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What is a spark plug gap?

My engine has been misfiring lately and I know it has something to do with my spark plug. I'm fixing the issue myself, but I'm not sure what a spark plug gap is. Can you help?

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Lindsey Hoover · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The spark plug gap is the distance between a spark plug’s center electrode and its ground electrode—when you set the gap distance, this is called ‘gapping’, and the width must be correct.
The width must be correct when gapping the spark plug because this ignites the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s internal combustion chamber. Essentially, your vehicle can spark at the proper voltage with an adequate distance between the electrodes.
You now know what a spark plug gap is, but you may be wondering what your vehicle’s gap setting is. Below we list some common gap settings:
  • Standard engine should have a gap of 0.025”
  • Performance engine should have a gap of 0.028”
  • Distributorless ignition system should have a gap up to 0.060”
When in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual. Most engine manufacturers will include a recommended range for your spark plug.
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