Will gapping a spark plug higher than called for make it a hotter plug?

Answer 1

Spark Plug "Heat Range" versus the "gap"

NO, varying the gap of a spark plug has absolutely nothing to do with the "heat range" which the plug will operate safely. The heat range does NOT refer to the temperature of the plug's spark.

Engine heat can damage spark plugs and therefore the same "size" plug can be manufactured to operate at different engine operating temperature ranges as necessary.

This difference in ability to withstand different temperature ranges is accomplished by varying the materials from which the plug is manufactured, and the thickness and/or lengths of the components in the plug. This adapts the various plugs for different engine temperature operating conditions.

As for the gap, for optimum engine operation and fuel effeciency, the plug MUST be gapped precisely per the vehicle engine manufacturer's specifications.

The optimal gap setting has been carefully engineered by the manufacturers, and to violate the specification only reduces the efficient operation of the engine, and can result in damage to various engine components, AND totally destroy any chance of "good" gas mileage.