Gap or Not to Gap That is the Question - 1997 Sable
 

I am going to change the spark plugs in my 1997 Sable. The engine is the Vulcan.

I bought 6 AGSF32FM plugs. I do not have a guage but the gaps on all of them visually look consistant side by side.

The gap required for the car is .044.

The Parts Guy at my Ford dealer tells me that the mechanics don't bother gapping the plugs, and just pop them in.

Other people have told me to do so.

I have two questions: does anyone know the gap of the plug virgin out of the box? Is it .044?

Secondly, do you gap your plugs or no more?

Clarity is appreciated.

There could be more than one engine or vehicle that might use the same plug and require a different gap. You went through the trouble to get the plugs and the gap tool probably cost less than a dollar at any auto supply store and you are going to go through the trouble to replace them, so I would suggest do it right and do it once.

If Ford is not gapping the spark plugs at the dealer we are all in trouble.

Found a gap tool and out of the box close to .060. Had to gap to recommended .044 for my Sable. Good to go,

always check the plug gap out of the box...look and inspect what you are installing, be alert when you put parts on cars...that way you don't have to take it apart later for free....what if the part is boxed wrong


platinum plugs should not be re-gapped after they have run in the engine...so you to check before installation.