Spark plug gap question

I think you are way over thinking this issue. Just set the gap in the middle of the range and call it good. That engine will not care, believe me!

It's not rocket science, years ago we used a match book cover or just eyeball it.

I would set it to lower tolerance.
Electrodes will burn out over the time and make the gap bigger.

DownTheAvenue wrote:
I think you are way over thinking this issue. Just set the gap in the middle of the range and call it good. That engine will not care, believe me!

X2.
I have played around with gaps on engines and it makes no difference as long as it's in range.
Also, if you use a platinum plug you really shouldn't gap it.

Dont worry about the gap and the spark plug will last just about forever. The initial oil changes are very important imo. Get a few hours on it and change the oil. They probably recommend 20 to 25 hours at least for the first change. Small engines often recommended 25 hours depending on the application. My Honda is every 100 hr but I changed it at about 2 then 8 or so then 40 and then keep it under 100. You will probably see a swirled almost metallic look to the oil at first. This is important.

If you are running it under heavy load high heat conditions all the time then tend to change the oil sooner. Oil is cheap.

Edit: I went out and checked my oil change record:
2, 6, 72, 146, 325, 446, 526, 604

ScottG wrote:

Also, if you use a platinum plug you really shouldn't gap it.

That also applies to Iridium ones too.

Another vote here for not being OCD and over-thinking it.

rjxj wrote:
Dont worry about the gap and the spark plug will last just about forever. The initial oil changes are very important imo. Get a few hours on it and change the oil. They probably recommend 20 to 25 hours at least for the first change. Small engines often recommended 25 hours depending on the application. My Honda is every 100 hr but I changed it at about 2 then 8 or so then 40 and then keep it under 100. You will probably see a swirled almost metallic look to the oil at first. This is important.

If you are running it under heavy load high heat conditions all the time then tend to change the oil sooner. Oil is cheap.

Edit: I went out and checked my oil change record:
2, 6, 72, 146, 325, 446, 526, 604

Thank you. I also change my oil frequently also. I run my Honda 2000's 8-12 hours at a time at my camper. Always changed it every 40/60 hours. What's 13 ounces?
Have over 3500 hours on each. Thanks again

DownTheAvenue wrote:
I think you are way over thinking this issue. Just set the gap in the middle of the range and call it good. That engine will not care, believe me!

Ditto.. One well two suggestions

One when you buy New Plugs. P-Tips (Platinum) 100,000 Mile rated plugs

Two. Take them out of the box.. Hold all of them Threads UP with the "Ground" contact off to the same size and look at 'em.. IF you find one where the gap is way smaller than the rest.. That plug was dropped and damaged.