What should you gap your spark plugs at for a 2001 Chevy Malibu 3.1L?

Answer

You will be replacing your plugs with Platnum plugs they are pre gapped but you can also ask your auto parts store to check to make sure they are at the correct gap.

• 2001 Malibu 3.1L Platinum Plug gap is .060 thousands

Answer

Dont listen to the advice of someone who claims that plugs are pre gapped. the same plugs that fit you malibu fit other makes and models too, and they all use different gaps for different types of ignitions and fuel octanes. NO PLUGS ARE PRE-GAPPED!!! get a manual that tells you the correct gap for your application or go to the dealer and ask what is best. set them to that gap. Go but 10 plugs from the parts store and you will find the gap on those plugs can vary up to 40 thousandths!!! real good for your car!!!!! One final hint! they dont make plug-gap checkers for no reason. buy one, they are cheap and make the gap right. too little gap will result in less spark-jump, leaving deposits on the plug and engine, and too big a gap will result in an intermittent mis-fire later on, and poor fuel economy.

Answer

Sorry - I am having trouble finding the answer to the original question myself - However, in response to the horse-hockey answers already presented:

Q. Are Bosch Spark Plugs pre-gapped at the factory?

A. Most Bosch Spark Plugs are factory pre-gapped for popular vehicle applications. The gap measurements are indicated either on the box, or by the part number located on the spark plug shell. X suffix = .044" Y suffix = .060" Z suffix = .080" Gaps should never by adjusted on Platinum+4 or Platinum2. Bosch Platinum+4 and Platinum2 have factory pre-set gaps, and should never be gapped by the installer.

Bosch Platinum and Super Spark Plugs also have factory-set gaps. For most plugs, the setting is shown on the plug package. These gaps are correct for the most popular applications of these plugs. There are applications, however, for which the gap setting has to be adjusted according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. To avoid damage to a spark plug in the process of adjusting the gap, it is important to follow these guidelines: To widen the electrode gap, use a tool that only pulls back the ground electrode, without applying pressure to the center electrode. The tool must not be wedged between the electrodes as that may cause damage to the insulator nose. To close the electrode gap, carefully tap the plug, electrode first, on a hard surface, as shown in the illustration.

(http://www.boschusa.com/AutoParts/FAQs/SparkPlugs/)

You can also go for Bosch Plat +2 or +4. They cost more but don't need to be gapped. You will always have the peace of mind knowing your plugs are working the way it supposed for up to 100K miles. I do recommend removing and checking the plugs every 7500 miles for cleaning and to prevent it from getting stuck in the engine block.

First answer by Brock Romero. Last edit by Mahilig77. Contributor trust: 8 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 71 [recommend question]