The correct gap range, according to the sticker under the hood of the truck, for a 1990 Ford F-150 5.0 is .042-.046.
Right you are. Joel Mitchell was going by AutoZone's database or by the data found in parts look-up books such as the one found in Walmart's Automotive section, which list the gap as .054. I tried setting the gap on my 1990 F-150's 5.0 liter engine, and all but two of the plugs fouled within two weeks. I changed plugs and set them at .044, and they ran fine, and there was no fouling. On my vehicle the sticker under the hood is missing. I did find a photo of the sticker online, though; and you're correct.
Thanks, middleagedro, for your post.
My experience is that the truck runs best at .044. These rigs tend to spark hot anyway.
And, incidentally, I own a 1991 F-150 302 EFI, but the 1990 should be the same.
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It should be .054 however You should always use the sticker under the hood of your vehicle. If for some reason your says .052-.056, then that is what you use. The stickers on the truck will have the most specific info for that truck of anything. I need the year to be more sure, also when you buy the plugs, the parts store can tell you the exact gap.
I realize that this reply comes almost three years after the fact, but for future reference, the spark plug gap for the 302 (5.0 liter) V8 engine in Ford F150 pickups, according to Haynes Repair Manual for 1980-1994 Ford Pick-ups and Bronco, is .044. Gapping the plugs to .054, as Joshua stated, could result in unstable behavior and premature fouling.
You're correct, but AutoZone's data base and the look-up book at DIY places like Walmart list the correct gap as being .054. I tried the .054 setting, and after a week or so, all but two of the plugs fouled. I changed plugs and gapped them at .044 (midway between .042 and .046), and they ran great, with no fouling. The data that AutoZone is wrong. If the sticker is missing from the truck, then the owner is given wrong info at AutoZone and the part look-up book at DIY outlets. Haynes Ford Pick-ups & Bronco 1980-1996 repair manual lists the gap for all engines as .044.
yes they will not change it
hopefully you have the owner book that comes with your truck as I do for my 1984 ford f150 4x4 302 v8 it clearly states .044 and I also only use Fordmotorcraft plugs ASF42 either the c for copper of p for platinum I prefer ASF42C.
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SPARK PLUG GAP
1990 Ford Truck F150 1/2 ton P/U 2WD 5.0L FI 8cyl
The Spark Plug Gap
.054 (In thousandths of an inch)
Caution! Gap is not adjustable on certain plug brands
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