My first spark plug replacement

[BlazerLT]

I hardly doubt you don't have an hour to reset the plugs properly with the proper gap.

Just get it done.

It will affect your fuel economy, and could cause problems with your O2 sensors.

Get out there and fix it.

Everyone has an hour.

[recurve]

Hi guys,

I'm about to do this procedure by myself for the first time on our '95 Blazer 4.3 VIN W engine.

BlazerLT, heaven knows you've helped me out big time on this forum, but I'm a bit worried about this last post. You sure he needs to redo this job and regap his spark plugs? I'm looking in my Chilton's manual, and I know it isn't always right, but it says that 0.045 inches is the right distance for his '97 Blazer with 4.3L engine and that 0.035 inches is what I should use in my '95 Blazer.

Is there something special about them spark plugs being platinum tipped that requires the 0.060 inch gap? Or is the Chilton's manual just way wrong? The Chilton's manual acts like 0.060 inches is what is needed for the 4 cyclinder engines used in some of the S-Series pickup trucks.

Thanks in advance for your clarification and help in this.

Cheers,
-- recurve

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by recurve

Hi guys,

I'm about to do this procedure by myself for the first time on our '95 Blazer 4.3 VIN W engine.

BlazerLT, heaven knows you've helped me out big time on this forum, but I'm a bit worried about this last post. You sure he needs to redo this job and regap his spark plugs? I'm looking in my Chilton's manual, and I know it isn't always right, but it says that 0.045 inches is the right distance for his '97 Blazer with 4.3L engine and that 0.035 inches is what I should use in my '95 Blazer.

Is there something special about them spark plugs being platinum tipped that requires the 0.060 inch gap? Or is the Chilton's manual just way wrong? The Chilton's manual acts like 0.060 inches is what is needed for the 4 cyclinder engines used in some of the S-Series pickup trucks.

Thanks in advance for your clarification and help in this.

Cheers,
-- recurve

Whta plug did you use?

[blazee]

Where did the .060 inch come from? My owners manual says .045 inch

My haynes says:

4.3L V6

1994 and 1995
Type...................AC CR43TSM or equivalent
GAP....................0.045 inch

1996 on ..............AC 41-932 or equivalent
GAP....................0.060 inch

It has been said by many on this forum that it should be 0.060, I just want to know where that came from.

BTW. I gap mine at 0.060

[BlazerLT]

Depends on the plugs really.

[recurve]

I was planning on getting the AC Delco Platinum tipped spark plugs and doing the job this coming weekend.

I have both the Haynes and the Chilton's manual. You are right Blazee, both books give different specs - they don't match up.

So you guys think 0.060 inch gap is good for a 4.3L engine on a '95 Blazer (and a '97 for that matter)? I'll be using the AC Delco platinum tipped plugs :-)

Cheers,
-- recurve

[BlazerLT]

1.) Platinum plugs are not required on 1995s and are not recommeded. Buy #1 Delco Rapidfires or Standard CR43TSM plugs both can be gapped at 0.045.

2.) 1997, use delco platinum or delco rapidfire #12 gapped at 0.060

[recurve]

Perfect!

Thanks a million,
-- recurve

[MIBlazer98]

Not sure why the obsession with AC Delco plugs here??? Seems like there is some history of bad junk happenin with Bosch, and as a result I know I won't get 'em..
Here's my $.02.. .My brother is a PHD Mechanical engineering student who also happened to intern for about a year with Autolight at which they'd buy and research other plugs and develop new methods of assembling them etc..they'd also do durability testing, heat testing, you name it testing .. the rankings after all tests were siad and done were #1 NGK platinum.#2 Autolight platinum... he said he wouldn't trust anything else.

[BlazerLT]

These plugs have the perfect resistence for our truck's ignition system.

Plus they are usually cheaper and can be purchased very cheaply off of ebay.

[nalgman]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Sorry bro, you have to remove and regap them.

They some pregapped to 0.060 which is the EXACT setting for your truck.

Your gap now is too small and it will affect your performance and fuel economy.

ok.. i have the same blazer with 4.3L. and i already have my blazer with the .045 gap. and the performance is very good. ok.. so.. are you sure about this 0.060 ???

thanks
Nalgman

[Officer Redneck]

Ok, I just changed my plugs and wires using y'all's method and all I got to say is that I would like to meet the guy who designed the engine compartments to these trucks and kick him square in the cookies!!!!

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by nalgman

ok.. i have the same blazer with 4.3L. and i already have my blazer with the .045 gap. and the performance is very good. ok.. so.. are you sure about this 0.060 ???

thanks
Nalgman

There are different gaps for different engines for different years.

On your 1990, I think it is supposed to be 0.045.

[Absolut Talent]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

1.) Platinum plugs are not required on 1995s and are not recommeded. Buy #1 Delco Rapidfires or Standard CR43TSM plugs both can be gapped at 0.045.

2.) 1997, use delco platinum or delco rapidfire #12 gapped at 0.060

ok....so 1995s, rapidfires are recommended
and on 1997, Platinums are recommended (with rapid fires as a secondary)

What about 1996? Can i use the Platinums on my 1996 or should I stick with the rapidfires like I put in there last tuneup?

[BlazerLT]

1996 is the same as 1997 rules.