I can't help but notice that a lot of DML'ers change old stock plugs for new
autolites and then report how it idled better, was more responsive etc. I know
that at least one person compared new to new and autolites still came out on top
in their mind (enough to convince me to run them). But I have to note that just
about any correctly gapped new plugs suitable for the engine are going to make a
nice difference over plugs with some mileage on them, at least for a while.
Apples and oranges. Try this for a test: when you take out your old plugs,
wire brush them shiny again, clean off all the deposits, re-gap them, and put
them back in. I bet you get a smoother idle, etc. assuming the old ones don't
have insulation, electrode, or internal damage. Shiny clean electrodes spark
much better.
Ryan Rodgers wrote:
>
> With the wife in LA for a seminar this week (We live in Ohio), I had some
> time yank the stock plugs out of my 4.7 (with 3250 miles). First, the stock
> plugs are supposed to be gapped at .040. Well, they were all btween .035
> and .038, with one at about .032. They weren't beat up too bad, but had a
> little of the discoloration that others here have noted. So, in went the
> trusty Autolites. Then a quick test drive to DQ for a shake to cool off.
> The truck idles notably smoother now. It used to bounce between 500 and
> 700rpm at lights. Now it just sits smoothly at about 550rpm. Also, since I
> put the Homebrew K&N this past weekend, I obviously had to test the new
> plugs for performance as well. Pulling out the DQ I roll to about 12mph (I
> don't want to light em up, too many cops around here). Then, I slam the gas
> to floor, the tires chirp and off I go to about 50, where the truck shifts
> to 3rd at about 5000rpm. Acceleration was nice and strong across the whole
> rpm range. Gotta love the performance a simple plug change can bring.
> Also, the best gas mileage I've ever had was 16.3, and I tried not to get on
> the gas too much with that tankful. We'll see with the new plugs, but with
> the stock plugs all gapped small, it's no wonder my mileage has not been as
> good as other 4.7 owners. Well, enough rambling for now.
> -RMR
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