4.3 GL Spark Plug Gap

[jmb23802]

Those of you with the 4.3GL in your boat that also do your own maintenance what gap have you set on your spark plugs?

I have an original 4.3GL in my 2003 Four Winns and while checking the gap in the plugs and doing some other spring maintenance I discovered the VP Operator's Manual that I have (version "09-2002") says to gap the plugs at .060 while the VP Workshop Manual (version "03-2004") says to gap the plugs at .045. Both books reference the same part number (3861632) for the spark plugs on the 4.3GL. What gives?

 

[ericga]

Go to www.volvopentastore.com
-> Genuine Volvo Penta Engine parts
Select your engine
-> Maintenance parts

You'll find the spark plug part number and gap. That information should be accurate.

 

[jmb23802]

Thanks for the info. According to the site referenced above the "red" engines (2001+) appear to require a .060 gap and the predecessor "charcoal" engines called for a .045 gap. Looks like the workshop manual I have, which appears to be a newer edition than the operator's manual, has not been updated with the new gap spec (makes you wonder what else was not updated also).

Wish I had figured that out before I gapped the plugs to .045. Oh well, practice makes perfect :bowl: