Spark plug gap
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
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From: Mason Michigan
Spark plug gap
Hey everyone I just bought some autolite single platinum spark plugs for my 1997 f350 with a 351 windsor.I was wondering if the gap was different for these plugs,or is it still the standard .042 to .046? Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
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From: La Vergne, TN
yep still standard .042-.046 but ill go ahead and tell you that your truck wont like the platinums as much as the good ole copper plugs. did the same thing in mine and my Flareside hated them. it started running rich cause the plugs just wouldnt get hot enough and burn off all the fuel.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
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From: Mason Michigan
Well I was wondering that,because my old 96 with mass air came stock with bosch platinum plugs,and the computer at auto zone said my 97 came stock with them as well.But when I pulled the original plugs i seem to recall just pulling out standard copper autolite's.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8,843
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From: Eastern Ky
My 351w had the copper plugs, and the guy at advance auto said platinum plugs would cause a LOT of problems....he said the platinum plugs might even try to melt the heads or whatever, I am not fopr sure on that...just went with coppers to make sure tho....
Thanks all-
-Wes
Thanks all-
-Wes
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Mason Michigan
I doubt it would melt the heads.It might burn a piston down if you were running lean,but the heat range number on the platinum plugs is the same as the copper plugs.Now if I were to go to a lower heat number it may cause problems,but so far so good.I imagine my truck would run a lot better if I just got off my *** and actually fixed my intake leak.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
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uhm unless its the do not gap plugs u should always always always check the gap on the "pre-gapped" plugs coz they are hardly ever right.
now as far as the difference between copper and platinum.... platinum is better but the iridium is possibly the best i like the E3 diamond fire plugs but i never used them in ford.... haha and the 16 for the 05 ram i had was too expensive so havent gotten to try them yet
have any of u all?
now as far as the difference between copper and platinum.... platinum is better but the iridium is possibly the best i like the E3 diamond fire plugs but i never used them in ford.... haha and the 16 for the 05 ram i had was too expensive so havent gotten to try them yet
have any of u all?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Mason Michigan
Never gap platinum plugs!!!Ok glad I did because 2 of them were at .o65 and one was mashed down.The rest were fine,I'll be sure to pass your advice on to all my friends.
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Posting Guru
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almost all plugs have copper cores.... the tip is what is different copper doesnt last long
if u are selling the truck go ahead and get the cheap crap
if ur keeping it use something that is good and wont let u down
these are not hondas u dont have to use the factory crap to make them run right
but if u dont use good wires coil distributor and control modual then useing high performance plugs wont change any thing
you would just be wasting money....
if u are selling the truck go ahead and get the cheap crap
if ur keeping it use something that is good and wont let u down
these are not hondas u dont have to use the factory crap to make them run right
but if u dont use good wires coil distributor and control modual then useing high performance plugs wont change any thing
you would just be wasting money....
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
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There is not any need for anything other than Motorcraft or Autolite coppers. The platinums may not run as well. I have had good luck with Motorcraft and Autolite platinums in mine, but most have have better results with the standard plugs.
There is no way the truck came factory with Bosch platinums in it.
All that crap like E3 is snake oil, just like FIPK and TB spacers.
There is no way the truck came factory with Bosch platinums in it.
All that crap like E3 is snake oil, just like FIPK and TB spacers.
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