Problems starting in cold weather.....

[bryanw1968]

Now that I have aluminum heads I have had problems starting my truck when it's cold(30's-40's cold for Texas). The only thing different that I changed that could have something to do with starting is spark plug gap. I normally ran about .035 gap but with these heads I've gone up to around .050 and it runs great. Does anyone have experience with aluminum heads and this issue? If so, what gap are you running? B.T.W. I'm running a full MSD setup with a 6AL and Blaster II coil.

Thanks!
B-dub

[piecesparts]

MSD recommends a .045 gap on the plugs connected to their 6AL units. I just comtacted them the other day when I did a tuneup on my truck and it has the 6AL in it, also.


Are you sure of the carb and choke settings, after your install? Is your timing set right? You didn't say what you are experiencing, now that you have the new heads on. Does it act like the choke is not setting itself, or once it is started, does it run to rich, to lean; please define?

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

MSD recommends a .045 gap on the plugs connected to their 6AL units. I just comtacted them the other day when I did a tuneup on my truck and it has the 6AL in it, also.


Are you sure of the carb and choke settings, after your install? Is your timing set right? You didn't say what you are experiencing, now that you have the new heads on. Does it act like the choke is not setting itself, or once it is started, does it run to rich, to lean; please define?

Got it figured out. I had my plugs WAY to gapped out. They were at .050 and I knocked them back down to around .040 and it fired right up. I've heard that with an MSD system you can get away with a larger gap. That is true. But it's a MF trying to start it like that in the cold. At least in my experience.
Also, My idle and throttel response seem crisper. It also feels slightly torquier. That part could be in my head