factory preset spark plug gap wrong?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
factory preset spark plug gap wrong?
Hello guys. first time posting here. I have a question about spark plug gaps. I just got Autolite double platinum plugs for my 2003 expedition 5.4L. I measured the gap for the plugs, they all are about .044-.046 inch. However, the owners manual and most of the online publications i found say to set gap at .054 inch. autolite website also says to gap plugs at .054 inch. yet label on the box says all the plugs are gapped at the factory. I am very confused. if the plugs are supposed to be gapped at .054 inch why are they gapped at .044 inch at the factory? Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
it just seems odd lots of people are saying great things about using the autolite plugs on these expeditions, lots people posting write-ups about how to change the plugs, but nobody seem to care to mention the gap needs to be changed before installation. the old plugs i took out from the car were autolite double platinum too, and the gap were set at .044(not by me).... maybe that's why my check engine light comes on for a while then goes off at random intervals.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,634
Likes: 37
From: Lost in Pa.
I wont speak for other people but had a 97 (now sold) and now own a 01 both with the 5.4 and have changed plugs in both and had to set the gap for the new plugs before installing it's not a big deal.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Saugus, CA.
Having just changed the plugs on 03 expy, I didn't know they were preset at the factory. All these years I never read the box. I always check and gap them before going in. My dad taught me that when I was young pup. Hey allstar940, how did the change out go?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
i haven't finish changing all of them yet. I read about how long it takes. I just didn't haven't enough time today. I only changed the easier ones(saving the best for last, hehehe).
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Can't even trust other people to change your plugs these days. I got this car used. I dont know how long this car has been running with wrong plug gaps. Luckily this is not my only car, i won't drive it again until i have all the gaps set properly. shame shame shame. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stupid red ranger
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
9
Feb 14, 2004 10:52 PM
