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KCWW
Dodge Dakota
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10/02/2007
22:42:48
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 Subject: spark plug gap
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Message:
I plan to tune up my '99 3.9 this week. I bought the tune up kit from Summit (8.0mm wires, distributor cap and rotor button) and some NGK FR5 plugs. Should the plugs be gapped at the factory spec (.040) or bigger (.045/.050)?
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Alan
Dodge Dakota
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10/03/2007
02:06:51
| RE: spark plug gap
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I have a blaster 2 coil so I gapped mine at .050,I've heard you can because of the stronger coil spark.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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10/03/2007
08:42:16
| RE: spark plug gap
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if the ignition system is stock, .040" is what you want.
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KCWW
Dodge Dakota
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10/03/2007
08:48:05
| RE: spark plug gap
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I have the original coil and distributor so I'll gap the plugs at .040. Are these the only other two components that make up the ignition system? Any reason to replace them if they're still working? (My experience with cars is pretty basic...mostly brakes pads and fluid changes)
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pete
Dodge Dakota
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10/05/2007
11:43:12
| RE: spark plug gap
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So are these trucks
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KCWW
Dodge Dakota
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10/06/2007
19:49:46
|  RE: spark plug gap
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Got the 3.9 tuned up and it runs great! I now know why I hated changing the plugs, wires and distributor 3 years ago...what a pain to get to everything! I had to stop several times to give my back a rest from bending over the engine...don't know how mechanics do it all day long. (and I'm only 38!!)
I couldn't remember which products I used 35,000 miles ago but once I pulled them out I realized that I used the plugs that most everyone hates...Bosch Platinums. They wore to a .045 gap. I also used Autolite Professional 7.0mm wires and a black distributor and rotor without brass inserts. The contacts in the distributor were corroded pretty badly, so was the tip of the rotor.
Thankfully I have a couple of years before I have to climb on top of the raditor again to get to the distribtor! (my oldest son will be 9 by then so maybe I'll have him do the climbing!)
I also put in a K&N drop-in filter and replaced the PCV valve (original). I can't believe I've failed to replace that throughout the 120,000 miles I've driven this truck.
Anyway, thanks for all the help! This is a great forum. I think I might do the TBS mod next to see how it works for me. I don't like the hesitation when you punch the pedal....
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dakota49
Dodge Dakota
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10/07/2007
19:48:59
| RE: spark plug gap
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Message:
I think there is a lot of confussion about coils,
first of all just because a coil is rated at 50,000 volts it doesn't mean that the coil will put out that much voltage. What that means, is it CAN put out up to that much voltage. If you check how much the coil actually puts out you would find in most cases that it is normally less than 15,000. I have used gaps as wide as .055 with a stock coil and not have any problems. In the late 70'S GM even called for .080 for the HEI sysetems. Only a few applications, but that's still a lot of gap.
Good Luck to all
Dakota49
1988 3.9 4X4 5speed
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TobyWD40
Dodge Dakota
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10/08/2007
09:21:46
| RE: spark plug gap
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Message:
Hey KCWW, I have a 17 Yr. old and you can't ever find him Ha! He loves the old truck his Grandpa took him everywhere in it. I turned 55 10/04, and I figgured out to take off the two front tires or at least the Passenger side and Jack it down till Rotors are almost on the ground and Even I who am pretty impaired due to the flesh eating bacteria last year and 19 surguries, dying several times and never supposed to live through it or walk again. I am having a blast with my boy and all you guys and tinkering. I havn't attempted the Radiator crawl though, Fire Dept. hates me enough for burnin crap, ozone ya know, They'd never rescue me Ha! Thanks, Toby WD40
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