Gap NGK Iridium spark plugs??

[wiznut]

So I just bought a pair of ngk iridium plugs and apparently made the mistake of trying to gap them to .035 inches. This in turn broke off the tip of the center electrode. I took it back to Oreilys and the guy there said that you cannot gap iridium plugs. Is this true? If it turns out that they do need to be gapped for our bikes, how do you go about gapping them without breaking the electrode tip?

 

[typeone]

how do you go about gapping them without breaking the electrode tip?

very carefully i've used various gapping tools but you never want to stress (or even touch) the center electrode... as you found out.

 

[Buellysses]

I was told from the dude at o'reilys that you shouldn't need to gap them... they come gapped properly from the factory. Thats why they ship them with the plastic tube on there.

 

[buellet proof]

What is the advantage when using those plugs over the factory?

 

[marko138]

I gapped mine.

 

[Stevenc150]

Almost foul-proof and last much, much longer. The iridium electrode is much smaller than stock which supposedly equals easier starts and smoother running - did seem to improve my idle, very happy with them.

NGK Pt.# DCPR9EIX

 

[buellet proof]

Wow I think I will try them out. Thanks
Is that part # for all buell models?

 

[Stevenc150]

Yep, all XB models. [up]

You'll most likely have to order them from an auto parts store, O'reilly's was cheapest for me.

 

[buellet proof]

Cool thanks . How much did you pay?

 

[buellet proof]

I wonder if a dirt bike dealer would have them in stock?

 

[Stevenc150]

Around $7 a plug.

 

[theoctopus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk70oyUEftY

The NGK guys themselves show you how to gap the Iridiums in this video. Obviously it can be done.

 

[wiznut]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk70oyUEftY

The NGK guys themselves show you how to gap the Iridiums in this video. Obviously it can be done.

Great find octopus! That video helped a lot. So I guess the answer is: normally the spark plug is gapped for the application its meant for from the factory, however you should check it to make sure, and if it doesnt have the proper gap (.035 inches for buells), you set the gap using a "wire style gapping tool". The mistake I made was using the old disc style gapping tool to open the gap. I'm going to go pick up one of those wire style tools today!

 

[typeone]

FYI, the DCPR9EIX plugs are stock in some Aprilia and Ducs, if you have a dealer nearby, you should be able to pick them up.

 

[bardo688]

Lightning Double Platinum Spark Plugs #32334-05 10R12APP] do they need to be gapped first i dont have a dial to see what there stock gap is

 

[wiznut]

Lightning Double Platinum Spark Plugs #32334-05 10R12APP] do they need to be gapped first i dont have a dial to see what there stock gap is

You can get a gap checker for 99 cents at almost any autoparts store or walmart

 

[thewanmanrules]

Just a quick note on the NGK's Iridiums... I spoke to the support folks at NGK... They informed me that they are set at the factory and should not be Gapped... Mine out the box were set .035...

 

[theMelvster6]

This is the tool! Spark Plug Gapping Tool

Mine were not set at .035, but you can gap them without ever touching the electrode tip with the proper tool.

 

[Stevenc150]

Check gaps at the counter and keep swapping until you get a set that is properly gapped - then pay for them.

 

[deathandtexas]

The $1 circular gapping tool they sell at Advance Autoparts worked for me...