unusual plug gap

[HaveSomeJoe]

This might be a common question but I couldnt find anything on the first page of plug gap searches.

I've got a tsi awd but when I went to replace my plugs they had Champion plugs gapped at about .52

When I put in the NGKs gapped at .28, it ran aweful, so i gapped them at .52 and it ran well, I assume this is fine but I was just curious if anyone had any ideas on the subject, maybe the previous owner gapped it to the N/T specs or something and ran it bad for awhile until the engine relearned the gap or something??

 

[Locke]

The ECU can not adjust around improper plug gaps. A larger gap may provide a smoother idle, and better off-boost response, but will mis-fire while under boost. If you are not liking the way it runs at 0.028", try bumping it up to 0.030" or 0.032", and see if it smooths out.

Provide a better description of how and when the car runs awfully with the short gap compared to that ridiculously large plug gap.

 

[HaveSomeJoe]

no it doesn't run bad with the large gap, that was just my speculation of the previous owner, but since the ECU can't do that, then nevermind.

The only way it will run good is with the large gap.

 

[Locke]

If thats what it takes. It just makes no sense.

 

[HaveSomeJoe]

Thats what I said! I guess its fine, my friend has a 95 GSX and he said the same thing, his car wont run correctly with the plugs gapped at the specified gap.WTF

 

[GVR4592]

What plugs are you using? Have you checked your plug wires for damage?

 

[HaveSomeJoe]

bpr6es's of course. Yea my wires are damaged, I remember they were zapping my friend while he was inspecting them.

Would this make the gap have to be larger? Because like I said, the old plugs that the previous owner had in were gapped to the insanely large amount so maybe they did that to compensate or something?

(I'm fixing the pedal assembly so I haven't done any maintainance other than the plugs since I bought the car)

 

[GVR4592]

The wires are probably causing the issue. You can't gap a BPR6ES at .052" without negatively affecting the output of the spark. The electrodes just won't line up properly. You also shouldn't run that large of a gap on a forced induction engine, it can cause detonation, which will eventually destroy your engine.

 

[HaveSomeJoe]

Well I appreciate your help, thats very vital information, I guess I'll get some new wires soon.

Thank you!