Spark plug question?

[DrEntropy]

In my humble opinion there is a difference between an intentionally mean comment and one meant in jest - sometimes I fear our society has become so hyper-sensitive that we sometimes look for things to be offended by.

No insult intended.

<span style="font-weight: bold">~I'm~ of Italian heritage</span>, fercryinoutloud!

GOOGLE th' term.

Hang out in <span style="font-style: italic">REAL</span> racing circles...

*sheesh*

 

[PeterK]

After using NGK, Champion, and Bosch Platinum Plus, the Bosch are the only plugs that run correctly in my 3A, Champions a close second, NGKs were horrible and fouled easily.

I have an old spark plug cleaner, the uses a fine media to blast plugs clean, also have seen the same type that attach to an air hose off your compressor at HF https://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=32860 . But I would worry about residual media getting stuck in plug and eventually falling into the combustion chamber.

Brake cleaner works best for me now as I usually have them out before the plugs need blasting.

 

[DrEntropy]

I've said before that it's amazing how radically different the experiences with the various plugs is... Bosch plats last FOREVER in my 1750 Alfa engine. I can pull 'em out still firing and they look like they've been in the bottom of a bucket of err.... they look AWFUL. But they STILL FIRE! If I put 'em in the B they foul before I can get me mit off'n th' KEY. Champs foul in the Alfa like that but the MG will run 'em with no problem for thousands of miles.

NGK's seem to burn well in either. Go figger.

I guess it all comes down to what works best in the particular application.

...oh, and cleaning plugs with wire brush is asking for "tracking" on the porcelain. Media blast and clean or do as Peter does and use brake/carb cleaner.


<span style="font-style: italic">Disclaimer: I hold NO animus toward German, Japanese or American manufacturers of sparkplugs.</span>

 

[Tinster]

I'm headin' to the Crypt to pull the NGK plugs and
re-gap them to .025, then install a fuel filter,
downgrade the timeing to 10* BTDC, adjust the carbs
idle and hopefully the Beast will make it around the
block without breaking down.

d

 

[DrEntropy]

as I said above, Dale: 0.025"~0.028" will be FINE.

 

[Tinster]

as I said above, Dale: 0.025"~0.028" will be FINE.

<span style="color: #000099">Thanks Doc,

Just to be safe, I pulled all plugs and set the gap at .025"

Tested the mechanical fuel pump again: 3.8 psi
Flow tested the pump at 20 oz per 30 seconds crank.

maybe today will be the charm.

d </span>

 

[DrEntropy]

...just keep these immortal words in mind:

"...we're go for throttle up..."

Make sure you've secured all th' lines you disconnected for the "tests". :wink:

 

[Tinster]

..."...we're go for throttle up..."

<span style="color: #990000">Houston, we have ignition....throttling up now...

Houston, we have lift off !!


( sound of crowds cheering in background) </span>

 

[LastDeadLast]

Dale,

If you're using a stock fuel pump that psi is way high. You should be getting around 1.5psi. That could probably be your issue.

-s

 

[Tinster]

Dale,

If you're using a stock fuel pump that psi is way high. You should be getting around 1.5psi. That could probably be your issue.

-s

<span style="color: #990000">Shannon!

I HAD a freshly refurbished stock, mechanical pump
that put out 1.6 psi and was informed that pressure
was way too low and my carbs were fuel starved??

I switched out pumps, installed new plugs, installed a
new condensor and backed the timing off to 10* BTDC.

The car felt great, ran smooth up to 3,500 rpm in third.
The engine did not fall apart over 1500 rpm like before.

Now, I'm even more confused.

d</span>

 

[RonMacPherson]

Cuz, do you have a Bentley manual. Check in that for fuel pressure requirements.

This is just from memory, and at my age that is a dangerous thing. Minimum pressure should be around 2 1/2. Max less than 4 psi....

Also, I recommend the NGK BP6ES's... The 4's work on Bosch, but somehow not in the 6's, in my experience...So NGK or Champion..

And it's kinda hard to find Lodge plugs anymore

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Dale,

If you're using a stock fuel pump that psi is way high. You should be getting around 1.5psi. That could probably be your issue.

-s

<span style="color: #990000">Shannon!

I HAD a freshly refurbished stock, mechanical pump
that put out 1.6 psi and was informed that pressure
was way too low and my carbs were fuel starved??

I switched out pumps, installed new plugs, installed a
new condensor and backed the timing off to 10* BTDC.

The car felt great, ran smooth up to 3,500 rpm in third.
The engine did not fall apart over 1500 rpm like before.

Now, I'm even more confused.

d</span>

Stay the course, Dale! Full speed ahead! :hammer:

 

[Tinster]

Cuz, do you have a Bentley manual. Check in that for fuel pressure requirements.

This is just from memory, and at my age that is a dangerous thing. Minimum pressure should be around 2 1/2. Max less than 4 psi....

Also, I recommend the NGK BP6ES's... The 4's work on Bosch, but somehow not in the 6's, in my experience...So NGK or Champion..

And it's kinda hard to find Lodge plugs anymore

<span style="color: #990000">Well Primo-

I got yer six NGK PB6ES, gapped at .025", installed.

Could NOT find the mechanical pump psi in Bentley
(but I'll betcha Brosky knows it to the 1/00th psi.)

With everything back in place and tightened down,
car warm at 800 rpm; my manifold was sucking 20" of Hg

I am almost tempted to street this Beast but I have a nagging
feeling I missed something important and I will breakdown far
from home.

nos vemos!! :thumbsup:</span>

 

[Silverghost]

Hey Dale.....here's a solution! Place your car out in the driveway. Put a 72 inch plasma TV in front. Put on one of those videos that come with a Nordic Track. Jack up your car and put it on 4 sturdy jack stands. Then get in your car and take it for a virtual drive....! If you do "break down" you won't have to do much to get home! :laugh:

I said that in fun and with the spirit of BCF in mind, but might there be a kernel of reality there? Would there be any harm in doing something like that?

 

[DrEntropy]

I am almost tempted to street this Beast but I have a nagging feeling I missed something important and I will breakdown far from home.

BAH! That's what cell 'phones and AAA cards are for! Drive on!!!

 

[Brosky]

Soooooo, Dale.

What is the progress as of today?

 

[Tinster]

Soooooo, Dale.

<span style="color: #990000">What is the progress as of today?

Status unchanged - not streetable until
fuel pump required psi pressure is determined.

BCF Members disagree upon what is min/max psi

d </span>

 

[LastDeadLast]

I remember reading in my Haynes manual the acceptable range is 1.5 - 2.5psi.

 

[Tomster]

Go'n Drive'r McIvor!!!

 

[DrEntropy]

yup.