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Old 09-03-2013, 07:58 PM   #1
banjoQ
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Default 8BA sparkplug verification

I spent some time and went through a forum search. Could not find any info specific to the 8BA. I have a 50' 8BA that has Autolite AL-7s' installed in it. These have been it the motor since the fifties. Currently these are burning a bit black, but they were like that from the day I dragged it out of the shed. Getting caught up on things to do to the truck and now it's time to treat the ol' boy to fresh plugs. Would not be surprised if these are not the correct plug. Autolite no longer uses the AL-7 descriptor. Will Autolite 216s' or Champion D21s' do the job for the 8BA? This seems to be the choice for earlier flatheads.
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Old 09-03-2013, 08:21 PM   #2
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

This will help if your engine is completely stock. However, you will have to cross reference the Champion H 10 spark plug. You will get plenty of answers that vary. Keep in mind all the engines may not be as stock as yours and may have aluminum heads which may require a longer 'reach" sparkplug, etc.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...53_239-255.htm

NGK BL 6 is a good start according to this.
http://www.sparkplugcrossreference.c...0-h10-h10.html

Plus, Here's a site you should "save".
http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

Last edited by 19Fordy; 09-03-2013 at 08:33 PM.
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Old 09-03-2013, 08:22 PM   #3
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Oh Boy,

This is like asking if you like blondes, brunettes, or redheads. I like Champion H-12's @ .030 gap
John

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Old 09-03-2013, 10:02 PM   #4
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Ngk b6l.
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Old 09-03-2013, 10:26 PM   #5
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Just put in a set of Autolite 216's. They work great.
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Old 09-04-2013, 06:13 AM   #6
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by oldford2 View Post
Oh Boy,

This is like asking if you like blondes, brunettes, or redheads. I like Champion H-12's @ .030 gap
John

John,

I like blondes, brunettes & redheads but I wouldn't put Champion spark plugs in a lawnmower... Autolite 216's and Autolite 437's (for aluminum after-market heads) are what I run.
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Old 09-04-2013, 11:00 AM   #7
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Thanks guys, for the information. Really found the link "Fordy" gave interesting. Addresses many of the most often asked questions. That's a keeper. The Champion H-10s' and H-12s' are hotter plugs, correct? Is there an advantage to this. My 8BA is in a truck and gets driven frequently. Short hops of ten to twenty mi. are about right for where I live. Maybe a hotter plug is what I need, weather it is a Autolite, Champion, or NGK. Then again, maybe Autolite 216s' are all I need. Beginning to think sparkplugs are like banjo strings. Every picker has his favorites and reasons for it. Nickel or bronze wound, medium or heavy gauge.I know I can't be talked off my brand. Thanks again-Q
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Old 09-04-2013, 11:20 AM   #8
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

The good thing about NGK is that that have "rolled threads." The general feeling bandied about these days is that Champions are not the same high quality they were "back in the day." Be sure and put a "dab" of anti-seize compound on spark plug threads and never install or remove them when engine is HOT. Also, don't over tighten and use a spark plug socket.
More info:
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...rk+plug+torque

Last edited by 19Fordy; 09-05-2013 at 08:49 AM.
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Old 09-04-2013, 11:30 AM   #9
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Spark plugs are cheap enough for you to perform some test of your own. Install a set and use the truck in your normal driving for say two months (or sooner) pull the plugs and see how they look. Install another set of a different brand and do the same thing... When finished, you'll be able to compare the plugs to see how they held up. You should also monitor the gas consumption variance (if any) between the different plugs. Wow... now I'm sounding too technical for my own good... I usually just fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to Flatheads... By the way, I’m a big Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs fan…
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Old 09-04-2013, 11:44 AM   #10
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

AL 216 work the best for my 8BA's
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Old 09-04-2013, 12:21 PM   #11
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
[COLOR="DeepSkyBlue"]The good thing about NGK is that that have "rolled threads." The general feeling bandied about these days is that Champions are not the same high quality they were "back in the day." ..
I don't know of any spark plugs (or bolts, screws, etc) that don't have rolled threads. Champion, Bosch, Autolite, all claim rolled threads on their websites. The real bottom line is rolled threads are cheaper! A machine can roll probably 30 or 40 a minute.

See interesting "How its made" video, at 2:50 they show the rolling process.
http://youtu.be/86wqjQbOw0w
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Old 09-04-2013, 01:05 PM   #12
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

I've run different Champions, and Autolites as well as the NGKb6l. The NGKs win hands down for me. Never had a bad one in many thousands of touring miles.
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Old 09-11-2013, 10:01 PM   #13
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Just an update for those that weighed in on my question. As stated in an earlier post, my 8BA had Autolite AL-7s' in it. Probably from the fifties. Armed with the info given by you all, I was able to find a set of Champion H-12s'. Gapped and installed them. I know these were not the popular favorite but the improvement was huge! The Autolites in the motor were in worse shape than I remembered. And the gaps were all over the map! At any rate, these will certainly do for now and I have some time to track down a set of AL 216s' for later. Thanks again for the advice.
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Old 04-02-2014, 11:05 PM   #14
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by Ross F-1 View Post
Just put in a set of Autolite 216's. They work great.
What do you gap these at?
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Old 04-03-2014, 01:58 AM   #15
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

Champion H-10, gap 25.
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Old 04-03-2014, 08:58 AM   #16
Ross F-1
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by Topsterguy View Post
What do you gap these at?
With stock ignition, .025".
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Old 04-03-2014, 10:20 AM   #17
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by Vic Piano View Post
John,

I like blondes, brunettes & redheads but I wouldn't put Champion spark plugs in a lawnmower... Autolite 216's and Autolite 437's (for aluminum after-market heads) are what I run.
The last set of Champion H-10 plugs I bought for my 8ba were individually packaged as small engine plugs. So Champion H-10 plugs ARE lawnmower plugs.
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Old 04-03-2014, 10:27 AM   #18
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Default Re: 8BA sparkplug verification

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Originally Posted by 51504bat View Post
The last set of Champion H-10 plugs I bought for my 8ba were individually packaged as small engine plugs. So Champion H-10 plugs ARE lawnmower plugs.
LOL, thanks for the info guys, but I have to agree....... Champion plugs are for lawnmowers so I think I'd stick with the Autolite 216's!
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