Plugs and wires for 4.3L

[GMTK]

2004 4.3L gxi-e with 198 hours. Engine has started to run a little rough so I’m going to replace the plugs. I’ve owned the boat since 2015 and have not replaced the plugs. Water/fuel separator, oil, impeller all changed annually.

I found an old thread here that said to use AC Delco or NGK. ACD part is 12568387 Volvo part 21513423 (6 pack). I can’t seem to find the ACD plugs for under $10 each. Looking for thoughts or recommendations on this.

Also, should I replace the wires as well? Volvo part 3888327.

Any tips or tricks to replacing these or is it all straight forward?

 

[alldodge]

The reason for the high priced plugs is so they do not need to be replaced so often, otherwise just use the cheaper non-iridium type.

I have a 1995 which has only had plugs replaced once (changing had no effect) and it still runs fine. Wires have never been changed and cap and rotor twice. Plugs were Champion copper core

If your not running right I would look at the carb before anything else

 

[GMTK]

I’m probably wrong but I thought my engine had electronic fuel injection. But I’m not sure.

 

[89retta]

The GXI is fuel injected no carb. Ive got the same engine. Also if its running rough change the distributor cap first. Chances are that's all it needs. Those caps are known to go bad. Had the same issue with ours , new cap and all good. What make boat do you have ?

 

[GMTK]

2004 Hurricane SD187. Been a great boat, perfect for my young kids. Owned it 5 years. Our lake has been closed for a few months bc of covid so I took the boat out on Memorial day and then it sat all summer. First trip since then was this past weekend. I don't have any repair records pre-2015 and I've been doing the upkeep and work since then.

How hard is it to replace the distributor cap?

 

[alldodge]

Pretty easy.
Remove screws holding cap, remove wire off old and place on new one at a time.
Remove screws holding rotor, replace rotor

 

[GMTK]

Found an old thread where they talk about having to hammer and chisel it off?????

Should I go ahead and to the plugs and wires while I'm in there for preventative measure? I have no clue if they have ever been changed or are original.

 

[alldodge]

Found an old thread where they talk about having to hammer and chisel it off?????

Haven't heard that before on a cap, but who knows

Should I go ahead and to the plugs and wires while I'm in there for preventative measure? I have no clue if they have ever been changed or are original.

I wouldn't unless I'm seeing an issue but others would, its up to you

 

[89retta]

I've had our boat for about 5 years also. Never changed plugs or wires just the distributor cap. Easy 10 min job .

 

[GMTK]

Thanks to all. Going to go ahead and order the cap and plugs and wires just in case. Can't hurt to have them ready in case I need them.

 

[89retta]

That's true. What prop are you running and how's your performance?

 

[GMTK]

Volvo aluminum 14.5 x 9, 3 blade. Also have nautilus trim tabs installed and those help me get on plane quickly. Boat is stupid heavy. Top speed with 4 ppl and all our crap is about 38 mph on GPS. I would love more top end speed but not sure I can get it.

 

[89retta]

Our Caravelle weighs about 3000 pounds and plus add gear , people. I'm running an enertia 20 pitch which gets 47mph. What are your wot rpms ?

 

[Greg Gelber]

I just changed the plugs and distributor cap in my 02 Stingray 190LS with Volvo Penta 3.0L. I was told to replace the wires just so that it's all-new but can I get away with AC-Delco wires (or similar) from an AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts or do they have to be specific for marine use?

 

[alldodge]

I just changed the plugs and distributor cap in my 02 Stingray 190LS with Volvo Penta 3.0L. I was told to replace the wires just so that it's all-new but can I get away with AC-Delco wires (or similar) from an AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts or do they have to be specific for marine use?

Greg, its not good to hyjack anothers thread, the way to go is start your own. We will be here to help

 

[GMTK]

our caravelle weighs about 3000 pounds and plus add gear , people. I'm running an enertia 20 pitch which gets 47mph. What are your wot rpms ?

4400-4800 wot

 

[89retta]

Your in the right rpm range. Have you tried a 4 blade 17 pitch ?

 

[GMTK]

No I haven't. And my boat is kept at a lake 3 hours from a major city, so I would have to find someone who lets me tests props and bring them back. Will the 4 blade give me more top end speed?