Spark plug gap help - '98 V70 NA

dynamaniac · Post by **dynamaniac** » 18 Mar 2023, 20:44

Finally replaced my '98 V70's spark plugs for the first time but I have a n00b question

The car started alright (a little weird on first start, then subsequent starts and idling were all normal) but now I'm wondering if I should've posted here first.

I bought NGK 7092 platinums. I had ordered them on the basis of O'Reilly's claiming that their "application" was for my car's engine, with a 0.028" gap. I thought they'd arrive pre-gapped. When I checked the gap, it was closer to 0.04", maybe like 0.036"-0.038". All five were the same, so they weren't bent. I convinced myself they were actually 0.028, since the gapping tool I had bought varied with the numbers it gave me, depending on how deep into the plug I pushed it.

Now I'm seeing some contradictory stuff on the NGK site:
1) NGK 7092 (stated gap of 0.039") is compatible with my wagon (https://www.ngk.com/ngk-7092-bkr6egp-g- ... spark-plug#)
2) NGK spark plugs shouldn't be adjusted more than 0.008". https://www.ngk.com/proper-ngk-gapping-instructions

Have any of you dealt with this before? Should I yank these plugs, re-gap them, and put em back? It's confusing to see numerous gap measurements associated with the same part, if the implication is you still have to gap it when you receive it... guess I should've looked for the words "pre-gapped 0.028" rather than simply "0.028 gap".

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Mar 2023, 00:25

MVS members have used that plug with gap adjusted to 0.028. I'd pull them and adjust with a gap tool I trust and know how to use.

For an NA the three electrode plugs by Beru are preferred, which don't need gapping https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 60-8642660

Post by **MrAl** » 19 Mar 2023, 04:27

dynamaniac wrote: ↑18 Mar 2023, 20:44 Finally replaced my '98 V70's spark plugs for the first time but I have a n00b question The car started alright (a little weird on first start, then subsequent starts and idling were all normal) but now I'm wondering if I should've posted here first.

I bought NGK 7092 platinums. I had ordered them on the basis of O'Reilly's claiming that their "application" was for my car's engine, with a 0.028" gap. I thought they'd arrive pre-gapped. When I checked the gap, it was closer to 0.04", maybe like 0.036"-0.038". All five were the same, so they weren't bent. I convinced myself they were actually 0.028, since the gapping tool I had bought varied with the numbers it gave me, depending on how deep into the plug I pushed it.

Now I'm seeing some contradictory stuff on the NGK site:
1) NGK 7092 (stated gap of 0.039") is compatible with my wagon (https://www.ngk.com/ngk-7092-bkr6egp-g- ... spark-plug#)
2) NGK spark plugs shouldn't be adjusted more than 0.008". https://www.ngk.com/proper-ngk-gapping-instructions

Have any of you dealt with this before? Should I yank these plugs, re-gap them, and put em back? It's confusing to see numerous gap measurements associated with the same part, if the implication is you still have to gap it when you receive it... guess I should've looked for the words "pre-gapped 0.028" rather than simply "0.028 gap".

Hi,

I did mine recently gapped to 0.028 also. Mine is 1998 v70, non turbo, automatic transmission.
I used a steel wire of that diameter.
Supposedly the wire type gap tool is the best for spark plugs. Sold on Amazon et al.

Post by **P80GLT** » 19 Mar 2023, 13:11

All 850 models should have the plug gap set to 0.028" (0.7 mm)

Taken from the owners manual

: plug gap.png (32.15 KiB) Viewed 802 times

Post by **volvolugnut** » 19 Mar 2023, 17:48

It is good practice, regardless of brand or application, to check all new spark plug gaps with wire spark plug gauge.
volvolugnut

Post by **MrAl** » 20 Mar 2023, 06:58

volvolugnut wrote: ↑19 Mar 2023, 17:48 It is good practice, regardless of brand or application, to check all new spark plug gaps with wire spark plug gauge.
volvolugnut

Hi,

Yes i was fooled too the plugs i got were not gapped properly for my 1998 v70. In fact, not even close. Had to bend every single one of them down to 0.028.

dynamaniac · Post by **dynamaniac** » 20 Mar 2023, 12:48

Thanks everyone. Weirdly, MrAl's post didn't easily show up when I searched for this earlier. It was confusing to see all the videos claiming that most plugs come pre-gapped; order plugs that claimed to be 0.028 (which, yes, I had first looked up in my owner's manual); and then discover that all 5 plugs were so far off what they should've been. I've never handled spark plugs before, this was vaguely crazy-making. Appreciate the reality checks, I'll pull them and re-gap them.

Post by **P80GLT** » 20 Mar 2023, 12:55

Just fitted a set of genuine Volvo spark plugs to my V70 and 3 of the 5 plugs needed the gap closed down

Post by **scot850** » 20 Mar 2023, 17:29

I always check and gap if required new plugs. You never know if they have been dropped or the manufacturer had a bad day, s for a few seconds it takes to check and adjust it just makes sense to do so as you fit each one.

Neil.

Post by **MrAl** » 20 Mar 2023, 17:57

scot850 wrote: ↑20 Mar 2023, 17:29 I always check and gap if required new plugs. You never know if they have been dropped or the manufacturer had a bad day, s for a few seconds it takes to check and adjust it just makes sense to do so as you fit each one.

Neil.

Hi,

Yeah no sense putting them in then later have to take them out again just to check the gap.

One thing i forgot though was when i took the very old plugs out i forgot to mark each plug with the cylinder number for later analysis. That could be because the last time before this i changed plugs on a car was over 10 years ago.