Changing spark plugs

[dpolen]

My 5.7L Vortec engine has just over 500 hours on it. How often are you supposed to change the plugs?
I bought the boat last year with 475 hours. I have no idea if the spark plugs were ever changed. I think this would be cheap way to buy a little peace of mind, but I have never changed plugs with the exception of those on my old SeaDoo...this is a little more complex of an engine than that guy was. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Doug

[erkoehler]

If you do change them, do it one at a time, and don't mess up the plug wires!

[BrianM]

I would go ahead and change them. It is a pretty simple task and will give you piece of mind. I would also go ahead and change the wires, cap and rotor while I am at it. That will fix you up for the next 2-3 seasons.

[east tx skier]

I do the plugs every spring and the wires, cap, rotor, and PCV valve about every 3 years or so.

[wesgardner]

When you change plugs (yearly) don't forget to gap them...

[east tx skier]

On the Ford, 0.035.

[Engine Nut]

My 5.7L Vortec engine has just over 500 hours on it. How often are you supposed to change the plugs?
I bought the boat last year with 475 hours. I have no idea if the spark plugs were ever changed. I think this would be cheap way to buy a little peace of mind, but I have never changed plugs with the exception of those on my old SeaDoo...this is a little more complex of an engine than that guy was. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Doug

Our maintenance chart says spark plugs every 300 hours or annually, whichever comes first. A Vortec 5.7 Indmar/MasterCraft engine takes AC MR43LTS plugs gapped at .045".

Engine Nut

[Doug G]

I do the plugs every spring and the wires, cap, rotor, and PCV valve about every 3 years or so.

Any reason why every year for the plugs? Do you put that many hours on?

[east tx skier]

Any reason why every year for the plugs? Do you put that many hours on?

No, I don't put that many hours on it. An engine tune up is listed as annual maintenance in my manual, but I think a full annual tune up given my roughly 40 hours per season, is overkill. However, the plugs are, as mentioned previously, cheap, and I can't imagine that sitting in the fogging oil over layup is all that great. So I change them each spring (AL 764 copper).

[dpolen]

Thanks guys! This is one of the reasons why I really like this forum.

[dpolen]

Our maintenance chart says spark plugs every 300 hours or annually, whichever comes first. A Vortec 5.7 Indmar/MasterCraft engine takes AC MR43LTS plugs gapped at .045".

Engine Nut

Dumb question...Can I pick these up at a local auto parts shop like NAPA?

[east tx skier]

Yes, you can.

[jraben8]

You should be able to though you might have to look around a bit. Not all auto parts stores carry marine plugs all of the time.

[east tx skier]

You should be able to though you might have to look around a bit. Not all auto parts stores carry marine plugs all of the time.

I didn't think those were marine specific?

[mpm32]

The only difference is that the marine plug bodies are made of stainless. The auto ones will work fine if your engine compartment is relatively dry.