Side-gapping plugs

[2Stock]

A couple of days ago I posted that I was having problems with arcing at the plug boots. One poster said that I should "side-gap" the plugs. I have never heard of this. Can anybody explain how to do this?

[64Trvlr]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2Stock:
Can anybody explain how to do this?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm curious too.
:cool:

[JNErotten]

http://performanceunlimited.com/illustrations/sparkplugs.html
That should help you. I useed a dremel with a cut off blade to do it.

[UnkleMunky]

There was also a recent thread on this, so maybe search for it. Basically, the page JNE linked to should show you enough. It's just a matter or cutting off the "tip" of the bent wire section, so it allows more room for the spark to explode in. I also used dremel bits, but I found it easier to mount the cutting disk in the drill press and use that....that way I could concentrate on just holding the plug well enough. I also used an "old" set for practicing on first, which helped get me used to what it would take to cut them properly.

Not sure what results you'll get, but I gave my first try a thumbs up for results!

Take care...

[ January 14, 2002: Message edited by: UnkleMunky ]

[River Beast]

Interesting concept.....I like it.... might give it a try an see if there is any noticeable performance increase....I don't think I would trim it all the way to the edge, how could you get a true 'gap' reading if it's off the side?

Anybody esle done it yet that can report...JNErotten... any noticeable improvements after the side-gap?

thanks for the link... good details :D

[ January 14, 2002: Message edited by: River Beast ]

[Sgt. Dave]

This has been around for as long as I can remember, but it's just a crutch for a weak ignition system. Smaller plug gap to promote a spark? Doesn't make sense. If it was that hot a set-up, wouldn't it be OEM? I've seen a bunch of race engines set up by some pretty good tuners and builders, and none of them have done this. In fact, most of the ones I've seen use a nickel plated Autolite plug.
Just my 2 cents worth........

[Tubro]

Well they are not OEM cause they are trying to promote the whole 100,000 mile sparkplug deal. As stated they don't last as long, but they didn't say that they WILL foul easier. I have done this on my Cobra II (449 horse 311CID) and they gas foul easy in a HP motor thats driven rarely. They do work great. I run a Accel Supercoil and MSD6AL in the cobra. It works great, but if the little part of the electrode gets wet with gas it won't fire as easily. If you are using a standard plug it may fire from another spot that is dry. If your rig is a daily driver, go for it, it does work better. It fires up easier. Of course there is no real seat of the pants difference, but you know, you can just tell. I have started gapping them at .040 instead of the .060 I used to, and it is alot less easy to foul.

[JNErotten]

Sgt. Dave, Mine are still gapped at 35. I think the main difference is the fact that the spark has dirrect access to the fuel mixture. If you notive the REALLY expensive four pronged plugs, they leave the center electrode open. Even the split fire's "V" exposes it alittle. that's prob where the magic lies cause your NEVER gonna get 4 or two sparks at the same time. No matter what the pictures show. I belive OEM plugs were meant to be tourqued to a specific so the open side of the electrode faces the mixtue coming in better. Since most grabbag plugs don't go by that, side gapping makes sure the spark is hitting every time since it is dead open to the mixture. The only difference that I can tell betewwn side gapping and the real expencive ones is just that, there real expencive. I'm not sure how long it will take them to ware out cause I've just did it and still have great results and I have been driving alot. If you notice Bosch's four prongers, the exposed center electrode is VERY tiny. I would think it's about the same as when a side gapped plug hits the same spot on the the electrode every time. But time will tell and I'll report any ill results...

[jeepbob]

Top racers index thier spark plugs with an indexing tool. What this does is make sure with the help of thin washers is to make sure the electrode is always in the same place. I had the opertunity to watch the K&N filter top fuel team prepare thier stuff a couple summers ago as thier teams home away from home base was right around the corner from me. The Cowen family was very nice and the engine guy spent hours preparing plugs so they could throw them in during rebuilds.
Side gapped plugs wear out very quickly (the gap opens up as they wear) and are not for street motors. The expensive plugs that fire from the side have special electrodes. I have found that AC Rapid fire plugs work well in AMC motors.
The answer to your problem of arcing across the boots is to replace the boots and be sure to apply the appropite silicone grease. It is also possible that you have a cracked plug insulator. Also make sure that the contact clip is still in the wire.

[2Stock]

Report Back - I put the cheap plugs back in gapped at .037, used silicone, and adjusted the boots. The problem is solved. Runs much better. I have to believe that the problem was somehow related to the plugs (since all of the plugs I could see were arcing - slight flashes of light), but I don't know what.

I will look into the TFI upgrade.

Michael: I got some of that Lucas Oil Treatment, seems to make it run smoother and improves oil pressure.