DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

What make/model are you using.

I've got ngk bp6es (or s can't quite remember) and i needed to close the gap from 0.7mm to 0.5mm to get started and stay running.

They haven't done many miles so was wondering if there is a better plug being used.

mine is a w code 1.7 engine fueled by twin weber 40 idf carbs.

Is the ignition standard?

It has an electric ignition from simonbbc ignitions

Normally with CDI you can widen the gap a bit.

I can remember what I put in last but it was an NGK

Sent from my 22011119UY using Tapatalk

There could be a number of variables.........
1) So it has electronic ignition not exactly sure what a SimonBBC is, but looks like a remanufactured distributor, with a magnet based rotor actuation firing system? (or the ones on ebay show that). Not saying there are cheap but sometimes the magnets are never in line or where they should be. Is it actually set correctly timing wise.
2) Take it the coil is still standard and working fine.
3) Any head work, or larger valves.
4) HT leads all OK?
5) Fuel is new?

There are quite a few ‘Fake Chinese’ spark plugs on the market, so did you get them from a reputable source.

Carburettor is normally around 0.6mm or around 0.024 thou.

There are a number a things that could have attributed to your poor starting apart from a spark plug gap.

The tuner upgrade plug was a BP6ET
Same spec but with 3 ground electrodes.
Apparently better although adjusting the gap on that type of plug is not so easy.

If you need to close down the gap to keep a hot engine running, id wonder if something was wrong with the leads, cap, etc?