Spark Plug gapping

[jorgejags]

I have 2000 4runner with 3.4 engine on it. I am gonna change the spark plugs and i bought some Denso 5062 Copper Spark Plugs. The problem is that i dont know how to properly gap them since they have triple electrodes. So does anyone know how to adjust the gapping on these or should i just install them how they are. Any help will be appreciated.

here's a pic

http://www.urdusa.com/images/catalog/0430000009_lrg.jpg

[MTL_4runner]

Not sure why you went with those over the stock dual electrode plugs, but no, you can't set the gap on those so you'd just install then straight out of the box.

[docktortal]

they come pre gaped if ya bought them for that motor

[xonetruthcrewx]

If they have more than 1 ground they are pre gapped. With that said, i run NGK's with a single ground. Theres only a single electrode/spark, so why have multiple grounds. The only thing multiple grounds will accomplish, is a longer interval between changes.

[expatoz]

I believe the multi-electrode plugs run cooler and are ideal in turbo/supercharger applications.

[Seanz0rz]

i use the dual electrodes because of the little sticker on the engine that says "dual electrode plugs"

honestly if it was any other vehicle, id do some research and get the best plugs i could afford. but with these toyota motors, the stock plugs seem to work the best.

[xonetruthcrewx]

Like i said, there is only one electrode therefore there will only be one spark. The spark will take the path of least resistance. The only thing that two grounds will do is let the spark plug last longer. Two, three or four grounds accomplish nothing when it comes to how the vehicle will run.

In Turbo/Supercharger applications a colder plug is needed in order to keep pre detonation from happening. This is a reason stock platinum or iridium plugs are removed and replaced with cooper core plugs. The cooper core plugs will dissipate heat much faster thus preventing pre detonation. The number of grounds on the plug have nothing to do with the temperature range of the plug.

I used to have the twin ground plugs in the 4Runner but i swapped them out for single ground plugs. Truck runs exactly the same, actually better with the new plugs. Thats obviously due to wear though. Either way there is no difference between the plugs except for price. The factory recommended plugs are pratically 3 times as expensive.

[mkgarrison5]

i bought some dual electrode Denso plugs from my yota dealer and i had to regap them. they werent to spec. in a nut shell i had to bend the electrodes out just a tad according to my gapper tool.. should i have left well enough alone or what??

[xonetruthcrewx]

If the gap is wrong then yes, they need to be gapped to the correct specs. When measuring the gap, use a feeler gauge and not one of the crappy circular spark plug gap tools. Those are a joke. A twin ground plug is the max when it comes to checking the gap. Any more than that and its just not possible.

[MTL_4runner]

i bought some dual electrode Denso plugs from my yota dealer and i had to regap them. they werent to spec. in a nut shell i had to bend the electrodes out just a tad according to my gapper tool.. should i have left well enough alone or what??


Most of the time, yes, they are fine to install without any gapping. Over time the gap will only grow so if they are slightly under (as they usually are out of the box on dual electrode plugs), leave them alone. I usually do a quick visual inspection for any that might have been damaged prior to install.

[Tanto]

i bought some dual electrode Denso plugs from my yota dealer and i had to regap them. they werent to spec. in a nut shell i had to bend the electrodes out just a tad according to my gapper tool.. should i have left well enough alone or what??

Most of the time, yes, they are fine to install without any gapping.  Over time the gap will only grow so if they are slightly under (as they usually are out of the box on dual electrode plugs), leave them alone.  I usually do a quick visual inspection for any that might have been damaged prior to install.


The plugs I ordered from Evan at Northridge Toyota came gapped at .034" (dual-electrode).  I haven't gotten around to installing them yet but still.  I understand the correct gapping is .043" or .044"

[gpcollen]

If the gap is wrong then yes, they need to be gapped to the correct specs. When measuring the gap, use a feeler gauge and not one of the crappy circular spark plug gap tools. Those are a joke. A twin ground plug is the max when it comes to checking the gap. Any more than that and its just not possible.


I think you have to be careful on this one because many of the grounds I have seen are curved, to match the electrode, and cannot be properly gapped by just sliding a straight metal gauge in there. I think those wire ones need to be used and ensure that you are checking along that curve.

Or do what I do and just leave them alone....