AC Delco Rapidfire Platinums - Regap??

[cashmgr]

I am hoping someone can resolve this debate for me. I recently purchased a set of AC Delco Rapidfire #5 plugs (second design - platinum tipped) for my 88 Grand Am 2.3 Quad 4 (vin D). The plug package states that these plugs should be "gapped to manufacturers specifications". The AC Delco website, though, states that these plugs should be gapped at .045 (my oem gap is .035). I contacted AC Delco, and they tell me I should use a .045 gap; that the .035 gap is for "OEM type" plugs. I'm not buying off to their explanation. I think they are referencing information from their "older" style Rapidfire plugs which were pre-gapped at .045, not to be changed. Your thoughts?? Thanks

[Hoags]

I'm not sure about the gap issue but I was told not to re-gap a platinum plug because you run the risk of cracking the platinum coating which can cause the plugs to wear out sooner and/or cause the plugs to become fouled. As for all of the plugs that I have purchased for my GAGT and the Montana I had, I was not to re-gap.
Hope this helps.

[cashmgr]

Well, Iv'e had them in for a couple of days at oem spec (.035); so far so good. Quicker starts for sure; not sure if performance has improved. If they act up, the oem copper plugs go back in....

[Knifeblade]

Ayep, cash, that is best way to play it, stay with spec., swap out if needed.

One point though, anytime you put in fresh plugs at spec. gap, you will notice faster start, that is cuz the plugs are fresh, not necessarilly cuz they "special" plugs.

[Knifeblade]

Never ever attempt to regap used plat. plugs, the L electrode is known to bust off in the cylinder bore.

[cdru]

Originally Posted by Hoags

I'm not sure about the gap issue but I was told not to re-gap a platinum plug because you run the risk of cracking the platinum coating which can cause the plugs to wear out sooner and/or cause the plugs to become fouled. As for all of the plugs that I have purchased for my GAGT and the Montana I had, I was not to re-gap.
Hope this helps.

Hogwash. The only thing platinum is the tiny center conductor. Properly regapping a plug won't even touch the center electrode. However, you likely won't need to adjust the gap anymore. If you have enough corrosion or buildup to change the gap signifianctly, you have signs for other problems. Fix the problem, not the symptoms.

[Hoags]

I have not had to regap new plugs before anyway. I've have not had any performance issues or start up problems with any pregapped plugs and the newest set in the GAGT are running the best it has in years.
I guess there are a lot of opinions out there someone says not to regap and someone else says to go a head and gap them. It comes down to how they perform in the vehicle.

[Knifeblade]

K, let's settle this or create more posts!!!!!!!!

Without getting long-winded, platinums can last a LOT longer than standard ceramics. That is point
ONE. As wear increases, gap increases, point TWO.

With Platinums, which can run run to 100K, and work well, the gap increases, it physical mechanics.

Point three, a plat. with 100K or near it, should never be re-gapped. Think of it, that L electrode has given up to 100K miles, and ya want to bend it to keep it service?

Dudes, I say toss in new plugs, ya got your $$ worth on 'em. The L electrode is worn out, brittle, etc.

I stand firm on this, new plugs best option.

Tam

[Hoags]

I agree with Knife. You are getting your $$$ worth. Check the gap if it's close enough throw them in and and let her run!!!