Just replaced the plugs on my 2009 FWD with the same plugs that came out of it (NGK ILZKR7B11). Guy at the auto parts store said not to gap them as I would risk breaking a small tab on the underside of the ground electrode if I slide the gap tool in the gap. Never bought iridium / fine wire plugs before so took his word for it and did not gap them. I did slide the gap tool close to the opening and it seemed like they were gapped closer than the .044 spec. (maybe .040 or .042). I could be wrong but that is my guess. Anyway, anyone have any experience with this? Can these plugs be gapped without damaging the tip? Car is running fine, same as before I changed the plugs. Thanks.

 

I think I answered my own question. NGK website states the plugs are pre-gapped for the most common engine application. The website also shows that these NGK plugs are model specific to Honda V6's so they are most likely properly gapped for the TL 3.5 from the factory.