The Ford Barn

CatMan1 · 08-08-2024, 07:05 AM

I've had this before and I know I read something about it somewhere, but can't recall. On my '28 spark plug #1 was so badly fouled last night that the gap was nearly closed with carbon! I seem to recall that this is an issue with the front cylinder. True? Anyone else have this? All the others looked fine. A little black (running rich) but fine and all three the same.

Will N · 08-08-2024, 09:51 AM

My plugs accumulate carbon evenly. Maybe you're burning some oil in #1?

CatMan1 · 08-08-2024, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will N

My plugs accumulate carbon evenly. Maybe you're burning some oil in #1?

That must be right. I don't really see blue smoke so it must be a slight case of it. I'll have to do another compression check someday. I know that any time I have the car out I try to get in a little bit of highway driving (45mph for a few minutes) to make sure it gets warmed up. Maybe I'm also running it a bit rich?

nkaminar · 08-09-2024, 07:05 AM

You could try running a hotter plug in #1. Search on the A Forum for "spark plug heat range"

Bob Bidonde · 08-09-2024, 07:25 AM

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It is not a common issue with Model "A" & "B" engines. My guess is you have an extraordinary amount of oil getting into the cylinder with fouled spark plug. I would rule out too much fuel because as you say, the problem is only in one cylinder.
Do a compression test on the fouled cylinder and compare the pressure to the adjoining cylinders. Sources of excessive oil are worn valve guides, worn valve stems, leaking intake valve, worn and or broken piston rings, defective spark plug, scored cylinder wall and a damaged piston. Good luck!

08-08-2024, 09:51 AM	#2
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,251	Re: Cylinder #1 My plugs accumulate carbon evenly. Maybe you're burning some oil in #1?

08-09-2024, 07:05 AM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,873	Re: Cylinder #1 You could try running a hotter plug in #1. Search on the A Forum for "spark plug heat range" __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

08-09-2024, 07:25 AM	#5
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,113	Re: Cylinder #1 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It is not a common issue with Model "A" & "B" engines. My guess is you have an extraordinary amount of oil getting into the cylinder with fouled spark plug. I would rule out too much fuel because as you say, the problem is only in one cylinder. Do a compression test on the fouled cylinder and compare the pressure to the adjoining cylinders. Sources of excessive oil are worn valve guides, worn valve stems, leaking intake valve, worn and or broken piston rings, defective spark plug, scored cylinder wall and a damaged piston. Good luck! __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-08-2024, 07:05 AM	#1
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 408	Cylinder #1 I've had this before and I know I read something about it somewhere, but can't recall. On my '28 spark plug #1 was so badly fouled last night that the gap was nearly closed with carbon! I seem to recall that this is an issue with the front cylinder. True? Anyone else have this? All the others looked fine. A little black (running rich) but fine and all three the same.