I have a 1995 Dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.2 Litre. I have owned for about 2 years. I went to change the plugs and the parts store gave me Champion RC12YC with a .035 gap. T ones in the truck are a Champion (black) 4071 with a .049 gap. Why is this and which one should I use?

 

RC12YC. Check for the sticker under the hood for proper setting of the gap, or download a copy of the Field Service Manual (FSM) from the DIY stickies. Spark plugs do not come pre-gapped.

 

I'm pretty sure the spark plug gap spec is .035. The gap on your old plugs can only be explained by either wear or the gap was incorrect from the start. Typically, spark plug gap should be checked and set when the plug is being installed, as a given spark plug can be used for more than one application and its gap may be different for the motor its used in.

 

If you look at the top of the page there is a link to FAQ's, DIY & How To's and under that is a thread for spark plugs.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ark-plugs.html

Also if you try a search you'll come up with tons of info. The search feature works great on here.

 

I always gap to .04

I'm running ngk v power right now but I like champions also

 

With a stock engine, definitely stick with the stock Champions, or at least a copper core equivalent. I prefer the Champions for our engines.

And yes, always check the gap even on new plugs.

 

I'm running Autolite Platinum plugs in my 5.9 motor. They are tough plugs and have performed very well for me.

 

Autolite (but they never do)...


Black Champions are Champion Truck Plugs. Only plug I've ever broken while installing.

Stick with the OE, they work really well and aren't stupidly expensive.

Always check the gap - many come already gapped at the spec you need, but you never know if they were dropped.

 

A guy I once knew years ago used to work part time for O'Reillys. We were doing some work on my car and when I started setting the gap on each spark plug he asked why I was doing it and insisted they come pre-gapped. I told him that was impossible, because there are literally hundred of applications for a specific plug and that there's no way they come pre-gapped, let alone what happens when they're shipped. He insisted I was wrong until, a few weeks later, when he installed new plugs in his truck and discovered all 8 spark plugs had to have the gap adjusted. Later, when a representative from a spark plug manufacturer came to the store to train the employees on the product he asked if spark plugs came pre-gapped. The rep gave him the same answer I did -- It's impossible to pre-gap the plugs because of the myriad of applications, and then there's the chance the box(es) could be dropped during transport.

It is merely coincidence if the gap of a spark plug matches the gap specifications of the engine right out of the box.

 

The reason all "chain" automotive parts stores scare the living **** out of me!