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Inspect the spark plug for electrode wear, car-
bon deposits or insulator damage. If the elec-
trode has excessive wear, carbon deposits or
insulator damage, then the spark plug should
be replaced.
Measure the plug gap using a wire type spark
plug gauge. If the plug gap value is out of the
service limit, replace the spark plug with a new
one.
Spark plug gap
NOTICE
If a spark plug gauge other than the wire type
is used, the electrode might be damaged.
Make sure to use a wire type spark plug
gauge.
Standard
0.7 – 0.8 mm
(0.028 – 0.031 in)
Service limit
1.0 mm (0.039 in)
Gap
Center
electrode
Insulator
NOTICE
When servicing the iridium/platinum spark
plugs, do not touch the center electrode, as it
is easy to damage.
Do not touch the center electrode of an irid-
ium spark plug. Avoid cleaning it or adjusting
its electrode gap.
NOTICE
Use of improper spark plugs or improperly
tightening spark plugs can cause severe
engine damage.
• Do not experiment with other spark plug
brands unless you can determine that they
are directly equivalent to the specified
brand, or you may experience engine dam-
age which will not be covered under war-
ranty. Note that aftermarket cross-reference
charts may not be accurate.
• To install a spark plug; seat it as far as pos-
sible by hand, then use a wrench to tighten
it to either the recommended torque setting
or the specified rotation angle.
Tightening torque
15 – 19 N·m
(1.5 – 1.9 kgf-m, 11 – 14 lbf-ft)
Rotation angle
New plug
1/2 – 3/4 of a turn
Re-use plug
1/12 – 1/8 of a turn
• Do not overtighten or cross-thread a spark
plug, as this will damage the aluminum
threads of the cylinder head.