PCM re-programing
#21
Starting Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Kansas
Posts: 185

I'm glad I could pass that on.
#22
Beginning Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida's Big Bend
Posts: 26

That has always been my go-to brand, but I am here to learn, after all.
I just bought a 5+ qt. jug of Pennzoil to change the oil after the lower intake
gasket and injector spider is replaced, but I could use it in my old Ranger instead.
What is a good oil to use in the 4.3?
#23
I drive civilized in my 1998 4X4 with 205K miles, and consistently get 20+ mpg using 87 octane (10% ethanol). This is what works for me:
AC Delco cap & rotor with a dab of silicone dielectric grease on each terminal inside and out, (you can't get a better performing cap & rotor for this engine at any price, fact not opinion). Autolite Professional Series wires, (better specs and 1/3 the price of AC Delco wires). AC Delco double platinum plugs #41-993 with a .060 gap, (That's what the engine was designed for). Mobil 1 full syn 5W30 and a Purolator pureone filter or Wix top of the line, (doesn't get any better). Tweak fuel pressure to 63psi and make sure leakdown is within specs. Upgrade to the new design injector assembly. Make sure the SES light is off. Replace, (upstream) oxygen sensors with 100K miles or more on them (the faster they switch, the faster the PCM can adjust fuel mixture). Make sure camshaft retard is set to zero degrees. Tire pressure at 90% of maximum recommended inflation on the tire, ie if it says max 44psi, run 40psi. Get a good wheel alignment at a front end speciality shop, (minimum twice a year). Make sure the 4WD actuator is disengaged in 2WD.
#24
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Kansas
Posts: 185

took the blazer out and had it on the highway today, I think the thermostat is stuck open or something temp gauge only showed 155 or about half way between 100 to 210.
also ordered my cap & rotor and wires today too. I will get the plugs locally later this weeks along with a thermostat.
also ordered my cap & rotor and wires today too. I will get the plugs locally later this weeks along with a thermostat.
Last edited by dano440; 03-24-2012 at 07:50 PM.
#25
Yup, should be ~200F, that will help fuel mileage.
#26
BF Veteran
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SW Central OH
Posts: 2,253


OK, so Pennzoil is not good?
That has always been my go-to brand, but I am here to learn, after all.
I just bought a 5+ qt. jug of Pennzoil to change the oil after the lower intake
gasket and injector spider is replaced, but I could use it in my old Ranger instead.
What is a good oil to use in the 4.3?
That has always been my go-to brand, but I am here to learn, after all.
I just bought a 5+ qt. jug of Pennzoil to change the oil after the lower intake
gasket and injector spider is replaced, but I could use it in my old Ranger instead.
What is a good oil to use in the 4.3?
I am far from **** about oil changes.. mainly because I do a lot of distance driving where I dont worry about short trip condensation buildup. I change oil about twice a year in my car, plan three for the Bravada. But if I dont get around to it, I aint gonna worry either.
As long as you do one or two long runs a week, 30 mins or more, street, not dirt conditions, dont worry about going 8000 miles on Mobil1.
Use your head. If you live in PacNw where humidity is high, it's different.
If oyu want to change it more often, then take it out of the Blazer and put it in the Ranger. I know that seems dumb but it will probably be better overall than the plowhorse gets now.
Best price I find for M1 is at Walmart for the 5 qt jug.
Autolite Professional Series wires, (better specs and 1/3 the price of AC Delco wires)
I strongly concur with everything else Cap'n Hook said. Puro and Wix filters are the ones that the TBird and Mustang builders go with, and several have done tear down evals to confirm.
The dist cap for these is a little tricky and no one knows better than AC Delco about that.
Last edited by pettyfog; 03-25-2012 at 07:54 AM.
#27
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Kansas
Posts: 185

where do you find your Puro and Wix filters at? I always heard good things about Wix filters, I have never used a Puro filters.
Pretty Fog, what about spark plugs (A/C brand) rapid fire or platinum or other????
plug AC o2 sensors or other??? I assume you will answer AC on the o2 sensor but thought I would ask?
Pretty Fog, what about spark plugs (A/C brand) rapid fire or platinum or other????
plug AC o2 sensors or other??? I assume you will answer AC on the o2 sensor but thought I would ask?
Last edited by swartlkk; 03-28-2012 at 05:51 PM. Reason: *Combining Consecutive Posts* - Please use the edit function to add additional information in your post if another member has yet to respond and wait for a response. Rules are rules.
#28
BF Veteran
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SW Central OH
Posts: 2,253


Purolator Plus
Lol.... I told you.. C Hook wont fool ya.
All I know is concensus on what not to use. Bosch plats.
Not just because people say on here, because they dont work well in Fords, either. Personal experience and concensus Mustang and Tbird groups
Lol.... I told you.. C Hook wont fool ya.
All I know is concensus on what not to use. Bosch plats.
Not just because people say on here, because they dont work well in Fords, either. Personal experience and concensus Mustang and Tbird groups
Last edited by pettyfog; 03-25-2012 at 07:45 AM.
#29
Bosch: got a Benz, or a VW? They're all German and Bosch works great in both of them. Got a Ford? Use Autolite or Motorcraft. Got a GM? Use AC Delco. Got a lawnmower? Use Champion.
#30
Starting Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Kansas
Posts: 185

do these 4.3's use a gasket (paper) on the thermostat or just a rubber seal? also Murry or Stant?
195 degree??? or hotter
195 degree??? or hotter





