Is Spark Plug Gap For Old Elgin Really .050?

[Bill Matuscak]

I've got an Elgin 5.5hp. Model# 571-58621, Serial# 551-2834. In Peter Hunn's "The Old Outboard Book" there is a chart showing the plugs as Champion J11-J gapped at .050. I bought the plugs today and they aren't a wide gap unit with an extended electrode. .050 seems real wide to me. Can anyone verify if this is correct? The coils have good spark and I don't want to fry them by too wide a gap. Much obliged for any help.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Is Spark Plug Gap For Old Elgin Really .050?

My take is .028 to .032 will work with point ignition

 

[steelespike]

Re: Is Spark Plug Gap For Old Elgin Really .050?

The chart in the Peter Hunn book also lists the Westbend motors(same as Elgin) with .050 plug gap.You won't fry anything with .050.Try it and see how it performs.Close it to .035 if it won't perform.