if u add it) did u add just the coil and plugs keep it at stock gap TR
gapping plugs
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Flemington, NJ
gapping plugs
When i installed my MSD TFI coil and Ford racing spark plug wires, about a week ago, i had gapped my Autolite double platinum plugs at 0.046. The guys at the local Car Parts said to gap them at 0.044 ( they didn't know about my MSD parts). Yesterday i pulled the plugs in order to gap them at 0.050 to see if i could gain anymore power. Instead the truck seems to be misfiring or bogging down when driving. At idle it's fine. I'm now going to change the gaps back to 0.046 like i had them before.
I was just wondering what other people gap their plugs at?
I've just noticed that a lot of people gap their plugs bigger like at 0.050 or so when they uprgrade to a more powerful or hotter ignition system like MSD.
I was also wondering as to whether or not anybody has really noticed any real gain in power by changing or increasing their spark plug gaps?
I was just thinking about it and thought I'd ask. Thanks.
I was just wondering what other people gap their plugs at?
I've just noticed that a lot of people gap their plugs bigger like at 0.050 or so when they uprgrade to a more powerful or hotter ignition system like MSD.
I was also wondering as to whether or not anybody has really noticed any real gain in power by changing or increasing their spark plug gaps?
I was just thinking about it and thought I'd ask. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 33
From: Swansea SC
gapping plugs
.o50 is what i gapped mine at -msd book states-up to10.5.1 compression-.050-.060-(10.5.1-13.0.1 0gap.-040-0.50 above 13.0.1-.035-.045 examples here are to get u in the right direction TR
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Flemington, NJ
gapping plugs
Yeah I've got the 6A box too, i installed that awhile ago, before i put in the coil and stuff. I gapped the plugs down to what i had them at, but still had the misfiring problem. I then noticed that at some point i cracked the insulation on one of the plugs. I replaced that plug, but i still have the misfiring just not as bad. I still have to check the rest to see what's going on. It seems like maybe gapping the plugs bigger was never the actual problem in the first place. I'll just have to check and see 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
gapping plugs
I agree. Use the gap on the sticker under the hood. DO NOT use the gap stated in the spark plug catalog, by the parts counter guy, Chilton manual, or anywhere else. They are often wrong.
My '94 5.0 (Calif.) calls for .052-.056 on the underhood sticker. This is for the stock system. Also, be sure your cap and rotor are in good condition.
Jim
My '94 5.0 (Calif.) calls for .052-.056 on the underhood sticker. This is for the stock system. Also, be sure your cap and rotor are in good condition.
Jim
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, NC
gapping plugs
On my 89 w/302 I gapped mine at .056. I'm runnin the MSD 6A and MSD TFI coil with Ford Racing 9mm wires with no problems from start up to wot.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31
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From: Flemington, NJ
gapping plugs
It turns out that i had another cracked spark plug. Next time i gotta use a spark plug socket with the rubber grommet inside to prevent the insultaion from cracking. For now i'm leaving the gap at where i have it at .046... maybe... I dunno i always have to play with something.
I'm thinking that 302 engines run a higher gap than 351 engines do. My trucks says to gap between .042 and .046. For now i'm leaving it at .046.
Thanks guys for your help and insight.
I'm thinking that 302 engines run a higher gap than 351 engines do. My trucks says to gap between .042 and .046. For now i'm leaving it at .046.
Thanks guys for your help and insight.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 146
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From: Tallahassee, FL
gapping plugs
Back in January I replaced my old plugs with Bisch Plaitinums, they guy at PepBoys said .045 without me even asking. So thats what I did, not thinking twice.
The truck ran terrible... Missing all the time, horrible fuel consumption, and poor acceleration.
I pulled them on thurs and gapped em to .056 which seems to have made a very very dramatic improvement all around. My 95 302 also says .050 - .056 on the emmissions sticker.
Just my experience.
The truck ran terrible... Missing all the time, horrible fuel consumption, and poor acceleration.
I pulled them on thurs and gapped em to .056 which seems to have made a very very dramatic improvement all around. My 95 302 also says .050 - .056 on the emmissions sticker.
Just my experience.
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