Spark plug for 34 aluminum head.

[Ricosan]

I have a 34 with the original aluminum heads. I have been using Champion D16s but they seem to foul after only a few hundred miles.

Anyone know what plugs are recommended for these heads?

Richard

[supereal]

It depends upon the type of fouling, oil or fuel. Oil fouling can usually be traced to leaking rings and/or valve guides. If it is a dry coating, check the carb for internal leakage such as warped gaskets, improper fuel level in the bowl, or a worn float needle or seat, Also check the float. A metal float can leak enough to admit internal fuel, and a plastic float can saturate and affect operation. Before looking for spark plugs, curing these possibilities is important.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by supereal

It depends upon the type of fouling, oil or fuel. Oil fouling can usually be traced to leaking rings and/or valve guides. If it is a dry coating, check the carb for internal leakage such as warped gaskets, improper fuel level in the bowl, or a worn float needle or seat, Also check the float. A metal float can leak enough to admit internal fuel, and a plastic float can saturate and affect operation. Before looking for spark plugs, curing these possibilities is important.

Agree. Besides, if the plugs are gas fouled from a too rich mixture (dry "fluffy" carbon deposits), your whole engine is suffering. Unburned excess fuel is washing the oil off the cylinder walls, leading to premature wear of the cylinders, rings and pistons. Plus, your oil is being diluted with raw gas which means the bearings are not getting proper lube. This thinned out oil leaks and burns faster, too.

[Ricosan]

Trying to post a photo of the plugs but was unable to. I’ll try again when I get back to my computer.

Yes, it’s a fluffy dry coating.

The carburetor is one of the British built Stromberg 97. I put it on about 3months ago.

Richard

[35fordtn]

Personally I like the Autolite 386's the best for the 1933-37 Fords. I had the same issues as you prior to swapping to Autolites.

[Brian]

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NGK A-6 are excellent plugs for these motors, but they have a bigger hex than your D16's

[Ricosan]

Thanks guys,

I just got back from the auto parts store. I was going to try the autolite but the store didn’t have autolite 386. I ended up with with NGK AB-6. I plan to install this afternoon.

Richard

[KiWinUS]

I use UD16s in my stock 36 engine. It runs great & plugs look amazing after 5000ml.

[Brian]

AB-6; I think the B stands for resistor, dunno if that'll make any difference?

[Ricosan]

I just got back from test drive with the new plugs. I wasn’t expecting it but I could actually feel a slight performance increase, especially in the higher PPMs. I’ll see how they look in 300 miles.

I had recommendations for Champion 7 which is also recommended in the Ford Service Bulletin for engines originally equipped with the aluminum heads but I can’t find any information on them. Autolite 386 was also Unavailable.