i just recently bought a 73 maverick with a 302 in it just bought new plugs for it i got autolite platinums part # AP45 what should I gap them at for the best performance its got the stock style single points and a accel coil i read online that the gap should be between .032 and .036 any help would be appreciated thanks.
if u buy a platinum plug u shouldnt even try and gap it from what i know of plat plugs. you risk breaking off the platnimun tips on the elctrode and what not.
.035" is the gap. To gap a platinum plug, just use the gapper that allows you to bend the side electrode near the base. You shouldn't force the electrodes apart by prying between them with any type of plug.
thanks guys i put the plugs in since i posted this and i left the gap alone on the plugs which was .046 and the car runs so much better than before. the plugs that i took out were autolite 45's but i dont think that they were platinums they were gapped at .036 and before i replaced them it would fall on its face when i put the pedal to the floor and now it picks up really nice i would suggest those plugs for anyone. part number AP45.
I'd suggest the .035 also. I'd really like to know if the difference was because of the gap or there were some bad plugs.
It'll run even better once you replace the points in the distributor with an electronic unit. And although you've got it running fine now, the platinum plugs were a waste of money with your ignition. The std copper autolites work best. The platinums are designed to work best with the very latest ignitions.
