Just changed my spark plugs today. I used a metal disc-shaped tool with varying thickness around the edge to fit in the gap and adjust it. After the installation, it occured to me that the tip of the spark plug should not be touched as indicated by the repair manual. Could the gapping tool damage the platinum tip? My spark plugs are NGK platinum.

 

If you just touched it against the gapping disc, then there shouldn't be any problems. If you used the tip as a fulcrum of some sort maybe.

 

Thanks for the reply. I didn't find any obvious damage to the platinum tips before I installed them. Is the fragile part a thin layer of platinum at the tip that easily chips or is it the entire tip? I am just afraid that it is a thin layer so that the damage is not easily observable.

 

I'm not sure... but I don't think there is a "thin" layer.

 

I thought NGK platinum's came pre-gapped for our vehicles.

 

You dont need to gap platinums, only coppers. If you damage the electrode in anyway it could become a problem.

 

When you buy plugs they come pre-gapped, however, during shipping or whatever the gap may change. It's stupid to put new plugs in without checking the gap first...

 

Im pretty sure you didnt any damage. Those little parts put up with quite a bit, and the gapping tool shouldnt do any damage at all unless you started hitting it with the gapping tool.

 

I bought Bosch platinums today and they work fine. Is there a difference between Bosch and NGK? The problem that i have is that i can't change the last 3 sparks. Screws are so into the metal that I can't take them off. Can somebody suggest me anything. Oh yeah, now i have 3 Bosch Platinums and 3 NGK R's.

 

Not sure if you mean the ignition coil screw is too tight or what, but if thats what you're talking about, then i suggest gettigng a socket that'll fit, put that on a wretch and twist that SOB to the left. It'll come out....its better using a socket if its tight so you dont strip the head on the screw.

 

No, the actual screws on the engine, that hold that plastic cover over spark plugs. Screws are so glued up to the bottom, that its impossible to unscrew them. Thats y i can't replace my other 3 sparks.