Spark Plug Gap
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 101
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From: Darby, PA
Spark Plug Gap
I posted this also in the "engine" section and have had no reponse so please forgive me for double posting.
I have read many threads here and didn't get an answer to my question. I have a 2000 3.0 FFV Ranger and the gap listed on the sticker is .42-.46. What would be the "ideal" gap? Is this just a range that was acceptable when they manufactured these vehicles so that they didn't have to actually gap each plug? I'm getting ready to change mine at 94K. Truck runs great but I have noticed her starting to run a little rougher probably due to worn plugs and wires.
I have read many threads here and didn't get an answer to my question. I have a 2000 3.0 FFV Ranger and the gap listed on the sticker is .42-.46. What would be the "ideal" gap? Is this just a range that was acceptable when they manufactured these vehicles so that they didn't have to actually gap each plug? I'm getting ready to change mine at 94K. Truck runs great but I have noticed her starting to run a little rougher probably due to worn plugs and wires.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
I always set the spark gap at the minimum spec value, because the gap is always opening up/getting wider, with time.
The minimum gap will also help some with cold winter starts.
If we set the gap to max to begin with, it'll soon widen & be out of spec.
I pulled my 99 4.0L OEM single platinum plugs when new & set them to the min spec of .052" & at 54K they were at .062", (.006" above the .056" max), so in only 54K, the gap had grown .010"!!!!
In no way would these plugs go 100K & be anywhere near in spec.
Running with out of spec gap, puts an extra strain on the ignition system, as thesystem must generate extra voltage to bridge the gap.
This also takes some extra time to do, so it's sorta like retarding the ignition tming!!!!
Just some thoughts for pondering.
The minimum gap will also help some with cold winter starts.
If we set the gap to max to begin with, it'll soon widen & be out of spec.
I pulled my 99 4.0L OEM single platinum plugs when new & set them to the min spec of .052" & at 54K they were at .062", (.006" above the .056" max), so in only 54K, the gap had grown .010"!!!!
In no way would these plugs go 100K & be anywhere near in spec.
Running with out of spec gap, puts an extra strain on the ignition system, as thesystem must generate extra voltage to bridge the gap.
This also takes some extra time to do, so it's sorta like retarding the ignition tming!!!!
Just some thoughts for pondering.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Darby, PA
Just replaced wires and plugs. The old plugs had some wide gaps. Most had over .080. I'll be checking these suckers every 25K and adjusting the gaps!
P.S.
Mileage at change was 94,678.
P.S.
Mileage at change was 94,678.
