Spark Plug Gap Confusion

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Aug 10, 2012 | 06:18 AM

Jumpdummy

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From: North East Arkansas

Spark Plug Gap Confusion

My truck has a 302 that came out of a 1983 Thunderbird. Everything I've read on here says .044 gap on the plugs but the parts store told me .05. BTW I did buy Motorcraft plugs

Which gap should I set?
Thanks

Aug 10, 2012 | 06:37 AM

critterf1

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From: Newport, N.C.

Stay at .044.

Aug 10, 2012 | 07:28 AM

Jumpdummy

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From: North East Arkansas

Thanks....

Aug 10, 2012 | 07:37 AM

Grubbworm

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From: Acworth, GA

I would agree about the .044. The gap should also be listed on a sticker under the hood, probably on the vacuum diagram label.

Aug 10, 2012 | 07:52 AM

Jumpdummy

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From: North East Arkansas

It is listed on the sticker but the truck originally had a 232 V6. Not very common. Wish I had saved the engine in case I wanted to put it back original, although that is unlikely. Couldn't pass my Grandma with that thing.

Aug 10, 2012 | 12:06 PM

Grubbworm

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From: Acworth, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumpdummy

Oops, sorry, I didn't know.

Aug 10, 2012 | 01:47 PM

Jumpdummy

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From: North East Arkansas

Grubbworm I appreciate all the help I can get. I realize you are not a mind reader

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Aug 10, 2012 | 02:46 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

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From: Northern California

It really depended on engine calibration and the plugs used. Why Grubbworm mentioned the Lable. It would tell you the exact gap for your engine. (If you had the correct lable etc)

But I agree, .044 is the most comon, with breakerless ignitions so use that.

Aug 10, 2012 | 03:15 PM

#10

Anafiel

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From: Wagener, SC

I use .055 as I have a HEI dist and a high voltage coil, and 9mm wires. I can easily jump the gap, and it makes for better combustion and MPG.

Aug 10, 2012 | 04:49 PM

#11

1983F1503004x4

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0.042 here. That's what it calls for with my 83 300-6. Obviously yours is a 302. I don't imagine that the gaps will be that different, being all of these use the same ignition system.

Aug 10, 2012 | 05:39 PM

#12

81-F-150-Explorer

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From: Northern California

My 1981 300-6 calls for .044, but it has a service range of .042-.046

Like I said it depends on engine calibration.

Aug 11, 2012 | 01:33 AM

#13

Trashyvixxen

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From: New Mexico

For the 83 ford Thunderbird with a 302 , using motorcraft spark plugs you do need to gap to .050

Aug 13, 2012 | 10:54 AM

#14

Jumpdummy

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From: North East Arkansas

I changed the plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor this weekend and the truck still doesn't run like it should. I did set the gap at .046. The plugs that came out were set at .050. Might need to try them at .050 and see if that helps. Bought a timing light and can't see the damper from the top. Any ideas on that?