapping platinum plugs

[Jomac]

is it necessary to use a plastic gapper when gapping platinum plugs without the fear of ruining them? if you need a plastic gapper where would i get one. i have tried autozone and advance and checked online and can't find one.

 

[67Customs]

I couldn't find one at Autozone not Advance Auto either.

 

[mag03kj]

no you dont have to. just make just not to bang it round when gapping but YOU DO NOT have to have one its just bullspit

 

[Boiler]

If anyone does come in here saying you have to have them, they better come with a link to back it up and also where to get them.

 

[belvedere]

I have previously posted a link to Autolite's site when this claim was made in the past. The Autolite site, under the directions for gapping platinum plugs, makes no mention of a special gapper. In fact, in the picture that accompanied the directions, it showed what appeared to be a standard wire-type feeler gauge.

Just another "old mechanic's tale".

 

[RageOfFury]

Just another "old mechanic's tale".

idea.gif(whistle)

 

[ptsb5a]

I just cruised Snap-On, KD Tools and Westward. They have non-magnetic (brass) feeler gauges but nothing plastic or carbon fibre. I suppose that a brass one might work, the material is more ductile than the platinum and will gouge before wrecking the electrode on the plug.

 

[kb0nly]

I have NEVER seen a plastic one, i talked to a few shops that do tune-ups and one mentioned that he used to have one that was a hard white plastic that he got with a large order of spark plugs from a supplier but it quickly broke and he hasn't ever seen one since. My guess, they tried them at one time and they didnt work for poop and thats where the myth started.

Every shop i know uses an old fashioned feeler gauge or the round large coin style that has the T shaped spot on the back end for adjusting the electrode at the side rather than prying between the tip and electrode like some cheap ones. That would be the main thing in my opinion, do not apply pressure to the tip of the plug to pry the electrode out, get an actual gap adjustment tool or gap checker with that built in. If you need to close the gap and don't have the proper tool then light taps against something like a piece of wood works good if you know how little force it takes, i've done that many times when i get caught doing plugs with nothing more than a feeler gauge.

When this heated argument came up a while back a few of us tried to dig up the info, i emailed Champion, NGK, and Bosch, through their websites and done of them replied. They probably see it, laugh, and delete it.