spark plug gap

[exdos]

i hear you but couldn't that happen on any engine??

Definitely, but the multi electrode type iridiums are made from thinner metal than the old-fashioned single electrode type, which probably predisposes them to fracturing if manually bent after they've been in use for millions of spark cycles. The old fashioned type are generally as cheap as chips and are replaced far more frequently, which IMO makes gapping them on a regular service basis pointless after the first installation.

 

[Argenta]

Are there multi-electrode NGK Iridiums..?

 

[GreyZed]

http://www.ngkntk.co.uk/index.php/technical-centre/spark-plugs/alternative-electrode-designs/

Apparently there are.

 

[Adam D]

Worth noting that one benefit of the larger than OEM gap on an iridium plug is to get a bigger spark and more complete burn, the single electrode also helps form a better flame front - multi prong plugs get in the way, absorbing heat and are purely for long life.

The tiny electrodes help focus the charge potential allowing the spark to jump the larger gap for a given amount of energy. Gapping them down to the same as the long life platinum tipped plugs (which have larger conductors and less charge density) may reduce the benefit.

Generally been very happy with the running of the IXU 24 plugs.

 

[Nictrix]

Never heard that before.
Normally if the plug gap is too big your vehicle will run rough possibly missfiring.

 

[Smartbear]

Back in the day when we ran two stroke motorbikes, if a plug fouled we often pulled the plug cap away from the plug by a few mm, this led to a higher voltage spark required to jump the larger gap which in turn gave a more powerful spark at the plug itself-burning clean the oiled plug.
It sounds strange but it really worked & we did this fairly often.
Rob

 

[Nictrix]

I had an annoying missfire under load on the mini.
At first I thought it was fuel related as there were no error messages.
Pulled the plugs and the gaps were huge, replaced the plugs with new ones and the problem disappeared.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I had the same with my Zed....except it worked only temporarily as the real culprit was a coil pack.