302 plug confusion
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 122
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From: Columbus, Ohio
302 plug confusion
I recently purchased a 74 F100 2WD with a 302 that hadn't been used much at all in the past 9 years. In the past few weeks I have had (I didn't do anything myself) all of the fluids changed, had the brakes checked, put on a new set of tires and had an MSD 6A and Billet distributor installed. It already had an Accel Super Coil. The plugs I picked up for the ignition job were the wrong size so the current ones are very old, perhaps 9 years, but the truck runs well.
I know nothing about trucks (or cars) but will be trying to change this, so my first "project" is to install new sparkplugs. No kidding, I've never done it before! All that I know is that they are 13/16ths. Other than this, what would be the right plug choice and gap for this set-up?
Thanks much!
I know nothing about trucks (or cars) but will be trying to change this, so my first "project" is to install new sparkplugs. No kidding, I've never done it before! All that I know is that they are 13/16ths. Other than this, what would be the right plug choice and gap for this set-up?
Thanks much!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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302 plug confusion
I use Autolite or Bosch V-Power Spark Plugs my 429CJ.
Dennis
It's Almost Time Everyone.
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78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
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Dennis
It's Almost Time Everyone.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=314&.jpg
78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 145
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From: Prescott USA!
302 plug confusion
youre choice of plugs: (go with the autolite's)
autolite # 45's
ac delco # r83ts
bosch # 7550
chapion # 4011
the gap should be .035"
thats what the ol lady's 302 is set at but its a 71, stang. confirm this info with an auto parts store, when you ask for plugs they should have the gap listed next to the plug.
-Sam
autolite # 45's
ac delco # r83ts
bosch # 7550
chapion # 4011
the gap should be .035"
thats what the ol lady's 302 is set at but its a 71, stang. confirm this info with an auto parts store, when you ask for plugs they should have the gap listed next to the plug.
-Sam
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Columbus, Ohio
302 plug confusion
Update: Thanks for the assistance with the sparkplug selection and gap. I went with Autolite 45 with .044 gap. I won't say how long it took me but it was my first time. Anyway, after a new Holley 600, Billet distributor, MSD 6A, new wires, new battery, and the plugs, it runs absolutely flawlessly (strong and smooth)...except...
When it is first started it wants to cough, sputter and quit. I can keep it running with a few pumps here and there. After about two to three minutes it idles well and runs strongly. Prior to that, it wants to die especially if put in gear. It was this way before all of the changes I mentioned above, except that the manual choke kept it running.
Due to the changes I had done, I was wondering if I have to start it differently now that the manual choke is gone (to pump or not to pump the accelerator). Or, is it normal that a good old V8 just needs a little warming up. Or, could a not -so-good fuel pump be a culprit? Thank you very much.
When it is first started it wants to cough, sputter and quit. I can keep it running with a few pumps here and there. After about two to three minutes it idles well and runs strongly. Prior to that, it wants to die especially if put in gear. It was this way before all of the changes I mentioned above, except that the manual choke kept it running.
Due to the changes I had done, I was wondering if I have to start it differently now that the manual choke is gone (to pump or not to pump the accelerator). Or, is it normal that a good old V8 just needs a little warming up. Or, could a not -so-good fuel pump be a culprit? Thank you very much.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
302 plug confusion
Sounds to me like the choke needs a little tweeking. These old Fords are as cold natured as your first girlfriend. Looks like you have spent your christmas bonus already. :-)
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John
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Lower 48
302 plug confusion
All of the advice here is very good - almost!
I wouldn't use Champions in a lawnmower much less
my truck.
CHAMPION SPARK PLUGS
Trail Rider
I wouldn't use Champions in a lawnmower much less
my truck.
CHAMPION SPARK PLUGSTrail Rider
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Columbus, Ohio
302 plug confusion
Thanks John, Barry, Goodfoot and Trailrider,
I have a few bucks left from the Christmas bonus:-)
I'll see my brother-in-law tomorrow. He's a FORD mechanic in the Cleveland Plant (27 years) and there is nothing he doesn't know about FORDS. I'll have him check out the choke, and everything else for that matter!
Leland
I have a few bucks left from the Christmas bonus:-)
I'll see my brother-in-law tomorrow. He's a FORD mechanic in the Cleveland Plant (27 years) and there is nothing he doesn't know about FORDS. I'll have him check out the choke, and everything else for that matter!
Leland