What spark plug gap?

[rbradley]

stated changing the plugs in the boat today and thought to myself...hmm I wonder what the gap on these plugs is supposed to be... motor is a merc 888, 1975 ford 302. if I look up a 75 ford 302 it suggests a .044, should I just go with that?

I also updated to electronic ignition with a 45k volt coil, has anyone opened that gap up a bit after a conversion? seems like it could handle a bit bigger gap now.

[Priority1]

Normally a points ignition system run a plug gap around the .030 +-. With electronic ignition the gap can be increased. The reason for a smaller spark plug gap with a points system is to protect the points. Too much plug gap will burn the points and decrease the points life. Go with .040 - .045 and see how it runs. Most always the specs will require a larger gap on electronic ignition systems.