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

Post by **MrAl** » 04 Dec 2022, 17:30

Hello there,

1998v70 non turbo FWD

Got some spark plugs NGK 7092 and they also have marking BKR6EGP.
I thought they came pre gapped at 0.028 but apparently they are gapped about 0.033 which obviously is too large.

So the question is, is it still ok to gap your own plugs? I used to do this long ago for all my vehicles but with these new cars i never can be sure anymore.

Also, if i can gap myself, what is the best way to bend the tang? I would have to bend it in by about 0.005 inches (0.033-0.028=0.005).

Just one more little thing. I couldnt find my gap tool so i had to buy a new one. It was fairly cheap. It has a graduated rim that goes up in size as you go around the disc. I do not like this kind but that's what i have now.
The question is, how accurate does the gap have to be for this 1998v70 non turbo?

Thanks a lot i'd like to get this right.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 04 Dec 2022, 18:48

You have to be careful of the platinum tips. It's my understanding that they break easily. I've checked the gap with a standard feeler gauge, and adjusted with the adjusting tool that grabs the curved electrode. The last plugs I did were for my V8s. I don't remember if I had to adjust the plugs that went into the 850, or not. I have not yet done plugs on the S70.

Post by **abscate** » 04 Dec 2022, 20:01

It’s great that this came up today. Evita , 99 S70 , came up with a rough start this week, and checking the log, the plugs were Cu with 25k on them. We pulled one out and it looked big, but I didn’t have a gap gauge.

Abby suggested I use my vernier open to 028 and cast a sun shadow on the plug to measure it. It worked brilliantly. Damn smart kids.

Plugs were open to 038 so I’ll bring a new set down this week.

Post by **MrAl** » 04 Dec 2022, 21:29

454cid wrote: ↑04 Dec 2022, 18:48 You have to be careful of the platinum tips. It's my understanding that they break easily. I've checked the gap with a standard feeler gauge, and adjusted with the adjusting tool that grabs the curved electrode. The last plugs I did were for my V8s. I don't remember if I had to adjust the plugs that went into the 850, or not. I have not yet done plugs on the S70.

Oh i dont have an adjusting tool. The directions on the web says tap gently on a hard surface to close, use the gap opener on the gapping tool to open.

Post by **MrAl** » 04 Dec 2022, 21:36

abscate wrote: ↑04 Dec 2022, 20:01 It’s great that this came up today. Evita , 99 S70 , came up with a rough start this week, and checking the log, the plugs were Cu with 25k on them. We pulled one out and it looked big, but I didn’t have a gap gauge.

Abby suggested I use my vernier open to 028 and cast a sun shadow on the plug to measure it. It worked brilliantly. Damn smart kids.

Plugs were open to 038 so I’ll bring a new set down this week.

I had the same problem even though i JUST BOUGHT a gapping tool.
It turns out that the gapping tool is so far off it's not useable unless you 'calibrate' it yourself, which means using a place on the tool other than were it says it should be. For this stupid thing i would have to use 0.020 to get around 0.028 but that didnt seem right to me so i found a piece of steel wire i think the gauge is #22 but it's a steel gauge and it just so happens that it measures very very very close to 0.028 with the micrometer. Oh yeah BTW i check mine with a micrometer i dont trust the verniers. The micrometer i have has resolution of 0.1 of a thousandth of an inch which is 0.0001 inches. I tested that with another smaller micrometer which has good resolution also and it tested the same, 0.028 inches. So i guess i will use that.
The steel wire is the type used for general purpose stuff. I have to say thought the gap of 0.028 inches looks quite small didnt think it would be that small. That is less than a half of a measurement of 1/16th inch (which would be 1/32 of an inch although 0.028 is really closer to 1/36 of an inch). Seems too small or something. I dont think my other cars had plugs with gaps that small.

I wonder how accurate this really has to be also. If i went 0.030 what would that do ?

BTW if anyone wants a piece of this steel wire i have at least 25 feet left just PM me your name and address. You only need 3 inches to wrap one end around something and use the free end to gap. I either got this wire at the dollar store, Harbor Freight, or Amazon.
I also have several other gauges larger and smaller, and i was thinking for the larger gauges i guess we could squash the wire down in one area until it matches a measurement with a good micrometer. Either that or carefully file a little material away, little at a time, until the measurement works. If you go too far, just start over with another piece of wire.
I have feeler gauges too a really good set with something like 50 different sizes but have to find it (ha ha).

Post by **abscate** » 05 Dec 2022, 04:06

The gap tool should have the little notched metal plate to bend the single electrode to the correct gap.

025 is better set point than 030, as the plug wears the gap opens, especially with Coppers.

On an NA, you should be running three electrode plugs though, which don’t need gapping.

Fcp 8642660

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 60-8642660

Post by **MrAl** » 05 Dec 2022, 06:29

abscate wrote: ↑05 Dec 2022, 04:06 The gap tool should have the little notched metal plate to bend the single electrode to the correct gap.

025 is better set point than 030, as the plug wears the gap opens, especially with Coppers.

On an NA, you should be running three electrode plugs though, which don’t need gapping.

Fcp 8642660

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 60-8642660

Hi Steve,

Oh you mean you can use that to close the gap too?
I think right now they are all at 0.033 but could be larger, so i do have to close them up somewhat.
Thanks for the tip about a shorter gap being better than a larger gap.

What does "NA" stand for, sorry i dont know what that stands for.
I didnt know three electrode plugs were that much better but i guess they are.

Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Dec 2022, 06:36

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

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

Post by **kallekula** » 05 Dec 2022, 06:39

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%.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Dec 2022, 06:41

The three electrode type in non-turbos are made by Beru and have a large gap but that is part of the design