Denso IK22 for NA, final call on plug gap?
 

Hey guys, looking to get the final word on spark plug gap using Denso IK22 for my NA 1.5L. I've read a few differing opinions. Let's take a look--

-factory IK22 gap .032"
-.044" stock NGK?
-.051" (I also read that they got the conversion wrong, so instead of .044, it should have been .051)

Or, .030", which is what I measured my set of 4 IK22 plugs last night, using the wedge-style gap checker.

I've also read Iridium plug manufacturers recommend to provided factory gap because they don't want you breaking the fragile tips off.

I'm itching to get these installed, but only want to do it once. Any ideas guys? Thanks in advance!

Oh, also, please tell me why you recommend one gap over the other. Just to help my understanding of the science that is the spark plug. :)

why don't you use some IK20? I think the Gap is closer to the Honda Recommended Spec but a quick check up on denso's website would confirm this!

Marko!

I would suggest checking the gap that are on them now. If they are somewhere in the .032 to .050 range, I'd be tempted to leave them alone. I have personally broken the tip off of Denso Iridiums before. They are very fragile. If you decide to change the gap, make sure to not put ANY pressure on the tip. There are gappers available that don't touch the tip. Make sure you use one.

I have some IK22's on order and will likely gap them in the .045 range. The .032 they come with is because they are a colder plug and Denso figures you will be using them to solve a pre-ignition problem caused by boost or nitrous. Since you are using them in a NA application, I think they will work best with the factory recommended gap.

I've seen it recommended to run about one step colder than stock if you are wanting to advance the timing a bit, and don't lug the engine around.

I am also curious about the verdict on this though.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I also just realized that this may have posted this in the wrong section?

i think this explains it well:
from: Spark plug - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

thanks for the input, guys. Going to try .044", same is the factory gap on the IK20.

That's a good choice. Just be careful with that delicate tip!

I'm actually using Denso Iridium Racing IK01-24s in mine. Gap was left as they came from Denso, they(Denso) don't really recommend changing the gap with their Iridium line. I was using the Iridium Power IK22s previous to these, but wanted to go even 1 step colder as Denso24 or NGK8 are recommeded by J's with their ECU reflash.

I'm really glad I ran into this thread, I just got my IK22 5310 in the mail today and was wondering gapping too. I personally am leaning towards not fiddling with the gap cause its at .4mm which seems moderately close to stock.

Also on a side note, the person I bought it from put a warning paper on the plug box saying do not gap the plugs cause you may break the electrode. after over 101k miles im eager to put these in cause im still on stock plugs!

I used an Autolite wedge-type gap checker from WalMart. Worked like a charm! The only way you would break the electrode is if you were to use the tapping tool backwards.

Good luck!

hows .44 working out for u?

Gonna throw the new plugs in tomorrow. I'm at 103k with the stock plugs. Hoping to get my mpg back. Could be my tires, too, though.

Hey holy shit! im on the same boat. I'm about 101k miles stock plugs stock everything. hoping ik22 will help the mpg. i just got a new clutch and transmission service, my mpgs shot up drastically. and i do 10k-15k oil changes cuz i dont have much time for them so im gonna be doing oil and plugs together.

we should meet up and do it together!

i would actually leave the gap at .032, according to this place it seems that the gaps actually widen when they age:
Gap Settings

Put the new plugs in this morning, and initial impressions are good. The old 102k mi NGKs kept the car from revving smoothly to redline. Feels like a new motor again! I'll log more highway miles and chime in again later.

Also, the NGKs I pulled out had a .051" gap.

Changed mine tonight also while I did a valve adjustment. The stock plugs that came out showed signs of running lean and too high of cylinder temp. The top two threads and entire top were ghost white from heat. That seems to be pretty common in modern cars though. The car now runs fantastic, but not sure if it was the valve adjustment, plugs, K&N, or oil change. I'm betting it was just a combination of them all. BTW, mine only has 53,000 miles, but I'm a maintenance freak.

GA fit what gap did u use on ur IK22? i try to keep up with maint but time and money is always an issue

I gapped them at .044.