Rep Power: 266

I just did a tune up on my gfs car, and found that her spark plugs werew massively over gapped. they were around .090, when tehy werew supposed to be at .056. What sorta problems will having them over gapped cause?

 
Rep Power: 0

less spark to no spark?

 
Rep Power: 0

well since the engine was running the spark was probably just weaker. less fuel burned, so decreased gas mileage? perhaps some extra gunk buildup around valves and the such, maybe some damage to the catalytic converter... depends on how long it was running like that prolly, but then i'm just guessing at this, not sure if i'm right or not.

 
Rep Power: 812

also damage to the ignition system, it has to work extra hard and pull all available current to make the spark. that means taking alternator power to keep the car running. this could cause the ecu to overheat because it will be forced to pull more amps. i could go on all day with potential problems. just hope stuff doesnt start breaking in the future.

 
Rep Power: 266

ok guys thanks for the info. luckily it doesnt look like there was too much if any damage to the ignition system, and it seems to run ok.

 
Rep Power: 0

How long was she running the car with the plugs at that gap?

 
Rep Power: 266

umm im not totally for sure. it was prolly a while. the plug wires still hard "Ford" logos on them, and the plug threads were rusted.