Spark Plug Gap Question

[Jorley]

I'm doing the duraspark conversion and got everything done and the engine running.
My question is what effect does the spark plug gap have on an engine? In doing the research on the duraspark I came across an article that said I would need to run a gap between .045- .060.
I'm running about .044 now. Should I go ahead and increase the gap?

 

[trents]

I certainly wouldn't gap the plug at .060. I think the plugs that go with the Ranger 2.8 are supposed to be gapped at .044. If you go below or above that too much, say .004 either way, you change the angle between the electrode and the anode so much that it isn't flat anymore and you don't get an efficient spark. You can also damage a coil by overheating if you gap the plugs too much as it increases the resistance.

 

[Bob Ayers]

I certainly wouldn't gap the plug at .060. I think the plugs that go with the Ranger 2.8 are supposed to be gapped at .044. If you go below or above that too much, say .004 either way, you change the angle between the electrode and the anode so much that it isn't flat anymore and you don't get an efficient spark. You can also damage a coil by overheating if you gap the plugs too much as it increases the resistance.

No, the coil won't overheat, but the higher voltage generated from the larger gap will break down the insulation on the plug wires sooner. Stay with the recommended plug gap.

 

[Jorley]

Thanks for the input guys. The sticker under the hood says the gap should be between .042 - .046. I set them in the middle of the range. It seems to be running fine with them where they're at, so I'll leave them there for now and if I do increase it , I'll won't go higher than .046.