# Took these old spark plugs out should i be concerned? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [December 13, 2025, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632 "2025-12-13T22:05:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/21 "2025-12-15T13:52:23Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > The gapping tool should only engage with the ground strap to adjust the gap. In this diagram: ![Automotive - Engine - Spark Plug Diagram 01](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/4/d/4d6cb16554642f1b1b96f4066b5ac1fb7241eafa.jpeg) Please indicate which is the grounding strap. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/22 "2025-12-15T14:16:54Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Please indicate which is the grounding strap. From your pic - it’s the Side Electrode. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/23 "2025-12-15T14:25:30Z")
Ok, so different folks use different terms for it. Now, on that side electrode/grounding strap, would it be recommended to adjust the gap by engaging the side electrode at about where the white arrow is point to it, to avoid contacting the central electrode? ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/24 "2025-12-15T14:31:41Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Now, on that side electrode/grounding strap, would it be recommended to adjust the gap by engaging the side electrode at about where the white arrow is point to it, to avoid contacting the central electrode? It’s kind of hard to explain. I suggest doing a google search. @TwinTurbo suggestion is really only for Platinum plugs or Iridium plugs (which most are these days). So, make sure you find a video on those types of plugs. With copper plugs you don’t have to worry about damaging the electrode. But you really have to be careful with Platinum plugs and especially Iridium plugs. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/25 "2025-12-15T14:35:10Z")
I know that specifically for checking gap, either TwinTurbo or someone else recommended a wire-type gap gauge. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/26 "2025-12-15T14:52:27Z")
You want either a wire type gauge or feeler gauges. These are least likely to impart a torquing force to the center electrode. The type to avoid are the coin style with the graduated ramp. The wire gauges have a tang on one side that has slots for engaging with the side strap (ground strap) but never touching the center electrode. You can pry the strap open or closed with that feature. Just google gapping tools to see a variety of them. Do not tap on the strap to close it like you see in some of the utubes. They also make a screw type compressing tool to close the gap. You may see people using needle nose to open the gap by gripping either side of the strap. Not a big fan of that approach either. Better to use the strap adjusting feature of the wire gauge… ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 2:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/27 "2025-12-15T14:56:06Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > I know that specifically for checking gap, either TwinTurbo or someone else recommended a wire-type gap gauge. Wire gauge is what I usually use. The problem is sometimes the wire choices aren’t a perfect fit. But unless you’re really ■■■■ about it, just use the closest one. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/28 "2025-12-15T15:48:46Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > to say you should return the plug because it is out of spec is extreme. Learning how to properly gap plugs would be a better solution. I don’t disagree with that, but the factory manual I pasted above clearly states not to adjust the gap and to replace the plug if the gap is not in spec. Are you saying we should decide when to follow factory procedures and when to deviate from them? 😀 😀 ---
**Author:** ![Beancounter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@Beancounter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beancounter)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/29 "2025-12-15T16:48:17Z")
There was no mention of the type of vehicle or more importantly the age but all the advice is spot on, easy and inexpensive to do…… 1. Replace the valve cover gasket 2. Buy new plugs. Don’t have to buy Iridium, platinum is just fine. 3. Check the gap with a wire gauge 4. Wipe any oil/dirt off and around the head threads and torque the plugs to spec. 5. Clean the plug wires or replace if they’re brittle or cracking If you’re doing a 4 cylinder engine and taking your time it should take about 2 hours and cost about $100. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/30 "2025-12-15T16:53:47Z")
> [@Beancounter](#): > > Buy new plugs. Don’t have to buy Iridium, platinum is just fine. #1 - On some vehicles you can only get Iridium plugs. They don’t make a platinum or copper plug. #2 - Some vehicles you want to use the longest lasting plug possible because they are such a pain in the but to replace. > [@Beancounter](#): > > Replace the valve cover gasket Why replace Valve Cover Gasket? ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 5:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/31 "2025-12-15T17:20:15Z")
I believe the spark plug tube seals may be leaking ---
**Author:** ![Beancounter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@Beancounter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beancounter)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/32 "2025-12-15T18:10:36Z")
> [@itouring2010](#): > > there is a definite leak. the old spark plugs were drenched in oil just want this car to last me till i win the lottery or atleast till 2028 and then maybe i will just buy another car finally. i want it to last me 2 or 3 more years. My conclusion, seems like the oil leak on the plugs is an immediate problem but if they’re only going to keep the vehicle for 2-3 years why spend the extra on a 5-10 year plug? ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/33 "2025-12-15T18:20:24Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Now, on that side electrode/grounding strap, would it be recommended to adjust the gap by engaging the side electrode at about where the white arrow is point to it, to avoid contacting the central electrode Chris, you can skip to the meat at the 4:00 minute mark… [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/3/b/3b7b9fbc89cb99b2b0ac327597a92ec8c9a93ded.jpeg "How to GAP a SPARK PLUG properly") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OxUeD_TLHU) I always check and correct any spark plug gap I install, in the case of the OP’a vehicle where the gap is 0.52", a lot of spark plugs fit different vehicles, most seem to be preset to 0.44", without checking the OP might have installed plugs set at 0.44" and not the correct 0.52" it calls for… If using the correct tools and being careful, you will not damage a spark plug by checking/adjusting the gap… ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/34 "2025-12-15T18:38:37Z")
> [@Beancounter](#): > > but if they’re only going to keep the vehicle for 2-3 years why spend the extra on a 5-10 year plug? Installing incorrect spark plugs can burn up COP’s (coil on plug), it is cheaper to do it right the 1st time… ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2025, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/35 "2025-12-15T22:59:27Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > I always check and correct any spark plug gap I install > [@davesmopar](#): > > Installing incorrect spark plugs can burn up COP’s (coil on plug We agree on something! So I’m not a total n u t job when it comes to vehicle maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2025, 1:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/36 "2025-12-16T13:21:55Z")
> [@Beancounter](#): > > My conclusion, seems like the oil leak on the plugs is an immediate problem but if they’re only going to keep the vehicle for 2-3 years why spend the extra on a 5-10 year plug? Please tell me what’s the cost difference? Have you actually checked? For my Highlander the cost difference total for all 6 plugs would be less than $20. ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 8:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/37 "2025-12-19T20:48:32Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > tires, air filters, etc - on a yearly basis Tires on a yearly basis! Was your Ford a 427 or 428 with a four speed Torino or Mustang. I smoke a lot of tires in my youth but never to the point of replacing in a year. As far as air filter, working at the local Flying Horse, I would blow out the filter each week, just because I could. ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/38 "2025-12-19T20:55:13Z")
> [@asemaster](#): > > But there are people who use Autolite spark plugs in everything In the 60s Champions were king. Oddly, had a kid bring his Chevy 235 in for a tuneup but brought in Mopar plugs, I said nothing, just installed them. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/39 "2025-12-19T23:42:26Z")
> [@Purebred](#): > > Tires on a yearly basis! Was your Ford a 427 or 428 with a four speed Torino or Mustang. I smoke a lot of tires in my youth but never to the point of replacing in a year. As far as air filter, working at the local Flying Horse, I would blow out the filter each week, just because I could. These habits I mentioned were from my late-teens to around thirty. As Alanis Morissette said once: “You live, you learn…!” ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2025, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632/40 "2025-12-20T02:06:26Z")
> [@Purebred](#): > > In the 60s Champions were king. Oddly, had a kid bring his Chevy 235 in for a tuneup but brought in Mopar plugs, I said nothing, just installed them. Champion was the primary maker of Mopar spark plugs at least up until the Mercedes Benz days, now they are NGK’s mostly… Just like Autolite made Motorcraft spark plugs… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632.md?page=3)