John Deere Spark Plug Gap Chart(For All Models)

When it comes to maintaining your John Deere equipment, whether it’s a lawn tractor, compact utility tractor, Gator, or vintage 2-cylinder model, spark plug maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring reliable performance, smooth starts, and fuel efficiency.

One of the most overlooked yet essential details is the spark plug gap, which directly affects the combustion process.

To help you perform accurate tune-ups and spark plug replacements, we’ve compiled this comprehensive spark plug gap chart covering a wide range of John Deere models, from riding lawn mowers and compact tractors to utility vehicles and antique series.

John Deere Spark Plug Gap Chart

Model Series / Tractor	Engine Type	Recommended Spark Plug	Gap (inches)
D105	Briggs & Stratton	Champion XC92YC	0.030
D140	Briggs & Stratton 22 HP	Champion RC12YC	0.030
E120	Briggs & Stratton 20 HP	Champion RC12YC	0.030
345	Kawasaki FD590V	NGK BMR6A	0.028
X300	Kawasaki FH491V	NGK BPR5ES	0.030
X500	Kawasaki FH721V	NGK BPR4ES	0.030
X540	Kawasaki FD731V	NGK BPR4ES	0.030
LA105	Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP	Champion RJ19LM	0.030
LA115	Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP	Champion RC12YC	0.030
Z225	Briggs & Stratton 18.5 HP	Champion RC12YC	0.030
Z425	Kawasaki FH721V	NGK BPR4ES	0.030
757	Kawasaki FX801V	NGK BPR4ES	0.030
1025R	Yanmar 3TNV80F	Denso W16EPR-U	0.028
3032E	Yanmar 3TNV88	NGK Y-502K	0.028
5055E	John Deere PowerTech™	Denso ITV20	0.028
Gator XUV 550	Kawasaki FE290D	NGK BPR2ES	0.030
Gator XUV 835	Kohler CH18	Champion RC12YC	0.030
6210R	John Deere PowerTech™	NGK CR9EK	0.028
8295R	John Deere PowerTech™	Denso ITV16	0.028
9570R	John Deere PowerTech™	Denso ITV22	0.028
Model A	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D23	0.030
Model B	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D23	0.030
Model D	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D21	0.030
Model G	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D23	0.030
Model H	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D23	0.030
Model L	2-Cylinder Gas	Autolite D21	0.030
Model M / MT / 40 / 420 / 430	Delco Distributor	Autolite 386	0.025
LX172 / LX176 / LX178 / LX188	Kawasaki	NGK BPR5ES	0.028
LX173	Kawasaki	NGK BPR5ES	0.040
Snowmobiles (KEC 295 RS/2)	2-Stroke	NGK B10ES	0.024
Snowmobiles (TA340A)	2-Stroke	NGK BR8ES	0.032

Benefits of Correct Spark Plug Gap

A correctly gapped spark plug ensures:

Optimal air-fuel mixture ignition
Reduced engine misfires
Better fuel economy
Easier cold starts
Extended engine life

FAQ

What is the gap for a John Deere spark plug?

The standard spark plug gap for most John Deere lawn tractors and equipment is 0.030 inches (0.76 mm). However, this can vary depending on the engine type (Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, Yanmar, etc.), What is the correct spark plug gap?

The correct spark plug gap depends on the engine model. Common values include:

0.028 – 0.032 inches for most small engines
0.030 inches is a safe standard for many John Deere mowers
Convert to mm:
0.028″ = 0.71 mm
0.030″ = 0.76 mm
0.032″ = 0.81 mm

What is the spark plug gap for a John Deere D110?

The John Deere D110 uses a Briggs & Stratton engine. The recommended spark plug is Champion RC12YC, and the correct gap is 0.030 inches (0.76 mm).

What is the spark plug gap on a John Deere JS20?

The John Deere JS20 push mower uses a Briggs & Stratton engine. The recommended spark plug is Champion RJ19LM, and the spark plug gap should be set to 0.030 inches (0.76 mm).

What is the clearance gap in mm for spark plugs?

The clearance (or gap) for spark plugs typically ranges from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm, depending on the engine type. For most John Deere models, the gap is around 0.76 mm (0.030 inches).

How often do you change spark plugs on a John Deere?

For optimal performance, it’s recommended to:

Inspect spark plugs every season
Replace spark plugs every 100 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first
Frequent mowing in dusty conditions may require more frequent replacements.

What is the spark plug gap on a John Deere LX266?

The John Deere LX266 typically uses a Kawasaki engine. The recommended spark plug is NGK BPR4ES or BPR5ES, and the correct gap is 0.030 inches (0.76 mm).