Searched and found a billion threads about what to set the gap at, but not how.

I assume u can get one of those ramped disk gap measures at autozone and tap the node with a hammer till u get it right? Are there other measuring devices, or tools made specifically to gap plugs? I'm getting IK24's soon.

 

I just tap mine on the ground and use a spark plug gapping tool. Something like this http://www.international-auto.com/index.cf...id/2685/sc/8140

OG

 

My Honda manual says not to gap the OEM platinum plugs, but to replace them instead. The tips seem to be very very tiny.

 

you seem to have not read my thread...

 

thx for the link OG

 

I thought the plugs came pregapped...because of the user error problem of stressing the end causing it to break off and pitting or worse the cylinder.

 

exactly! That is what I was getting at when the thread starter bad mouthed me. You said it much better.

 

Platinum plugs generally do come pregapped but I'm not sure about iridiums. I use the NGK 7173 and have to manually gap them with each change.

 

Feeler gauges work best for me, they are much more accurate than that ramped disc gauges. To make the gap smaller, I'll generally tap the plug on the ground and to make the gap bigger I'll work it open by increasing the feeler size and wiggling it around.

 

Here is a thread on how to change plugs and how to prepare the new ones for installation. It contains way more than you need but it does cover the part you want:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=110520

Some things to consider:
1. Narrow the gap using the tool shown in my thread above.
2. Due to the nature of some plug negative terminals, it may not be possible to use the same tool to WIDEN the gap. In this case, use fine, but strong, needle nosed pliars to do the job, making certain to NOT touch the positive, center electrode.

2a. That CENTER electrode on our plugs (especially the platinum and even more so with the Iridium ones) is extremely thin and delicate. DO NOT touch it with any sort of gapping tool. If you are "cleaning" up an older, but still good plug with sandpaper, ONLY do the negative electrode.

3. ALWAYS check a plug (even when brand new) before throwing it into an engine. They don't always come exactly as needed. Don't be the fool who doesn't have any clue what his sparkplug gaps actually are. Fools lose engines. In checking the gap, you will also give yourself the opportunity to inspect the plug for any odd damage that may have occured.

4. Tapping the negative electrode on a hard surface to narrow the gap is a big NO-NO. You can unknowingly crack the ceramic or cause the electrode to shift to the side if you hit it off-center.

5. NEVER use one of those "ramped" disc gauges to widen a gap. These are not your typical copper tipped plugs. That tiny, thin center electrode (Platinum or Iriduim) should not be touched (except gently with the gapper for measurement purposed only) and they for sure should NOT be used as leverage to move the negative electrode further away from it.