Petronix spark plug gap?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Petronix spark plug gap?
I installed my Petronix unit a couple of years ago(i am using standard coil). Well, i just replaced my plugs and gapped them to .035 without thinking about my Petronix. I started it and it seemed to run fine. I took it for a drive yesterday and it is running with much less power,i had forgotten what i had changed the spark plug gap to after i converted to Petronix ( i had already thrown my old plugs out).
I searched the forum and saw combinations with new coil, larger wires etc. but i just have the points unit itself. i believe i had my points set to .045 but not sure. Although, its nice to kick back and work on the truck, my schedule gives me little time to do this. so i get a 1 hour window here and there. so your help would be appreciated.
I searched the forum and saw combinations with new coil, larger wires etc. but i just have the points unit itself. i believe i had my points set to .045 but not sure. Although, its nice to kick back and work on the truck, my schedule gives me little time to do this. so i get a 1 hour window here and there. so your help would be appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 884
Likes: 13
From: Bassett Virginia
From Pertronix:
"What should I gap the spark plugs to?
The Ignitor has no set specification in which the spark plugs should be gaped at. Every engine responds differently to spark plug setting. In most cases increasing the factory recommended gap by .005 improves the engine performance."
"What should I gap the spark plugs to?
The Ignitor has no set specification in which the spark plugs should be gaped at. Every engine responds differently to spark plug setting. In most cases increasing the factory recommended gap by .005 improves the engine performance."
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
.035 is fine. Replacing the points with distributor module alone, does not affect point gap. I'd be looking for another problem(incorrect plug, loose plug, damaged plug wire, plug wire swapped).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: U.P. Of Michigan
Hi Guys,
I came here this morning to ask about doing a tune up on my 1971 Pick Up (360). So, I'll jump in here with a few newbie questions. I have a very limited budget, and want the best value. I'm not wanting a hot rod, just a strong running engine.
What are some good plugs to purchase? (They come already gapped, don't they?).
I won't have the $ to buy plug wires at this point. But, plan on doing the plugs, distributor cap, and rotor.
Thanks for any input.
Bob
I came here this morning to ask about doing a tune up on my 1971 Pick Up (360). So, I'll jump in here with a few newbie questions. I have a very limited budget, and want the best value. I'm not wanting a hot rod, just a strong running engine.
What are some good plugs to purchase? (They come already gapped, don't they?).
I won't have the $ to buy plug wires at this point. But, plan on doing the plugs, distributor cap, and rotor.
Thanks for any input.
Bob
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 4
From: Cupertino
To add to the discussion on spark plug gap:
The firing of the plugs represents an electrical catastrophe with the sudden breaking if current in the primary. The coil (transformer) steps the secondary voltage to tens of thousands of volts. The voltage will go to infinity until an arc clamps it.
If you widen the gap on the plug you are increasing the voltage necessary to arc the plug gap. That increases voltage back through the plug wires and distributor. You may ititiate an arc in the secondary wiring (misfire, miss), in the cap (backfire) or into the primary transistors (burnout, you walk).
.035 is fine on these old motors. They really don't much care. I don't think you will find a dime's worth of performance difference as long as there is a gap and the cylinder ignition is initiated.
Semper Fi
The firing of the plugs represents an electrical catastrophe with the sudden breaking if current in the primary. The coil (transformer) steps the secondary voltage to tens of thousands of volts. The voltage will go to infinity until an arc clamps it.
If you widen the gap on the plug you are increasing the voltage necessary to arc the plug gap. That increases voltage back through the plug wires and distributor. You may ititiate an arc in the secondary wiring (misfire, miss), in the cap (backfire) or into the primary transistors (burnout, you walk).
.035 is fine on these old motors. They really don't much care. I don't think you will find a dime's worth of performance difference as long as there is a gap and the cylinder ignition is initiated.
Semper Fi
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pidaster
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Nov 8, 2009 11:50 AM
