are you supposed to gap iridiums?

[Hacken]

i have a 1990 toyota celica gt. i just got them NGK laser iridium for it at advance auto store today. i heard you are not suppose to gap iridiums or something? can some one confirm this to me?

thanks

[Ryland]

That is correct, the gap is pre-set, apparently the iridium is thin enough that gaping can scratch it off, or something like that, I think they also have a slightly larger gap, like you would get after a bit of wear on normal plugs.

[gone-ot]

...also, iridium metal is very brittle, and can break very easily, hence the "...don't mess with the gap..." mentality surrounding them.

...unless you have a special gapping tool.

[Hacken]

thanks guys! now i know.. before i had a integra i got these same kind for it and gap it and broke the tip so that is why i had to ask before doing something stupid again.

[bgd73]

I was going to go for iridiums...
but the single electrode platinums by bosch is on 4 years faultless..even with my goofy fuel air mistakes.

I did not know the iridiums were sensitive..not much talked about.

[Christ]

The center electrode on iridium and many platinum plugs is so thin that:

If you gap them, they will break.

That was a bad joke from "Field of Dreams", for those who aren't paying attention.

[alohaspirit]

Originally Posted by Christ

"If you gap them... they will break."

fixed

[cfg83]

Hacken -

I have them. They com pre-gapped. Do not gap them.

CarloSW2

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by cfg83

They com pre-gapped

...exactly; however, it's a good idea to "check" the gap as rough handling has been known to change the factory gap setting...but, NEVER attempt to re-set iridium gaps yourself unless you have the "proper tool"

...two of our three cars use iridium plugs, and I always "check" the gap setting before installation, but *if* it's incorrect, I just take them back to the dealer and request a new plug.

...I don't own the proper tool, but was able to borrow one once, hence my knowledge of its existance and use. And, "yes," I know about the fragility of the center iridium electrode by BAD experience--I broke one trying to reset the gap...and, since *I* was the one who broke it, I couldn't take it back and ask for a replacement, so I borrowed the proper tool (Champion CT-457).