Increasing gap on OEM replacement 3v Motorcraft Platinum PZH1F Plugs

[Ampire]

Does anyone have any ideas how to increase the gap on the Ford Motorcraft Platinum PZH1F?

Mine are gapped at .035 and suggested gap is somewhere between .045 - .054. I did not do the install with these plugs, this is how they were from the mechanic.

I found suggested gap on
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mof-sp514/

These plugs do not have a hook style ground electrode, normally you just bend that out.

Car is running very rich on start up. Gassy fumes. Smells bad, visible cloud comes out on start up for a few minutes. Only thing changed was the plugs. I looked at the recommended gap tool which puts it in a vise, that reduces the gap. Don't see how you'd increase it with this tool? So how the hell is the gap so narrow "stock"? Maybe the shop screwed up? After all they told me they'd put in one piece plugs, I pull one and its the oems...
Thanks.

 

[05stroker]

You can squeeze it in a vise or use some channel locks just go slow.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

Does anyone have any ideas how to increase the gap on the Ford Motorcraft Platinum PZH1F?

Mine are gapped at .035 and suggested gap is somewhere between .045 - .054. I did not do the install with these plugs, this is how they were from the mechanic.

I found suggested gap on
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mof-sp514/

These plugs do not have a hook style ground electrode, normally you just bend that out.

Car is running very rich on start up. Gassy fumes. Smells bad, visible cloud comes out on start up for a few minutes. Only thing changed was the plugs. I looked at the recommended gap tool which puts it in a vise, that reduces the gap. Don't see how you'd increase it with this tool? So how the hell is the gap so narrow "stock"? Maybe the shop screwed up? After all they told me they'd put in one piece plugs, I pull one and its the oems...
Thanks.

The best and most accurate method for gaping the Motorcraft 16mm high threaded plugs, is using this gaping tool made by Steeda..

Here's both a product link and image below... However you cannot increase the gap with the tool, so apparently your mechanic shouldn't had gaped your plugs in the first place, and he also fed you a line of crap about being a one piece designed plug.. As Ford didn't change the design until the 2008 model year..

http://www.steeda.com/steeda-spark-plug-gapping-tool-for-ford-mustang-555-8901/View attachment 56330

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

You can squeeze it in a vise or use some channel locks just go slow.

If he wants the gap back at the original OEM specs, he's going to have to purchase a new set, as I wouldn't recommend using a vise and especially not channel locks unless you really know what in the hell your doing.. Plus that wouldn't increase the gap to begin with anyhow !

 

[JeremyH]

If I gap too small I just use some plyers or channel locks to pull it pack out a tad and then gap back down with the tool, never had any issues.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

If I gap too small I just use some plyers or channel locks to pull it pack out a tad and then gap back down with the tool, never had any issues.

Then it appears you know what your doing Jeremy, however with my luck, I know something would end up going wrong lol.

 

[05stroker]

You can do it like this I slipped on the second side but I was just trying to give you an example of how to do it with a vice. I normally would use a flat piece of alum under the screwdriver and take my time with it, but I couldn't find it.

https://youtu.be/ka5iCzh0Jp4

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

The video shows that it's easier than what I thought, so thanks for taking the time for posting it here..

 

[Ampire]

The best and most accurate method for gaping the Motorcraft 16mm high threaded plugs, is using this gaping tool made by Steeda..

Here's both a product link and image below... However you cannot increase the gap with the tool, so apparently your mechanic shouldn't had gaped your plugs in the first place, and he also fed you a line of crap about being a one piece designed plug.. As Ford didn't change the design until the 2008 model year..

http://www.steeda.com/steeda-spark-plug-gapping-tool-for-ford-mustang-555-8901/View attachment 56330

Yeah and its a big name mustang shop too.

You can do it like this I slipped on the second side but I was just trying to give you an example of how to do it with a vice. I normally would use a flat piece of alum under the screwdriver and take my time with it, but I couldn't find it.

https://youtu.be/ka5iCzh0Jp4

Thanks might give that a shot first and if it looks bad after I'll get a new set I guess.

 

[06 T-RED S/C GT]

Yeah and its a big name mustang shop too.

Sure hope that mechanic isn't also the shop owner and if he isn't ? I'd be filing a complaint with the owner A.S.A.P.. Otherwise I would look for another shop !