i think i might have an issue with spark plug gap size

xsk3l3t0rx · Post by **xsk3l3t0rx** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:15 am

i just bought a new spark plug for my 87 spree. wen i purchased it the guy told me it was pre-gapped or something like that. ever since i installed the new spark plug, my spree will accelerate weird. it will like drop speed for seemingly no reason then shoot back up again to proper speed. forget going up a decent sized hill, it'll slow down to 5 mph and stay that way. i know a 49cc spree isnt a powerhorse, but i am only 170 lbs, im a stick and i know im not putting this thing through that much stress. i have a feeling it is not gapped enough, what would you pros recommend?

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:52 am

The idiot is full of crap. Most plugs come gapped around .045" anymore and the Spree needs .020" to .030". Always check the plug gap before install. anymore 99.9999999999999% of parts counter guys are computer geeks and not motor heads anymore, like back in the 60s and 70s.

xsk3l3t0rx · Post by **xsk3l3t0rx** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:46 pm

so should i close the gap to .020-.030 and tht should fix the problem? or do you think it is more than that. the bike itself is in good shape for an 87 under 3k miles on it. i just know that 5mph up a not too steep hill indicates a problem, please help meh!

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:13 pm

Gapping the plug properly would be the first step. I've seen plugs that were suppose to be gapped at .030" come out of the box at .040" plus. I always check the gap before installing. I was a professional marine mechanic for a lot of years and always checked.

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:13 pm

Gap it till a mach book cover is slightly loose in there thats 25 to 30 thou.

xsk3l3t0rx · Post by **xsk3l3t0rx** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:28 pm

do you think this is an issue of it being gapped too wide or too close? i would think too close, but then again i know squat about sprees

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:07 am

Too wide, which causes two problems. The wider gap requires more voltage to jump across it. Which means the insulation has to work harder and if it is old, hardened and cracked, makes it easier for the spark to jump to ground at other than the spark plug. Wet weather makes it easier for the voltage to find that ground.