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Plug gap query

  • 20-12-2006 5:20pm
    #1
    TigerTim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,261 ✭✭✭


    :confused: I remember someone telling me, many moons ago, that if you widened the plug gap you got better fuel consumption. This was when I drove a fast but uneconomical Mark II Escort. I was told it was because of the bigger spark. Is there any truth in this?. I can’t remember if I tried it but I was reminded of it recently.:confused:

    T.


Comments

  • #2
    PaulK_CCI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 827 ✭✭✭PaulK_CCI


    TigerTim wrote:
    :confused: I remember someone telling me, many moons ago, that if you widened the plug gap you got better fuel consumption. This was when I drove a fast but uneconomical Mark II Escort. I was told it was because of the bigger spark. Is there any truth in this?. I can’t remember if I tried it but I was reminded of it recently.:confused:

    T.

    I would say that is utter fiction since the size of any spark (if there is such a difference, but I would personally say the bigger the plug gap, the worse the plug performs!!!) would have ofcourse no effect whatsover on how much fuel is delivered into the chamber, that, en hence the fuel consumption, remains the same....


  • #3
    Spit62500
    Closed Accounts Posts: 408 ✭✭Spit62500


    It depends on the strength of the spark - windening the gap will weaken the spark on a standard setup. If you fit a higher output coil you may get a stronger spark and so might get away with a wider plug gap. In the case of most classic cars, the coil will be getting on a bit with weaker output so a wider gap would be a definite disadvantage. In any case, I'd imagine that the benefits would be more in the realm of fantasy than reality. Better to have the points gap and timing spot on, pump the tyres and check for binding brakes.

    In any case that I can think of, increasing the efficiency of a standard setup will increase both ecomony and power - of course if you savour the power you'll reduce the economy...


  • #4
    johnnycortina
    Closed Accounts Posts: 39 ✭johnnycortina


    If you converted to electronic ignition, then you could open up the plug gap.


  • #5
    Blitzkrieger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,660 ✭✭✭Blitzkrieger


    It's not complete fantasy. If you've otherwise modified your engine to bring more fuel and air in, you then need a bigger spark for proper combustion. I was thinking of putting a bigger fuel rail on my car but the added cost of improved spark plugs and induction coils has put that on the long finger. Just widening the plug gap on it's own will weaken the spark and probably result in the car over fueling.


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