Can someone help me with Spark Plug gap?

[Hapa88]

So I was planning to do a Spark plug change and some other work and wanted to pick up a set of NGK Iridiums but no autoparts store carried them instock, so I settled for a set of AC Delco Platium Professional 41-988 plugs from Pep Boys.

They recommended a gap of 0.052" which I thought was pretty huge, but I went a long with it since that's what the AC Delco site says and so did Pep Boys.
ACDelco Professional Platinum 41-988 - Spark Plug | O'Reilly Auto Parts

After installing them, the idle and moderate acceleration was fine, but as soon as you go WOT it starts misfiring like crazy.

So my question is, is it a problem with the plug?
Or should I try regapping them to 0.028 to 0.032 like the NGKs? I guess I don't understand if a spark plug "gap" is spark plug brand/model specific, or is it motor specific?
Anyway, I have a NGK Iridiums on order, but they won't get here til next week and I got a track event on Saturday...

[J'sSpeed3]

Holy shit buy some real spark plugs
Denso Iridium ITV20 ITV22 ITV24 Spark Plugs Mazdaspeed 3 6 MS3 MS6 MZR DISI

And do it the right way! Gap to .028, I think that's what most guys run here. I'm running .026 but i'm also way more modded than you and pro tuned.

Inb4rape

[Chimmike]

AC delco platinums?
platinums? really?

did you like, uh, consider the owner's manual at all or anything?
ugh. platinums on a turbo car.

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by J'sSpeed3 Holy shit buy some real spark plugs Denso Iridium ITV20 ITV22 ITV24 Spark Plugs Mazdaspeed 3 6 MS3 MS6 MZR DISI And do it the right way! Gap to .028, I think that's what most guys run here. I'm running .026 but i'm also way more modded than you and pro tuned. Inb4rape

Per the original post, NGK Iridium IX are already ordered and are apparently better than the "POS Densos" according to some people on this forum. I figured I'd stay NGK cuz Densos cause problems on my NSX..

Originally Posted by chimmike AC delco platinums? platinums? really? did you like, uh, consider the owner's manual at all or anything? ugh. platinums on a turbo car.

Yes I considered the owner's manual. They mention "platinum" once and the says this on page 10-4 of my 2008 manual: "When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged."

Have you read it?

Why would all the spark plug manufacturers & auto parts stores recommend them if they don't work?

[Chimmike]

iridium plugs are not platinum.

The first phrase in your quote says: "When cleaning the iridium plugs,"

so where the fuck did you get the idea that they recommended platinums? Especially when the recommended plugs IN THE MANUAL ARE IRIDUM?

You have a turbo NSX?

I weep.

[silentwolf8]

Wrongs:

1: Wrong Plugs
2: Didnt search
3: Listened to a parts store
4: Impulse Buyer
5: Read wrong.

Continue?

[Oliverms3]

@Hapa88.... don't buy those... buy the denso's or NGK's. Make sure Iridium. and btw.. happy birthday

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by chimmike iridium plugs are not platinum. The first phrase in your quote says: "When cleaning the iridium plugs,"

The phrase says this: "Note: When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged."

So does that mean iridium plugs have platinum tips? Hmm, confusing....

Originally Posted by chimmike so where the fuck did you get the idea that they recommended platinums? Especially when the recommended plugs IN THE MANUAL ARE IRIDUM?

Manual recommends L3K9-18-110a (can't find this part anywhere) or L3Y3-18-110 plugs (seems to be Lazer Iridium).
Note that nowhere in the manual does it say "Iridium" is required or "Do not use Platinum plugs". You guys are recommending non-OEM plugs so what's the issue with the confusion?

Originally Posted by chimmike You have a turbo NSX? I weep.

Nowhere did I state I have a turbo NSX. Just to clarify though, it's N/A.

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 Wrongs: 1: Wrong Plugs

What's the "right" plug? Seems like the "right" plug is the OEM one, but you guys keep recommending a non-OEM Denso or NGK.

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 2: Didnt search

Did search... nothing on AC Delco came up.

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 3: Listened to a parts store

Also listed to the manufacturer's recommendations..

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 4: Impulse Buyer

Guilty as charged..

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 5: Read wrong.

Not sure what I read wrong... I read a lot of things, most of it contradictory...

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 Continue?

Yes please, still would like the answer to the question I posed in the first post:
"I guess I don't understand if a spark plug "gap" is spark plug brand/model specific, or is it motor specific?"

Originally Posted by Oliverms3 @Hapa88.... don't buy those... buy the denso's or NGK's. Make sure Iridium. and btw.. happy birthday

Thanks Oliver. I got the NGK Iridium IX LTR7IX-11 on order, but they probably won't get here til Saturday.. I think I'll just regap my OEMs (luckily I still have them) and put them back in for the track day this Saturday.

Thanks for the HBD.

[b3nnno]

i never trust pepboys or any autoparts store clerks. from experience things have been incorrect. if im not mistaken the itv20s are gapped wrong too for our car. (.044 i think). put stock back in and order itv22s or go ngk 3787 (which is stock) both are gapped correctly (.028-.032). also avoid buying from dealership...i had to buy 1 plug in a pinch and it was 22 bucks -_-.)

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by b3nnno i never trust pepboys or any autoparts store clerks. from experience things have been incorrect. if im not mistaken the itv20s are gapped wrong too for our car. (.044 i think). put stock back in and order itv22s or go ngk 3787 (which is stock) both are gapped correctly (.028-.032). also avoid buying from dealership...i had to buy 1 plug in a pinch and it was 22 bucks -_-.)

Thanks for that. I was trying to get everything together and went to 4 different shops (1 Autozone, 1 Oriley, & 2 Pep Boys) looking for NGKs and no one had them (nor the Densos).

So would you think that just about any plug referenced to fit the MS3 should be gapped to .028 to .032? (I see some people running Autolites too)

[3Gee Tee]

Should have over-nighted the parts from Japan.

[K7addict]

Lol, plenty of wreckage here...Go to sparkplugauto.com get yourself some itv-22's (gapped about .028).

Then please donate to help support our awesome forum then get an e tune from one of the cool e tuners here and be satisfied with cool car.

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by 3Gee Tee Should have over-nighted the parts from Japan.

Needed them that day...

Originally Posted by K7addict Lol, plenty of wreckage here...Go to sparkplugauto.com get yourself some itv-22's (gapped about .028). Then please donate to help support our awesome forum then get an e tune from one of the cool e tuners here and be satisfied with cool car.

Haha, awesome forum?? Judging from this thread, I'd say not...
Anyway, I already have an e tune and have been satisfied so far..

[Oliverms3]

thread lightly my friend

[K7addict]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Needed them that day... Haha, awesome forum?? Judging from this thread, I'd say not... Anyway, I already have an e tune and have been satisfied so far..

A simple 'thank you for the website mention" would have sufficed.

It is and will stay awesome for those that appreciate it and have a little common sense to research and learn first.

If you don't fit in here, you know the way out. /thread

[silentwolf8]

NGK and Denso's are special ordered. hence why no one carries them.. it comes down to demand and theres not much for them so they dont order.

always look at reputable vendors we have on here when it comes to parts... this forum has everything that has been tried. what does and doesnt work.

street unit. cork sport. cp-e. cobb. edgeautosports. james barone racing. Sure. these guys carry everything we need or getting there. stop going to your local vatozones and peptyboys.

side note. glad you did it right and bought the NGK's

[J'sSpeed3]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Needed them that day... Haha, awesome forum?? Judging from this thread, I'd say not... Anyway, I already have an e tune and have been satisfied so far..

You're in for a rude awakening then.. This thread has been extremely nice compared to the hazing other brownies have gotten, count your blessings..

Everyone on here has seen questions like this and there are threads on this exact subject (use the google search bar, works much better)

Have thick skin on this forum and you'll make it

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by K7addict A simple 'thank you for the website mention" would have sufficed. It is and will stay awesome for those that appreciate it and have a little common sense to research and learn first. If you don't fit in here, you know the way out. /thread

Thank you for the website but I'm still yet to find the answer to my question:
"I guess I don't understand if a spark plug "gap" is spark plug brand/model specific, or is it motor specific?"

I guess I don't know if I fit in here. All I'm looking for are some answers to my question

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 NGK and Denso's are special ordered. hence why no one carries them.. it comes down to demand and theres not much for them so they dont order. always look at reputable vendors we have on here when it comes to parts... this forum has everything that has been tried. what does and doesnt work. street unit. cork sport. cp-e. cobb. edgeautosports. james barone racing. Sure. these guys carry everything we need or getting there. stop going to your local vatozones and peptyboys. side note. glad you did it right and bought the NGK's

Thank you silentwolf. That's pretty much what I found out. Was hoping for the best by shopping around locally so I could get the plugs in that day but with no luck.
(Yes, I've ordered from Street Unit, Amazon, Corksport all before, but like I stated before I wanted them in that day since I'd be at a place I could actually work on my car)

[silentwolf8]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Thank you for the website but I'm still yet to find the answer to my question: "I guess I don't understand if a spark plug "gap" is spark plug brand/model specific, or is it motor specific?" I guess I don't know if I fit in here. All I'm looking for are some answers to my question Thank you silentwolf. That's pretty much what I found out. Was hoping for the best by shopping around locally so I could get the plugs in that day but with no luck. (Yes, I've ordered from Street Unit, Amazon, Corksport all before, but like I stated before I wanted them in that day since I'd be at a place I could actually work on my car)

just keep in mind.. no more impulse buying with these cars.. they can be touchy with mods

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by J'sSpeed3 You're in for a rude awakening then.. This thread has been extremely nice compared to the hazing other brownies have gotten, count your blessings.. Everyone on here has seen questions like this and there are threads on this exact subject (use the google search bar, works much better) Have thick skin on this forum and you'll make it

Haha, it's ok, I've seen the attitude before in a previous thread I started a while back. I've come to expect that from here.
At least there are a few posts that are actually helpful, so I just hold tight until then.
Thanks for the Google search bar tip.. as a note, I just searched for the AC Delco and 41-988 and nothing more comes up..

[J'sSpeed3]

why did you need spark plugs so quickly? I would just put the stock ones back in till your NGK's come and then gap those to .028

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by silentwolf8 just keep in mind.. no more impulse buying with these cars.. they can be touchy with mods

Yeah, so far I haven't really been that way, until this instance.. I just got back from being out of the country and had a few days off before work. Decided I'd visit the parents one day so I could work on the car in their garage (since I live in a condo HOA that doesn't allow working on cars).

[Keko]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Thank you for the website but I'm still yet to find the answer to my question: "I guess I don't understand if a spark plug "gap" is spark plug brand/model specific, or is it motor specific?" I guess I don't know if I fit in here. All I'm looking for are some answers to my question Thank you silentwolf. That's pretty much what I found out. Was hoping for the best by shopping around locally so I could get the plugs in that day but with no luck. (Yes, I've ordered from Street Unit, Amazon, Corksport all before, but like I stated before I wanted them in that day since I'd be at a place I could actually work on my car)

There is no way you searched, if you are still asking this question. Motor specific.

[anavrinIV]

you realize that platinum is an element and not just a spark plug type? it happens to be highly conductive and....

forget it, this isn't going to sink in.

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by anavrinIV you realize that platinum is an element and not just a spark plug type? it happens to be highly conductive and.... forget it, this isn't going to sink in.

Would love to hear the continuation of this...

Originally Posted by Keko There is no way you searched, if you are still asking this question. Motor specific.

Please send me the links then, since this is contradictory to my research which show's the AC Delco Spark Plug for the Mazdaspeed 3 has a recommended gap of 0.052".
ACDelco Parts

[anavrinIV]

you can have platinum on a plug that is not a platinum plug. iridium plugs have an iridium center electrode, the ground electrode may still be platinum or platinum coated.

[Keko]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Would love to hear the continuation of this... Please send me the links then, since this is contradictory to my research which show's the AC Delco Spark Plug for the Mazdaspeed 3 has a recommended gap of 0.052". ACDelco Parts

Let me google that for you

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by Keko Let me google that for you

Thanks, but those results just explain what definition of the spark gap is, which I already know.
Most of them also say to consult the engine and spark plug manufacturers for specific gaps.. and there lies the problem..

Mazda states 0.028―0.031 in in the manual.
But the spark plug manufacturer states 0.052 (which is what I gapped to).

Would the problem go away if I regapped what I have to 0.028 - 0.031? (It's sounding like yes, unless the platinum is what's causing the misfires..)

[anavrinIV]

they aren't the right plugs, period. unless you torched the stock ones you should put them back in, they'll be better for a week than these are.

[franz]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Thanks, but those results just explain what definition of the spark gap is, which I already know. Most of them also say to consult the engine and spark plug manufacturers for specific gaps.. and there lies the problem.. Mazda states 0.028―0.031 in in the manual. But the spark plug manufacturer states 0.052 (which is what I gapped to). Would the problem go away if I regapped what I have to 0.028 - 0.031? (It's sounding like yes, unless the platinum is what's causing the misfires..)

I know the stickies here are spread all over the place, but this is covered. If its not in the list dont use it.

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...ge-1-2-a-5692/

Gap is engine specific, so when you see AC Delco recommend the same plug for a 2.0L Miata as a 2.3L Mazdaspeed Turbo there is a big problem. Oh and apparently they also work on Buicks and Cadillacs.

If you had gone to the NGK website, which is the OEM plug, and done the same search you would have been given the correct plug. You would then notice if you look at the Stock 3 the gap is .052, not the turbo.

[TiGraySpeed6]

it's an amazing thing that after all these years on essentially the same engine, and with all these detail oriented gear heads, that spark plugs haven't been listed in detail. What a bitchin idea, somebody should do that

yeah.


Spark Plug Database - Gen2

[Haltech]

You didn't bother to read the spark plug database... So that confirms you have not sat down and read the forums. There's very detailed information here for a reason.

We have really good vendors who know this platform. That's where you should be buying your plugs from.

You should at least make an effort to fit in. There's very little hand holding as it disrupts the community from doing what it does best, pushing the platform.

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by franz I know the stickies here are spread all over the place, but this is covered. If its not in the list dont use it. http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...ge-1-2-a-5692/ Gap is engine specific, so when you see AC Delco recommend the same plug for a 2.0L Miata as a 2.3L Mazdaspeed Turbo there is a big problem. Oh and apparently they also work on Buicks and Cadillacs. If you had gone to the NGK website, which is the OEM plug, and done the same search you would have been given the correct plug. You would then notice if you look at the Stock 3 the gap is .052, not the turbo.

Wow, finally a real answer. I knew if I wait it out it would come!! Thank you!

Originally Posted by TiGraySpeed6 it's an amazing thing that after all these years on essentially the same engine, and with all these detail oriented gear heads, that spark plugs haven't been listed in detail. What a bitchin idea, somebody should do that yeah. Spark Plug Database - Gen2

Thanks for the link! amazing after all these posts we're finally getting somewhere.

Originally Posted by Haltech You didn't bother to read the spark plug database... So that confirms you have not sat down and read the forums. There's very detailed information here for a reason. We have really good vendors who know this platform. That's where you should be buying your plugs from. You should at least make an effort to fit in. There's very little hand holding as it disrupts the community from doing what it does best, pushing the platform.

I didn't bother to read the database because I didn't realize it buried in another Forum... if I would have know I would have read it but thanks for the link - I'll look at it now. I guess if that was given in the first replies I wouldn't be here disrupting the community.

Suggestion: add to the database spark plugs that have been tried and DON'T work. That way when I search "AC Delco", my answer will actually pop up.

I come to forums to look for answers and provide them if I know the answer. I like to try to be helpful to the community and try not be a tool about it. I try to stick to facts and have evidence to back up my claims. Anyway I think if you're really trying to push a platform, it might be more effective if you had a solid helpful & supportive base, not one that constantly ridicules and pokes fun at the "Brownies".

BTW, I noticed you're from Oceanside.. I grew up there and went to Oceanside High.... a long time ago..

[Haltech]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Wow, finally a real answer. I knew if I wait it out it would come!! Thank you! Thanks for the link! amazing after all these posts we're finally getting somewhere. I didn't bother to read the database because I didn't realize it buried in another Forum... if I would have know I would have read it but thanks for the link - I'll look at it now. I guess if that was given in the first replies I wouldn't be here disrupting the community. Suggestion: add to the database spark plugs that have been tried and DON'T work. That way when I search "AC Delco", my answer will actually pop up. I come to forums to look for answers and provide them if I know the answer. I like to try to be helpful to the community and try not be a tool about it. I try to stick to facts and have evidence to back up my claims. Anyway I think if you're really trying to push a platform, it might be more effective if you had a solid helpful & supportive base, not one that constantly ridicules and pokes fun at the "Brownies". BTW, I noticed you're from Oceanside.. I grew up there and went to Oceanside High.... a long time ago..

Well we do, it's called the search button and stickies. Our forum is very well organized.. You need to look at it and you will understand better.

We will always fuck with brownies. Don't take it personal, it's apart of the hazing phase.

[ms3rick]

Google. "site:maxdaspeedforums.org your search here"


Sent from my dizzLe using RaWr powers!

[TiGraySpeed6]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Thanks for the link! amazing after all these posts we're finally getting somewhere.

You don't much get sarcasm, do you?

MSF is full of that kind of detailed information. Your question, and very likely the next several questions you're going to have, have been asked & answered. Learn to search, or learn the links to other forums because the path you're on now only leads to ridicule.

Here's an example- if you had asked the following:
"I've looked over the spark plug info I can find, and am wondering if I am better off with a gap of .028, with the mods in my sig & using spark plug brand x, or will I see benefits by going tighter, like .025?"

Requesting clarity on a point, rather than illustrating ignorance and a lack of respect for your car & the forum. We would have happily spent the same number of posts discussing the benefits of gap and whats best for your needs, till we finally settled on something.

Instead, we spent it poking fun at you.

Treat this place like a reference source first, searching & digesting available information. Then ask questions if you still need assistance.

spark plug gap site:www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum

[p057]

You know what, stop asking 'tards to donate.
just makes a dumb ass threads 50 posts long instead of 2 with one of the answers "it's been covered multiple times, search for it" and then the thread closed.

the FAQs need to be updated too

[lito37]

ngk/denso they are the same !!!! is like saying motorcraft or autolite.

[Hapa88]

Originally Posted by TiGraySpeed6 You don't much get sarcasm, do you? MSF is full of that kind of detailed information. Your question, and very likely the next several questions you're going to have, have been asked & answered. Learn to search, or learn the links to other forums because the path you're on now only leads to ridicule. Here's an example- if you had asked the following: "I've looked over the spark plug info I can find, and am wondering if I am better off with a gap of .028, with the mods in my sig & using spark plug brand x, or will I see benefits by going tighter, like .025?" Requesting clarity on a point, rather than illustrating ignorance and a lack of respect for your car & the forum. We would have happily spent the same number of posts discussing the benefits of gap and whats best for your needs, till we finally settled on something. Instead, we spent it poking fun at you. Treat this place like a reference source first, searching & digesting available information. Then ask questions if you still need assistance. spark plug gap site:www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum

Come on now... I've owned this car since 2007, so 5 years now. You don't think that I've just come here, searched and found the answer I'm looking for and left without starting a thread?

Anyway, how could I have asked the question like your example if I didn't know if the gap was plug/brand specific or motor specific as I posed in the first post?

"illustrating ignorance and a lack of respect for your car & the forum"... love that line!

[Deldran]

Originally Posted by Hapa88 Come on now... I've owned this car since 2007, so 5 years now. You don't think that I've just come here, searched and found the answer I'm looking for and left without starting a thread? Anyway, how could I have asked the question like your example if I didn't know if the gap was plug/brand specific or motor specific as I posed in the first post? "illustrating ignorance and a lack of respect for your car & the forum"... love that line!

Listen if you have been a car guy that long owned a mazdaspeed for 5 years you should have already known this. I have only owned my speed since febuary and i knew within the first 3 or 4 days of being on MSF what i should cap my plugs to. Any self respecting car enthusiast should know to gap there plugs to the engines specs.

/thread