Spark Plug Gap for MK2

Technical Area Routine Servicing
2

Hi All,

 

I have a 1998 MK2 1.8 with about 60,000 miles on the clock. I am due the 60k service and my local Mazda dealer has a special for an “Any Car” major service for 139 quid.

I remember reading a thread about increasing the gap my a couple of mm to increase spark and performance (which I cant find anywhere!). I was wondering what the standard gap is and what is recommended to increase it to. I dont want to risk any damage to any components so was planning on increasing just a tad erring on the side of caution rather than trying to maximise performance.

 Any advise?

Thanks

3

1.1mm is the standard gap. Not sure making it wider would noticeably improve performance. You may be thinking of longer reach plugs that are supposed to improve the flame front. Again this is negligible.

4

I remember a post on the old forum about this, the op reckoned that the car felt smoother…personally I think it’s a placebo effect, I’m certain that you would not measure an improvement on a dyno.

Re the service, remind the nice guys at Mazda who are offering the deal that a MAJOR service on a '5 includes a cam belt change[;)]