NGK Plug gap too large out of the box?

[BRIANGEE]

Ford says gap should be .052 - .056"
5.4L - 4WD, EB

Bought some NGK G-Power plugs (Platinum alloy) and I see right out of the box that the gap is .060"

Only reason I even bothered looking is that I can't exceed 13mpg on the highway now whereas before I could get about 15.9mpg. It's possible the decrease happened before the plugs since I haven't checked it the last couple of months.

Do platinum plugs allow for a wider gap or should I even be concerned?

 

[Hamfisted]

I see Rock Auto recommends a .054" gap on all the NGK's. Mine after 100k miles had a gap of .060", so for what it's worth .... I wouldn't say the .060" is helping your gas mileage, that's for sure.



-Mike

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Ford says gap should be .052 - .056"
5.4L - 4WD, EB

Bought some NGK G-Power plugs (Platinum alloy) and I see right out of the box that the gap is .060"

Only reason I even bothered looking is that I can't exceed 13mpg on the highway now whereas before I could get about 15.9mpg. It's possible the decrease happened before the plugs since I haven't checked it the last couple of months.

Do platinum plugs allow for a wider gap or should I even be concerned?

I haven't changed spark plugs in a long time, but standard procedure was to always set the gap to what the specs called for and not trust the gap of the plug in the box.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

I always check & set, if required, gap per called-for specs.
.060 is a bit out of range/spec.

 

[Big Brian]

that plug could have other applications

not unusual at all I always check the gap on any spark plug before putting it in

 

[BRIANGEE]

I know... I was a dummy & replaced them all straight from the box - no questions asked. I did take them all out again (except for #4) day before yesterday and gap'd them to spec. I'm saving that #4 for when I have more time.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I know... I was a dummy & replaced them all straight from the box - no questions asked. I did take them all out again (except for #4) day before yesterday and gap'd them to spec. I'm saving that #4 for when I have more time.

That one little step to save time cost you double time. I hate when that happens.

 

[BRIANGEE]

Yeah, live and learn until you forget again and have to live and learn again..

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Yeah, live and learn until you forget again and have to live and learn again..

That happens with age - everything is new again. Because you forgot the lesson you learned years ago. LOL

 

[rjdelp7]

Motorcraft plugs only, highly recommended! These plugs have longer threads and are designed to prevent spark plug ejections.