V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

[dgohmann]

Hey-

I'm getting conflicting information between the owners manual that came with the boat and the shop manual. The owners manual lists the gap as .060, which is close to what i found my plugs at. The shop manual lists them at .045, which is what I've set them to now. Who's right?

Tried searching, but I have this feeling that the new forum software isn't as good as the old in terms of searching ability :/

Thanks,
Dan

 

[jastacey]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

What is the engine model #?, year?, brand?, what kind of spark system?

 

[dgohmann]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

What is the engine model #?, year?, brand?, what kind of spark system?

Sorry it was in the topic - it's a 2002 Volvo 4.3 GL-B carbed engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

I will be contacting Volvo Tech today and see if I can't find out which is correct.

 

[dgohmann]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

Have to bring this topic back, the boating season is upon us and an ignition system tune up is on my list of things to do.

Don, did you ever find out what the correct gap is? I think the conflict is between the different plugs on carbed vs. efi 4.3's?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[AssistNewport]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

I have a 2002 4.3GL-A (same eingine) and I've encountered the same issue.
After some research I feel the .060 gap is correct. I've been running this gap for over 1600 hours and the engine has performed flawless.

The ignition system (Delco EST) is the same as the EFI 4.3 & it runs a .060 gap.

Maybe the .045 gap is for the older ignition systems?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

Maybe the .045 gap is for the older ignition systems?

Could be. I'm looking in my service manual and it states .045 for every LK engine except the 5.7GL which is at .035...

Could the Delco EST ignition have changed that much in a few years?

 

[Don S]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

Sorry about not getting back to you on this Dan, I did email Volvo, but never did get a reply and forgot about it.
I just now posted on the Volvo dealers forum. We will see what happens.

 

[Don S]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

OK, we do have an answer to the question.
The reason for the different gaps is the manuals mention different spark plugs.
If you are using the Volvo plugs, the numbers are now new. But basically, if you use platinum tipped plugs, they get gapped at .060, if you use plugs with standard tips, they get gapped at .045
The service manual list the standard plug, but if you were to order the Volvo part numbers, they are superseded to the new platnum plugs with a .060 gap

 

[dgohmann]

Re: V/P 4.3GL-B Spark plug gap

Wow, never would have guessed that... A big thanks to you Don for the effort to get the information. I guess this also explains why the Volvo plugs cost so much.

Dan