Can you gap your own Spark Plugs? 1998 v70 non turbo FWD

[Sveedy]

I ALWAYS check the gap on new plugs, even if they are bought directly from Volvo. Buying from Volvo, they should be correctly gapped but I’ve learnt to not trust anything or anyone 100%.

^ This !

[850oldschool]

I'm a big fan of the genuine Volvo 3 electrode plugs in my NA. I ran carefully gapped coppers for years and after reading the favorable reports on the Volvo ones I decided to give them a try. The improvement wasn't subtle: noticeably smoother idle and more power, plus much longer life.

[volvolugnut]

I just want to add:
Closing the gap is easily done by a mild tap of the side electrode directly down on a hard surface. The impact level determines how much the gap is closed. I have done this for years. I only use the gap tool slot to open a gap if needed.
You can practice for the degree of impact in the tap on a used plug. With practice you can get it very close without having to open it again with the tool.
I always check new plugs and typically use a wire type gauge.
Also, learn what the appearance of a clean burning and fouled plug looks like. This tells you much about the state of each cylinder. Search internet for "reading spark plugs".
volvolugnut

[abscate]

I ALWAYS check the gap on new plugs, even if they are bought directly from Volvo. Buying from Volvo, they should be correctly gapped but I’ve learnt to not trust anything or anyone 100%.

It so important Volvo has collaborated with the train system to post a reminder…..

[BlackBart]

Too many AWOD's and we'll make you AWOL!

[MrAl]

I ALWAYS check the gap on new plugs, even if they are bought directly from Volvo. Buying from Volvo, they should be correctly gapped but I’ve learnt to not trust anything or anyone 100%.

Yes i expected these to come gapped right but they were way too big. Luckily i did not have too much trouble gapping them manually and i got the gap size almost perfect on all of them.

Some other big surprises while changing the plugs came up though i'll explain them in a post that follows.

[MrAl]

I just want to add:
Closing the gap is easily done by a mild tap of the side electrode directly down on a hard surface. The impact level determines how much the gap is closed. I have done this for years. I only use the gap tool slot to open a gap if needed.
You can practice for the degree of impact in the tap on a used plug. With practice you can get it very close without having to open it again with the tool.
I always check new plugs and typically use a wire type gauge.
Also, learn what the appearance of a clean burning and fouled plug looks like. This tells you much about the state of each cylinder. Search internet for "reading spark plugs".
volvolugnut

Thanks for the ideas i ended up doing something similar and got all the gaps almost perfect.
Yes i noticed as i went down the line i got better at it.

A big surprise came up though while changing the plugs. I'll explain in a post that follows.

[MrAl]

I'm a big fan of the genuine Volvo 3 electrode plugs in my NA. I ran carefully gapped coppers for years and after reading the favorable reports on the Volvo ones I decided to give them a try. The improvement wasn't subtle: noticeably smoother idle and more power, plus much longer life.

I didnt know there was such a big difference or i would have went for those.

[MrAl]

NA is both North America and Naturally Aspirated ( non turbo)

Sorry for the use of AWOD…..Acronyms without definition , horrible communication habit

No problem. I'll try to remember that. I am used to saying "non turbo" because that's the way the web sites for parts always describe it.

But you aint gonna believe this. I installed the plugs a little while ago and when i was taking one of the old ones out i found that it was completely loose as if hand tightened. No kidding. There was oil that was pushed up past the threads that's how loose it was. I could not believe it. In all my years with so many cars i never saw that before. Who the heck installed the last set of plugs i wonder.

That was the biggest surprise. The other suprise was the cover bolts were so tight that i actually broke the T handle trying to get the last one out. It broke at the place where the T30 bits slides into. Broke out the side wall.

Another surprise not sure about this one but the old plugs were marked "Volvo". That's it, no NGK or Champion or Bosch. I have to wonder how long they have been in there.

I did notice the plug wires were Bosch maybe i wont change them after all.

What do you think about the loose plug? That's nuts.

[volvolugnut]

I have found loose plugs before on Volvos and other brands. I assumed I was the installer and that I did get them tight enough.
volvolugnut