[Mummyman]

Actually Dr. Webster is correct. The OEM spark plug "ITR6F13", is pre-gapped at the factory to .052 inch. As specified in my manual, the spark plug gap should be anywhere from .049 - .053 inch.

Thus, the gap when you receive the plug is perfectly acceptable to put right in, no need to gap the plug at all. NGK sets the gap at a certain distance so the most applications can be served without the need of a gap tool. This is what I was told by a NGK rep.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Spark-Plug-NGK_15650447-P_960_R|GRPTUNEAMS_775179638___

Advance auto is one site that lists the gap from the factory, which is within spec. Hope this clears up any confusion.

 

[Mummyman]

OEM spark plugs for 2004 Mazda 3 2.0L/2.3L are Laser Series Iridium Spark Plug; ITR6F13, part number 4477. Don't need to be gapped as I mentioned earlier. I can't speak for ILTR5A-13G's that Webster used, me personally I'd just use whatever the manual calls for and call it a day since they are all around the $10 mark each.

 

[Mummyman]

Well yeah I'm not saying the rep is the authority on spark plugs. On the website NGK states themselves that while the gap from the factory will be fine for most applications, it's not the case in all.

The fact remains the factory gap from NGK is .052, which will work with Mazda's requirement of .049 to .053 gap measurement per manual. It doesn't take a "certified tech" to realize you don't have to mess with re-gaping them yourself in this specific application. So, you are incorrect.

I'm not here to start a pissing match, just stating the facts. People who follow this How To should know assuming they use the OEM NGK plugs, re-gaping them in this vehicle is not necessary (nor is buying a "gaping tool"). That's just a fact in this application.

 

[Mummyman]

Good information to add on. This thread should help plenty of users have confidence in installing their own plugs, rather than be at the mercy of the dealership rates.

 

[Mummyman]

Advance Auto has the OEM NGK plugs for $9.99 each. You can pick them up in store or have them shipped (free shipping over $75). There are also 40% off coupons floating all around the net, so you can get a smoking deal. With tax, comes out to about $6.50 a plug round my parts (8.75% tax, WTF). Great deal, certainly better than $14.23 a plug.

 

[Mummyman]

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2254987

Link to all of Advance Auto's deals, inclduing "A123" that will give you $20 off a purchase of $50 (40% off). If you just need spark plugs and that's it, then getting exactly 40% off can be tricky, but I cant see Advance not having something else you could use to get the full deal. Wiper blades, air filter, tools (gearwrench are solid), heck I bought a bottle of Techron cleaner for $5 (a good deal in itself) just to get over a certain limit. I picked up an autocraft battery I needed as well, $61 after taxes, amazing.

Brakeman, they do free shipping over $75. If you are just buying plugs, why not just pick up in store? That is obviously free, there is no need to have them shipped to the store...it should be in stock already.