Question About Platinum Spark Plugs

Q

Quadgod

Member

Jul 7, 2005

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Aug 3, 2005

#1

• Aug 3, 2005

• #1

I've read several posts on here stating not to gap platinum spark plugs. I just replaced my stock factory installed motorcraft platinum plugs with autolite 764 platinums. The gap call for .54 but the plugs out of the package were approx .44. The factory installed motorcraft plugs were gapped to approx .54. needless to say, i regapped the new plugs to .54. Can someone please make sense of this ?

 

twogts4us

15 Year Member

Apr 1, 2004

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Dunedin, FL

Aug 3, 2005

#2

• Aug 3, 2005

• #2

Make sense of why you should gap the plats? I guess because you stand a decent chance of f'ing up the plat tip. .54 gap is where you want to be without a power adder. Personally, I prefer Autolite copper plugs...cheaper, don't last as long but copper is a superior conductor. Plus I don't mind changing them once a year or so and it gives me the chance to inspect them and really get a good idea about how the motor has been running.

 

K

Kilgore Trout

Fried or Broiled ?

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Mar 30, 2005

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Aug 4, 2005

#3

• Aug 4, 2005

• #3

I think it is specifically the Bosch dual and quad fire platinums that are not to be gapped. I do not think the "do not gap" advice applies to other types of platinum plugs.

Use copper plugs, Motorcraft AGSF-32C specifically... Platinum is for people who do not want to change their plugs as often and are willing to settle for a colder spark.

 

Dark Knight GT

I can't get it up......ok that didn't sound right.

May 26, 2003

3,653

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Ozark, Missouri

Aug 4, 2005

#4

• Aug 4, 2005

• #4

For a quick recap.

.054 = Ideal for stock and n/a setups
.044 = Idea for boosted conditions.

Copper = Better conductor for spark and thus, better for performance. Live expectancy is shorter than platinum.

Platinum = Better for mileage, but worse in terms of performance than copper.

Iridium = Best of both worlds, but OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE!

 

CanadaStang

New Member

Sep 7, 2003

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Aug 4, 2005

#5

• Aug 4, 2005

• #5

You should be fine, just be careful not to chip the platinum coating.

 

twogts4us

15 Year Member

Apr 1, 2004

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Aug 4, 2005

#6

• Aug 4, 2005

• #6

Dark Knight GT said:

Platinum = Better for mileage

Click to expand...

What's the theory behind that? I understand you'll get more mileage from them (as in a longer life), but I don't see someone getting better MPG (all things being equal, of course).

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,230

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Massachusetts

Aug 4, 2005

#7

• Aug 4, 2005

• #7

The do not gap thing is really for those Bosch "waste-of-money" plugs with 16 prongs.

Worst case scenario you gap a platnium plug and scratch the platnium coating off and expose the copper core. Now you have a copper plug basically.

Personally i would save the money on plats and just get coppers to begin with.