Spark plug gap, why parts stores and online forums say .044?

[My Nameis]

For the 96-00 Honda civics (D series) The Honda service manual says .039-.043 as well as the sticker under the hood, so I’m just curious why every spark plug thread I’ve come across and part stores recommend .044?
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Topic

[college man]

There going with the biggest gap which is what works usually.

[Joseph C]

In case of variances, you should always defer to the sticker under the hood, unless you know it’s inaccurate due to an engine change or something.

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[Larry Bible]

This is only my opinion, but with today’s flame thrower ignitions I don’t see this as anything to worry much about. In the days of battery ignition (points) systems, spark plug gap was more critical. With today’s vehicles, if there is a range indicated in the spec’s, I tend to set it in the middle of the range because the gaps open slightly over time.

My $0.02,

[My Nameis]

I used to gap at .044 but recently decided to go with .040 and idk if it’s a placebo but the acceleration seemed smoother

[My Nameis]

[quote=”college man” post=161025]There going with the biggest gap which is what works usually.[/quote]
But .044 is outside the range. Biggest gap would be .043 in this case no?

Also, wouldn’t gapping at say .039 give longevity to the plug as over time it becomes wider but still within range as oppose to starting at .044 and then becoming out of spec in time?

[college man]

[quote=”myfavecoupe_” post=161045][quote=”college man” post=161025]There going with the biggest gap which is what works usually.[/quote]
But .044 is outside the range. Biggest gap would be .043 in this case no?

Also, wouldn’t gapping at say .039 give longevity to the plug as over time it becomes wider but still within range as oppose to starting at .044 and then becoming out of spec in time?[/quote]

The bigger the gap the longer the spark the more fuel burn we get. Some cars may like the wider gap
some may not.

[Mike T.]

I’ve always used .44 on my two 2000 civics. I’m going to check the owners manual later and post the specs right from the book.

[Mike T.]

From the owners manual 2000 civic EX

NGK:
DENSO:
ZFR5F-11
KJ16CR-L11
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm) = .04333

[My Nameis]

Interesting. The sticker under my hood says .039-.043

Even still where does .044 come from then? Lol

[Author]

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