The Ford Barn

700rpm · 09-17-2016, 02:53 PM

Or farmer fix, or desperate times call for desperate measures.

Yesterday my wife and I were on our own on our way home from a three-day club tour, and as I came over a rise on a farm country road there was a large bang, a fiery flash, and a chuff-chuff-chuff sound as my power was significantly reduced. I first thought "head gasket", except the bang/flash didn't make sense for that. I coasted down the hill to a farmer's driveway and got off the road so I could safely assess the situation.

When I opened the hood the problem was immediately evident: the #4 spark plug was gone. The spark plug connector was laying on the engine splash pan.

I walked back up the road looking for the plug, but it was not to be found (a very nice fellow on a motorcycle stopped and walked the other side of the road with me, also looking). Going back to the car, I looked on the other engine splash pan, and there lay the plug, without its top nut. Hmmm. I called AAA, and they said they'd be there in 90 minutes to tow the car to the nearest town.

I called a fellow club member who lived about 11 miles away and asked if he could bring me a spark plug, but then I realized all I needed to do was use the plug I had. All I needed was a nut, which I didn't have, or a piece of tape, which I also didn't have, or a piece of wire to hold the connector in place. I didn't have any wire, either. But I called my friend anyway, and told him I thought I could get it running without his driving 11 miles, and rummaged through stuff in the car looking for something to attach the connector.

My wife noticed a brochure with a paper clip on it in the door pocket. Bingo! The answer. I called my friend and AAA and cancelled all requests for assistance. We made it into the nearest town (with intermittent missing), bought a new plug, and we were back on the road!

You can keep a Model A running with a paper clip. See the attached photo.

Big hammer · 09-17-2016, 03:04 PM

An office workers fix:-) a true farmer would have straighten the plug wire, with the tension to keep it on:-) at lease you did not loose it again!

C26Pinelake · 09-17-2016, 03:41 PM

Was it a 3x ?

700rpm · 09-17-2016, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big hammer

An office workers fix:-) a true farmer would have straighten the plug wire, with the tension to keep it on:-) at lease you did not loose it again!

I like that!

Walt Ebie · 09-17-2016, 03:56 PM

Ever figure out why it blew out anyway? Makes me curious.

Mitch//pa · 09-17-2016, 04:28 PM

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Ray
Did you eat your Wheaties before you installed them

Nabco · 09-17-2016, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Ebie

Ever figure out why it blew out anyway? Makes me curious.

Was thinking the same thing, what can cause that??

Chuck Sea/Tac · 09-17-2016, 04:57 PM

If the threads weren't damaged, then it would seem the plug vibrated loose? I'm suprised you didn't noticed a little power loss as it was unthreading, assuming that's what happened.

1955cj5 · 09-17-2016, 05:05 PM

Paper clips have many uses....

This one had been there for a while....

700rpm · 09-17-2016, 05:37 PM

I think it was the nut behind the steering wheel that caused the problem. When I put it back in on the road yesterday, I noticed that the threading got a little tight before it was fully seated. I am guessing when I originally installed these new plugs back in January I got to that tight spot and thought that plug was seated. So it was probably already loose, and finally just worked its way out. The new plug I installed yesterday did not have that kind of premature tightness. These are Autolite 3076 plugs; I think I'll get some Champion 3X.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 09-17-2016, 05:51 PM

Ray,
You mean you DON'T carry BALING WIRE & STRING?--tsk-tsk!
Bill Prepared

Mitch//pa · 09-17-2016, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I think it was the nut behind the steering wheel that caused the problem. When I put it back in on the road yesterday, I noticed that the threading got a little tight before it was fully seated. I am guessing when I originally installed these new plugs back in January I got to that tight spot and thought that plug was seated. So it was probably already loose, and finally just worked its way out. The new plug I installed yesterday did not have that kind of premature tightness. These are Autolite 3076 plugs; I think I'll get some Champion 3X.

The copper washers on the 3X are much better than the tin ones on the other plugs

Tom Wesenberg · 09-17-2016, 07:50 PM

#4 was rebelling against that fancy coil wire.

Nabco · 09-17-2016, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

The copper washers on the 3X are much better than the tin ones on the other plugs

Mitch, question....how much of a difference do the $25 or $30 plugs like the Champion 3X make versus a $5 plug

Capt Quahog · 09-17-2016, 08:09 PM

Had this same thing happen on my 1994 Toyota Pickup truck with the 22RE 4-cylinder engine. According to the old mechanic guy neighbor after examining the aftermath . . . the plug blow out was my fault. When I'd popped in some new spark plugs, they were not properly tightened. Eventually, one of those plugs wiggled it's way completely unthreaded loose and . . . KA-BLAMMO!!! Out it blasted with a whistling rocket roar!

Well . . . . Duh!

As I told him . . . there is no doubt that there must have been something wrong with that lousy wrench and socket. Explained to the wife that she needs to go out and buy me some nice new tools.

700rpm · 09-17-2016, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabco

Mitch, question....how much of a difference do the $25 or $30 plugs like the Champion 3X make versus a $5 plug

I can't answer for Mitch, but I use the Champions in my coupe, and I honestly cannot tell the difference in performance between those and my sedan, which has the Autolites. But I like the look of the Champions more. (About $20 ea at O'Reilly's).

Mitch//pa · 09-17-2016, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabco

Mitch, question....how much of a difference do the $25 or $30 plugs like the Champion 3X make versus a $5 plug

I like the 3X plugs better for the proper looks, overall performance, I get a good burn when examining the electrode.
The cost factor does not play into the equation for me.

Nabco · 09-17-2016, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

I like the 3X plugs better for the proper looks, overall performance, I get a good burn when examining the electrode.
The cost factor does not play into the equation for me.

Thanks Mitch, not concerned about the cost either, I noticed a difference when I just cleaned the plugs in the car now, just wanted to check and see if spending the extra money would make a difference and it sounds like it will.

Thanks

Mitch//pa · 09-17-2016, 08:51 PM

Read the reviews;;;

Champion Plug Type 3X (429) Copper Plus Spark Plug, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002796PJW..._YiF3xb0BS7F95

Mitch//pa · 09-17-2016, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forever4

Wow, what a great link!
I did not realize that the Model A 3X was a state of the art plug with resistor core and the best corrosion performance of any spark plug in the industry!

Patented SAC-9 semi-conductor resistor for maximum EMI & RFI suppression
Copper core center electrode allows for accurate control of heat range for longer life
TinTac and ULTRASEAL shell for best corrosion protection of any spark plug in the industry
Durable: Champion copper plus spark plugs are built to ISO and SAE standards for proven performance; Champion's patented SAC-9 semi-conductor resistor provides maximum EMI and RFI suppression
Champion copper plus spark plugs use TinTac and Ultraseal Shells, this eliminates the need for the use of antiseize compound during installation by providing the best corrosion protection of any spark plug in the industry

You learned something today

nhusa · 09-17-2016, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Ray,
You mean you DON'T carry BALING WIRE & STRING?--tsk-tsk!
Bill Prepared

I am absolutely devastated by this!
Any fix that does not include bailing wire is not a roadside fix.
It is heresy to think that you can fix an A or T without it.

700rpm · 09-17-2016, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Ray,
You mean you DON'T carry BALING WIRE & STRING?--tsk-tsk!
Bill Prepared

Bill, normally I would have those and other emergency small repair items, but I grabbed the wrong trip kit in my hurry to leave on the tour. Lesson learned!

C26Pinelake · 09-17-2016, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Bill, normally I would have those and other emergency small repair items, but I grabbed the wrong trip kit in my hurry to leave on the tour. Lesson learned!

Easy cure, leave the kit in the car! Wayne

captndan · 09-18-2016, 09:21 AM

Every kit must contain a length of bailer wire, a roll of duct tape, a big hammer, and a few first aid items. Hand tools are a good option.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 09-18-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forever4

Wow, what a great link!
I did not realize that the Model A 3X was a state of the art plug with resistor core and the best corrosion performance of any spark plug in the industry!

Patented SAC-9 semi-conductor resistor for maximum EMI & RFI suppression
Copper core center electrode allows for accurate control of heat range for longer life
TinTac and ULTRASEAL shell for best corrosion protection of any spark plug in the industry
Durable: Champion copper plus spark plugs are built to ISO and SAE standards for proven performance; Champion's patented SAC-9 semi-conductor resistor provides maximum EMI and RFI suppression
Champion copper plus spark plugs use TinTac and Ultraseal Shells, this eliminates the need for the use of antiseize compound during installation by providing the best corrosion protection of any spark plug in the industry

Forever,
"Some" plug company advertised the inner insulator as, "THERMO-ELASTIC, the heat retention properties would CHANGE, to meet the driving conditions. I "think" it was BOSCH, but I'm not sure??
Bill Sparky

H. L. Chauvin · 09-18-2016, 11:33 AM

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"My wife noticed a brochure with a paper clip on it in the door pocket. Bingo!"

True credit due ??????

After 20 or so replies, worth mentioning that you were most fortunate to have a wonderful, humble mechanical genius passenger sitting next to you on this trip ........ good thing you did not have a typical retarded male passenger just sitting there waiting for AAA ...........

700rpm · 09-18-2016, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

"My wife noticed a brochure with a paper clip on it in the door pocket. Bingo!"

True credit due ??????

After 20 or so replies, worth mentioning that you were most fortunate to have a wonderful, humble mechanical genius passenger sitting next to you on this trip ........ good thing you did not have a typical retarded male passenger just sitting there waiting for AAA ...........

Ha! Truth, Henry!

09-17-2016, 03:04 PM	#2
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Yankee ingenuity An office workers fix:-) a true farmer would have straighten the plug wire, with the tension to keep it on:-) at lease you did not loose it again!

09-17-2016, 03:41 PM	#3
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: Yankee ingenuity Was it a 3x ?

09-17-2016, 03:56 PM	#5
Walt Ebie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: East Canton, OH Posts: 168	Re: Yankee ingenuity Ever figure out why it blew out anyway? Makes me curious.

09-17-2016, 04:28 PM	#6
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Yankee ingenuity Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ray Did you eat your Wheaties before you installed them Last edited by Mitch//pa; 09-17-2016 at 08:57 PM.

09-17-2016, 04:57 PM	#8
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Yankee ingenuity If the threads weren't damaged, then it would seem the plug vibrated loose? I'm suprised you didn't noticed a little power loss as it was unthreading, assuming that's what happened.

09-17-2016, 05:37 PM	#10
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,906	Re: Yankee ingenuity I think it was the nut behind the steering wheel that caused the problem. When I put it back in on the road yesterday, I noticed that the threading got a little tight before it was fully seated. I am guessing when I originally installed these new plugs back in January I got to that tight spot and thought that plug was seated. So it was probably already loose, and finally just worked its way out. The new plug I installed yesterday did not have that kind of premature tightness. These are Autolite 3076 plugs; I think I'll get some Champion 3X. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

09-17-2016, 05:51 PM	#11
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Yankee ingenuity Ray, You mean you DON'T carry BALING WIRE & STRING?--tsk-tsk! Bill Prepared __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

09-17-2016, 07:50 PM	#13
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Yankee ingenuity #4 was rebelling against that fancy coil wire.

09-17-2016, 08:09 PM	#15
Capt Quahog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barren windswept mountain somewhere in bleak Northeastern Pennsylvania Posts: 294	Re: Yankee ingenuity Had this same thing happen on my 1994 Toyota Pickup truck with the 22RE 4-cylinder engine. According to the old mechanic guy neighbor after examining the aftermath . . . the plug blow out was my fault. When I'd popped in some new spark plugs, they were not properly tightened. Eventually, one of those plugs wiggled it's way completely unthreaded loose and . . . KA-BLAMMO!!! Out it blasted with a whistling rocket roar! Well . . . . Duh! As I told him . . . there is no doubt that there must have been something wrong with that lousy wrench and socket. Explained to the wife that she needs to go out and buy me some nice new tools. __________________ I wouldn't be so paranoid if people weren't plotting against me all the time Last edited by Capt Quahog; 09-17-2016 at 08:14 PM.

09-17-2016, 08:51 PM	#19
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Yankee ingenuity Read the reviews;;; Champion Plug Type 3X (429) Copper Plus Spark Plug, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002796PJW..._YiF3xb0BS7F95

09-18-2016, 09:21 AM	#24
captndan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Posts: 714	Re: Yankee ingenuity Every kit must contain a length of bailer wire, a roll of duct tape, a big hammer, and a few first aid items. Hand tools are a good option.

09-18-2016, 11:33 AM	#26
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Yankee ingenuity Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) "My wife noticed a brochure with a paper clip on it in the door pocket. Bingo!" True credit due ?????? After 20 or so replies, worth mentioning that you were most fortunate to have a wonderful, humble mechanical genius passenger sitting next to you on this trip ........ good thing you did not have a typical retarded male passenger just sitting there waiting for AAA ...........