Spark plugs revisited
Thread Starter
Keepin' the lights on!
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,759
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From: BFE, NM
Spark plugs revisited
I'm looking for feedback from tuners and/or those in really cold climates about the use of 1 step colder plugs in cold weather.
I ran the NGK LTR 71x-11, gapped @ .032", from mid summer to late fall with very good luck. I was also running either the 5* 87 t/p or the SCT 87 tune. The truck had very good response and no fouling issues. Most of all, there was no missing (shudder I guess) when climbing a grade with light throttle. A few weeks ago I re-installed the OEM plugs, gapped @ .030", stock tune, because the truck needed to go to the dealer because of a leaking CAC. Since then this truck runs like crap. There is definitely a miss or hesitation when climbing hills from 45-70 mph.
Later this month I'm going to northern ND and MN. It's probably going to be really cold (sub-zero usually) up there.
So my question is, can I run the colder NGKs when it is that cold? I already have them and I plan on re-installing either the 5* or the SCT tune along with some 91 octane fuel.
I want to switch the plugs anyway because I feel there is something wrong with the OEM plugs. Maybe I cracked one, I don't know.
If not, I want to try some Autolites with the stock heat range.
I ran the NGK LTR 71x-11, gapped @ .032", from mid summer to late fall with very good luck. I was also running either the 5* 87 t/p or the SCT 87 tune. The truck had very good response and no fouling issues. Most of all, there was no missing (shudder I guess) when climbing a grade with light throttle. A few weeks ago I re-installed the OEM plugs, gapped @ .030", stock tune, because the truck needed to go to the dealer because of a leaking CAC. Since then this truck runs like crap. There is definitely a miss or hesitation when climbing hills from 45-70 mph.
Later this month I'm going to northern ND and MN. It's probably going to be really cold (sub-zero usually) up there.
So my question is, can I run the colder NGKs when it is that cold? I already have them and I plan on re-installing either the 5* or the SCT tune along with some 91 octane fuel.
I want to switch the plugs anyway because I feel there is something wrong with the OEM plugs. Maybe I cracked one, I don't know.
If not, I want to try some Autolites with the stock heat range.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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Snap some pics of the NGKs. I have them too but many that were using them have seen white powdery fouling. Have you seen that? I have a set of autolites ready to install but my truck is running fine with the ngks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 149
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Your OEMs gap is too wide. The NGK LTR6IX plugs are better plugs and the correct heat range, your plugs look healthy, stay with those. Ideally, set the gap between .030 and .032" and run mid-grade or better ethanol-blended fuels, Ultra94 if you can find it. Many people will tell you this will kill your mileage but this is misguided advice.
Thread Starter
Keepin' the lights on!
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 231
From: BFE, NM
Your OEMs gap is too wide. The NGK LTR6IX plugs are better plugs and the correct heat range, your plugs look healthy, stay with those. Ideally, set the gap between .030 and .032" and run mid-grade or better ethanol-blended fuels, Ultra94 if you can find it. Many people will tell you this will kill your mileage but this is misguided advice.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Logged on 989kms and used 128L of fuel avg 14.1 according to computer improvement from 15.5-16.0 outside temp was -20'C for that day on 87 octane fuel
I will try gapping down to .030 see what it does
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From: Madoc, Ontario