The R45TS spark plugs in my HEI small block from a 78 Camaro is a .035
gapped plug. That is the most common small block spark plug. I have seen
some applications gapped at .060 and a few at .045 but .035 would be normal.
Use a vacuum gage to set your fuel mixture settings with a goal of adjusting
the mix to get the highest vacuum setting, around 18 to 20.
Andy 56 3200
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Bill Bailey
Sent: Monday, July 19, 1999 6:16 AM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] HEI Spark Gap Question
I went to change the plugs in my truck this weekend and noticed something
that surprised me. The engine is a small block (350) that has a factory
HEI distributor on it. I do not know what it came from as it was in the
truck when I bought it.
When I took the first plug out I noticed that it was gapped at 0.035" which
seems small to me. With HEI I would have expected around 0.060". I am
wondering if the engine originally had breaker points and some PO changed
to HEI and didn't re-gap the plugs. What would be the result of a gap
that is too small? The electrodes have some wear and dry muck on them that
I would associate with mileage. The engine runs good except every now and
then it sounds like a cylinder might not fire completely, a hiccup kind of
thing. That is what prompted me to change the plugs. I've always had
trouble with the exhaust smelling too rich no matter how much I adjusted
the mix. Could a small gap cause this?(thinking the spark might not be
burning off all the fuel)
I'd appreciate any enlightenment that anyone could give me
Bill Bailey
57 Chevy 3100
http://members.tripod.com/~oltruck
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oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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