Flat head [L-head] engine question

[NutmegCT]

Stupid question of the day.

On a flat head, the plugs are vertical. When the engine is cold, condensation collects on the cold engine, which "puddles" in the recess where the plug is inserted.

How do you keep the plug from rusting - and prevent moisture build up in those recesses, especially if the engine isn't run daily?

Thanks.
Tom M.

 

[JPSmit]

1. I think motorcycles use some kind of larger "cap" to protect the plugs from moisture.

2. Send the vehicle to me and I will keep it in my garage nice and safe.

 

[TomMull]

I had a 1950 something John Deere track loader with a 2 cylinder flathead gas engine that was outside all of it's long life. It did have a hood which kept rain and snow from falling directly onto the engine. Other than that, it took whatever mother nature had to offer. I would blow the mouse poop and debris out of the spark plug wells before I pulled the plugs but never noticed any standing water or significant significant rust on or around the plugs. It was never a "daily driver", often run only a few time a year.
Tom

 

[waltesefalcon]

I'm with Tom, the amount of condensation you are likely to see will not be enough to cause much rust on the plugs or head.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks gents.

Some folks are born to worry. I am one of them!

Tom

 

[coldplugs]

Lots of engines from the early years (see Model T, Model A Fords etc) had vertical plugs with recesses and rust was not a major issue. Also, many DOHC engines (Alfas, Jags, Lotus twinks) had similar wells although they mostly had aluminum heads.

For me, this is only an issue when changing plugs. Good use for an air compressor, as Tom mentioned.