Gap or Not to Gap That is the Question - 1997 Sable

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I am going to change the spark plugs in my 1997 Sable. The engine is the Vulcan.

I bought 6 AGSF32FM plugs. I do not have a guage but the gaps on all of them visually look consistant side by side.

The gap required for the car is .044.

The Parts Guy at my Ford dealer tells me that the mechanics don't bother gapping the plugs, and just pop them in.

Other people have told me to do so.

I have two questions: does anyone know the gap of the plug virgin out of the box? Is it .044?

Secondly, do you gap your plugs or no more?

Clarity is appreciated.

[carriedi]

Always check the gap.

you don't know if someone has dropped the box in transit. The problem comes when you have to adjust the gap. Fine wire platinum or iridium plugs have a very fine tip. so don't damage the tip when you gap the plug. Use the gap tool that moves the ground electrode

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Found a gap tool. Out of the box gap was almost .060. Had to gap to .044.

If Ford is not gapping at the dealer, and putting them right in, we are all in trouble.

[carriedi]

yes, they are