On Friday, I replaced the spark plugs in my car because I can't remember the last time they were done. When I was finished I noticed that the old plugs were NGK, not sure if they were laser platinum or not, but the ends of the plugs were white. Does this mean that my engine is running lean?

Also, I got this cheap a$$ gap setter that I bent to hell trying to set the correct gap. I know this sounds cheesey, but how is it supposed to be used? To close the gap, I used a vice (bad idea?? ) and then I pulled the end away until it was .040. Now isn't it supposed to be .044? Is .040 acceptabale? Anyone know of a better gap setter? The gap setter I have is a plastic ring, with a square-ish looking thing on it and all the different gap sizes.

 

I wouldn't trust that plug that your trying to gap. NGK's come pre-gapped, there's no need to gap them. For the white color on the plug, you're fine. Mine was that color when I replaced them.

 

You can get a spark plug gauge that has .044 on it. I got it a parts store for around a buck.
Be well!!!!

 

If you got the right plugs they will come pre-gapped, so the only reason you would need to gap them is if you are boosted or need a different gap for some reason. I've also heard that you shouldn't gap platinum plugs because you can scratch off the platinum.
-hype

 

my 2 step colder bkr7e NGK's weren't pregapped. i guess your referring to the platinum ngk's though?..

 

That's because BRK7Es are not intended for use in Maximas, that's why their not gapped to maxima specs :/

 

sounds like a good reason why!.. thx