The Ford Barn

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 12:44 PM

Hi all...i have a 8ba flathead and i'm frustrated cause my spark plugs don't work more than 100miles +-....!!!i have changed all wires and i put a pertronix kit and new coil from bubba.....but the problem is not solved...for some time engine runs good and than starts to crakle and runs rought....can you suggest me some of the causes?thanks a lot!

Mart · 07-01-2014, 12:50 PM

What are the plugs like when you take them out? Is the motor running over-rich? (too much fuel?)

Mart.

Ed Pitts · 07-01-2014, 01:01 PM

What brand of plugs and heat range are you using?
Ed

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mart

What are the plugs like when you take them out? Is the motor running over-rich? (too much fuel?)

Mart.

plugs are black with residual of combustion....that's a problem that i have before i put the pertronix kit ,new coil and wires......hey that's a car i buy from a guy in uk some years ago.....is name is Simeon Roberts.......by the way.....when i start the engine i have Always a little popping or crakling.....after some km i notate that the issue became insistent....engine was stock with a 97 now has a navarro intake with 97s ....i buy the new one in uk......

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 01:08 PM

plugs are ngk b6l....Ed....distr is a mallory with mechanical advance....i read somewhere that this mallory are not well tuned for the flathead....i don't have a kit to register the internal advance....

JSeery · 07-01-2014, 01:09 PM

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If plugs are black it is to rich (fuel mixture) or the plugs are to cold (heat range).

junk yard kid · 07-01-2014, 01:12 PM

are you running those little four inch paper air filters? They dont work for long and maybe thats the problem. Maybe try a different brand of plugs.

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junk yard kid

are you running those little four inch paper air filters? They dont work for long and maybe thats the problem. Maybe try a different brand of plugs.

i have scoops with screen in the 97s...that's the kit from speedway..

felix37 · 07-01-2014, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junk yard kid

are you running those little four inch paper air filters? They dont work for long and maybe thats the problem. Maybe try a different brand of plugs.

I had that same problem once. there was a bunch of those china filters that would not breathe. I kept fowling plugs and finally realized that my breather was the problem. switched to K&N element and have not had the problem since.

42merc · 07-01-2014, 02:37 PM

The filter screens are the root of the problem.
I just went through this same thing on a friends '32 with 2 strombergs. sooty plugs & ran like it had a bad fuel pump. After much fussing, finally took away the screens & it ran like it's supposed to.

Ronnieroadster · 07-01-2014, 02:50 PM

If the screen removal did not help try NGK spark plugs if your not already using them. NGK offers two heat ranges for the flathead the plug numbers are B-4 and B-6 the B-4 plug is the hotter plug. If your using champion H-10 plugs I gave up on them years ago their made in mexico and and in my opion are junk.
Autolit also offers a plug for the flathead part number 216 its much better than champion but not as good as NKG plugs.

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnieroadster

If the screen removal did not help try NGK spark plugs if your not already using them. NGK offers two heat ranges for the flathead the plug numbers are B-4 and B-6 the B-4 plug is the hotter plug. If your using champion H-10 plugs I gave up on them years ago their made in mexico and and in my opion are junk.
Autolit also offers a plug for the flathead part number 216 its much better than champion but not as good as NKG plugs.

Ronnie just now i buy a set of 10 NGK B-4L plugs....i choice them since till now i'm using the B-6L that are more cold....thanks for the support!

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42merc

The filter screens are the root of the problem.
I just went through this same thing on a friends '32 with 2 strombergs. sooty plugs & ran like it had a bad fuel pump. After much fussing, finally took away the screens & it ran like it's supposed to.

42MERC....your friend took away the screens...but what use him for air filter?only the scoops without protection for carbs?thanks for the interest..!

JSeery · 07-01-2014, 03:32 PM

Let us know how the hotter plugs work. Also interested in the screens issue as I have that setup on an engine I am currently getting ready to run.

AnthonyG · 07-01-2014, 03:47 PM

What kind of carb / carb's ?

V8COOPMAN · 07-01-2014, 03:50 PM

[QUOTE=rodderbilly;903180....... now has a navarro intake with 97s ....![/QUOTE]

As he said above. DD

rodderbilly · 07-01-2014, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

What kind of carb / carb's ?

carbs are 97s big logo on a navarro racing intake.....one is new made in uk....

Mart · 07-01-2014, 04:01 PM

I've only ever messed with 94's but some things are universal.

Over rich could be caused by:
Fuel pressure too high.
Needle valve not sealing (debris on seat)
Punctured or damaged float
Fuel level set too high.
Main jets too big.
Damaged power valve (94 only)
Filter clogged.

Mart.

19Fordy · 07-01-2014, 07:42 PM

rodderbilly, Take a good close up photo of each plug tip and post it, if possible. thanks.

Terry,OH · 07-01-2014, 09:18 PM

It does sound as if your running too rich. Do you know the size of the jets and the power valves in the two 97'S??? Does the engine use oil?? You may want to contact Uncle Max for his suggestion on jet size, he was spot on for my 2-97's Send him an email or personal message here on the ford barn.

07-01-2014, 12:44 PM	#1
rodderbilly Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: italy Posts: 38	changing plugs every 100 miles!! Hi all...i have a 8ba flathead and i'm frustrated cause my spark plugs don't work more than 100miles +-....!!!i have changed all wires and i put a pertronix kit and new coil from bubba.....but the problem is not solved...for some time engine runs good and than starts to crakle and runs rought....can you suggest me some of the causes?thanks a lot!

07-01-2014, 12:50 PM	#2
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,088	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! What are the plugs like when you take them out? Is the motor running over-rich? (too much fuel?) Mart.

07-01-2014, 01:01 PM	#3
Ed Pitts Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 598	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! What brand of plugs and heat range are you using? Ed

07-01-2014, 01:08 PM	#5
rodderbilly Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: italy Posts: 38	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! plugs are ngk b6l....Ed....distr is a mallory with mechanical advance....i read somewhere that this mallory are not well tuned for the flathead....i don't have a kit to register the internal advance.... Last edited by rodderbilly; 07-01-2014 at 01:14 PM.

07-01-2014, 01:09 PM	#6
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If plugs are black it is to rich (fuel mixture) or the plugs are to cold (heat range).

07-01-2014, 01:12 PM	#7
junk yard kid Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: san diego Posts: 114	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! are you running those little four inch paper air filters? They dont work for long and maybe thats the problem. Maybe try a different brand of plugs.

07-01-2014, 02:37 PM	#10
42merc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Buchanan, MI Posts: 697	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! The filter screens are the root of the problem. I just went through this same thing on a friends '32 with 2 strombergs. sooty plugs & ran like it had a bad fuel pump. After much fussing, finally took away the screens & it ran like it's supposed to.

07-01-2014, 02:50 PM	#11
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,697	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! If the screen removal did not help try NGK spark plugs if your not already using them. NGK offers two heat ranges for the flathead the plug numbers are B-4 and B-6 the B-4 plug is the hotter plug. If your using champion H-10 plugs I gave up on them years ago their made in mexico and and in my opion are junk. Autolit also offers a plug for the flathead part number 216 its much better than champion but not as good as NKG plugs.

07-01-2014, 03:32 PM	#14
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! Let us know how the hotter plugs work. Also interested in the screens issue as I have that setup on an engine I am currently getting ready to run.

07-01-2014, 03:47 PM	#15
AnthonyG Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Pa. Posts: 2,217	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! What kind of carb / carb's ? __________________ Nomad

07-01-2014, 03:50 PM	#16
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,184	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! [QUOTE=rodderbilly;903180....... now has a navarro intake with 97s ....![/QUOTE] As he said above. DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

07-01-2014, 04:01 PM	#18
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,088	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! I've only ever messed with 94's but some things are universal. Over rich could be caused by: Fuel pressure too high. Needle valve not sealing (debris on seat) Punctured or damaged float Fuel level set too high. Main jets too big. Damaged power valve (94 only) Filter clogged. Mart.

07-01-2014, 07:42 PM	#19
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,606	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! rodderbilly, Take a good close up photo of each plug tip and post it, if possible. thanks.

07-01-2014, 09:18 PM	#20
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,188	Re: changing plugs every 100 miles!! It does sound as if your running too rich. Do you know the size of the jets and the power valves in the two 97'S??? Does the engine use oil?? You may want to contact Uncle Max for his suggestion on jet size, he was spot on for my 2-97's Send him an email or personal message here on the ford barn.