The Ford Barn

Bob's '31 Cab · 06-01-2010, 06:52 AM

I've just recently installed a newly rebuilt engine with 5.5 / 1 C.R. head & larger intake & exhaust valves.

I installed the same plugs i was using previously which are Champion W16Y (always alittle sooty) in my stock engine.

I've gapped the pts. to .020 and timing is right on, and the carburator's float level has been set accordingly, and seems to have a strong spark.

When running, the engine seems as though it is missing some what and lacking power. After pulling the plugs I've found a good amount of soot around the plugs.

My question for the experts are, should I think about using a hotter plug?
and if so what would you suggest? or anything else I should try

As always, Thanks in Advance for your reply's

Bob Galli

Jim Baskin III Pa. · 06-01-2010, 09:32 AM

Bob,I have a Snyder's 5.5-1 head and after experimenting with different plugs I have found the Champion W18's by far run the best.NO SOOT and a nice grayish color at the electrode.They have been in the engine for 4yrs now with 15,000 miles and still work perfect.I also run a 160 degree thermostat to keep the temperature in range.

MikeK · 06-01-2010, 09:41 AM

I think you are jumping the gun here. Higher compression generally requires a colder, not hotter plug. You say the W16Y's were a little sooty previously, and now with a rebuild with slightly higher C.R. and bigger valves you have the same problem? Are you using the same coil, dizzy, carb? Sounds like you had a problem before, and you transfered it to the rebuild. I'd check the following in this order: weak coil or spark; ignition timing; manifold gasket leak; carb jetted too rich; cam to crank gear timing. Even if the plugs were way too cold, if starting with clean plugs everything should run OK for a short while until they accumulate excessive unburned carbon on the porcelain insulator causing them to misfire.

V4F · 06-01-2010, 09:57 AM

i agree , clean your plugs & see . if i were to go up (hotter) i too would chose w18 .
good luck ............... steve

pat in Santa Cruz · 06-01-2010, 11:52 AM

I agree with Mike. Your problem is a pre-existing one from some source other than the head. Many carburetors out there are too rich. What type of mileage are you getting?

skip · 06-01-2010, 05:37 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Champion W-16 Y, 0.035 gap. As close to 3-X [1,300 deg F.] as you'll come.
I luv 'em!

I found I was running a wee bit rich, closed down the mixture adjustment screw to about fully closed. Just a tad open. Unless I'll pulling a hill. Then I retard a little and rich'en up. Next manouver will be an landing...LOL

skip.

glenn in camino · 06-01-2010, 08:11 PM

Champion 3Xs always work for me. I know they're expensive, but they work good and look great. They also come apart for cleaning so you should never have to buy sparkplugs again. I'm running 80 year old originals that work just fine.

Bob's '31 Cab · 06-01-2010, 08:42 PM

Thanks to all that replied.
Looks like I have some one by one issues to deal with to eliminate it running rich.

06-01-2010, 06:52 AM	#1
Bob's '31 Cab Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 7	Should I try Hotter Plugs? I've just recently installed a newly rebuilt engine with 5.5 / 1 C.R. head & larger intake & exhaust valves. I installed the same plugs i was using previously which are Champion W16Y (always alittle sooty) in my stock engine. I've gapped the pts. to .020 and timing is right on, and the carburator's float level has been set accordingly, and seems to have a strong spark. When running, the engine seems as though it is missing some what and lacking power. After pulling the plugs I've found a good amount of soot around the plugs. My question for the experts are, should I think about using a hotter plug? and if so what would you suggest? or anything else I should try As always, Thanks in Advance for your reply's Bob Galli

06-01-2010, 09:32 AM	#2
Jim Baskin III Pa. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lock Haven Pa. Posts: 252	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? Bob,I have a Snyder's 5.5-1 head and after experimenting with different plugs I have found the Champion W18's by far run the best.NO SOOT and a nice grayish color at the electrode.They have been in the engine for 4yrs now with 15,000 miles and still work perfect.I also run a 160 degree thermostat to keep the temperature in range.

06-01-2010, 09:41 AM	#3
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? I think you are jumping the gun here. Higher compression generally requires a colder, not hotter plug. You say the W16Y's were a little sooty previously, and now with a rebuild with slightly higher C.R. and bigger valves you have the same problem? Are you using the same coil, dizzy, carb? Sounds like you had a problem before, and you transfered it to the rebuild. I'd check the following in this order: weak coil or spark; ignition timing; manifold gasket leak; carb jetted too rich; cam to crank gear timing. Even if the plugs were way too cold, if starting with clean plugs everything should run OK for a short while until they accumulate excessive unburned carbon on the porcelain insulator causing them to misfire.

06-01-2010, 09:57 AM	#4
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? i agree , clean your plugs & see . if i were to go up (hotter) i too would chose w18 . good luck ............... steve __________________ V4f

06-01-2010, 11:52 AM	#5
pat in Santa Cruz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: santa cruz, calif Posts: 2,011	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? I agree with Mike. Your problem is a pre-existing one from some source other than the head. Many carburetors out there are too rich. What type of mileage are you getting?

06-01-2010, 05:37 PM	#6
skip Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Posts: 408	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Champion W-16 Y, 0.035 gap. As close to 3-X [1,300 deg F.] as you'll come. I luv 'em! I found I was running a wee bit rich, closed down the mixture adjustment screw to about fully closed. Just a tad open. Unless I'll pulling a hill. Then I retard a little and rich'en up. Next manouver will be an landing...LOL skip.

06-01-2010, 08:11 PM	#7
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? Champion 3Xs always work for me. I know they're expensive, but they work good and look great. They also come apart for cleaning so you should never have to buy sparkplugs again. I'm running 80 year old originals that work just fine.

06-01-2010, 08:42 PM	#8
Bob's '31 Cab Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 7	Re: Should I try Hotter Plugs? Thanks to all that replied. Looks like I have some one by one issues to deal with to eliminate it running rich.