I just got a set of NGK iridium plugs for my cooper S and want to know what they should be gapped at. I've read that they are pre gapped to 0.032, is that OK?

Oh and I don't have a torque wrench so how do I know when to stop tightening?

I really know nothing about this.

 

The book says 20 ft lbs.

That gap is AOK for stock coil pack and wires.

If you ever add a performance CP, you can open that up .010 or more.

 

Buy a tourque wrench...pretty cheap at harbour freight/walmart...
Cheaper than getting a plug blown out or stripping the threads and needing a helicoil/rebuilt head..


If you don't know about tjis stuff...maybe itis time to do a realirty check...ask a freind too...
One poor fellow installed the wrong plugs...blew up his motor...be has like 3 threads going...bent the valves on 3 cylandars, maybe broke a piston....very $$ mistake.

 

I gapped mine at .045", but still didn't like them and switched back to MEG plugs.

As others have said a) make sure you have the right plugs and b) BUY A TORQUE WRENCH. There's not much you can or should do on a vehicle without one.

 

#1 rule of working on your own car - torque everything back to factory spec! It's a simple and cheap insurance policy and you are already saving $$ by doing it yourself!

phil.

 

Ok thanks. Will do. I did get the right plugs though. I atleast know that

 

Hand tight then quarter turn with the wrench.

As mentioned before, they are pregaped and don't need to be adjusted.

 

Yea everything went fine. The car runs soooo much smoother now. Very impressed

 

Good recommendation for a first timer, a blown out plug will cost alot more than a torque wrench.