I've got a 01 n/a maxima and I am currently using NKG coppers (BKR5E-11). I found this breakdown of the NGK part numbers HERE . From what this says, the plug I am using should be gapped to .044 from the factory which is also the gap I need to run.
However, when I put the plug in a gapper, the gap is only around .040. I am using the coin gapper so what I want know is whether this is an inaccurate way of gapping/checking gap or are the NGK gapped incorrectly from the plant? I appreciate any insight or informations. Thanks in advance.

 

Do I need to Gap my plugs?

Maybe, but likely not. Many plugs are pre-gapped for their most popular applications, however, the gap can be altered if the plug is dropped or mishandled in packing/shipping. Therefore even if the plugs are supposedly preset for your motor, it is always wise to check the gap on each plug prior to installing.

A wire gauge is the most accurate, coin or feeler gauges can give innacurate readings.

 

it has to be something with the coin gauge. i will pick up a wire gauge and try again. i doubted it had to do something with the factory gap when they listed it at .044. thanks for the heads up.

 

Plugs are pre-gapped from factory but you would be STUPID not to check the gap before putting them in. The gap might have shifted during shipping or something.

 

i gapped the coppers i have in there now but i have found all of the new ones are around .039 and not .044 or 1.1 which the 11 in the part number indicates. just found it odd they were all the same and lower than indicated.

 

Acually the gap for the max IS .039-.045. That's the accepted range.