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07-23-2010, 08:19 PM | #1 |
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reading spark plugs after using gasohol
I put in new Champion W16Y plugs last week before going on tour with the club. The car ran fine , the gav was closed, most times we drove between 40 & 50 mph. When I got home 300 mi. later I pulled the plugs and the porcelains were still white. The old plugs would usually show a bit of soot. A buddy suggested that maybe gasohol burns cleaner. Your thoughts?
TIA, Ian |
07-23-2010, 08:52 PM | #2 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
You said the gav was closed! I think you are running it to lean. Try running with the gav cracked open about a eight to a quarter turn open!!!
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07-23-2010, 10:01 PM | #3 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
I have done some testing on the dynomometer that was used for emission testing in NJ, when it was first installed i ran my car --before they changed the gas, I just recently ran the car again, the emissions were lower, before I could close the GAV all the way and still be somewhat rich, now I need to open the GAV slightly so I am not too lean.
With the GAV closed I could get emission levels that are good for cars in the 1990s, but it was too lean to have good power on the road, 1/8 turn up to 40 mph, 1/4 turn above 40 gives me a good mixture that will give a light tan burn on the plugs, the emissions of a late 70s car and good power, and 1/3 -1/2 for over 55. I am using 3X plugs, and can burn them white if i close the gav. Having the GAV makes the model A very adaptable to different fuels, you just have to learn the feel of too rich, or lean. |
07-23-2010, 10:29 PM | #4 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Good points, all. Ethanol chemically leans the fuel-air mixture by bringing oxygen in with the fuel (thus reducing carbon monoxide emissions). Turning the GAV counterclockwise to richen the mixture is the right thing to do with an ethanol fuel. As mentioned, each Model A runs a little differently than the next and you have to find your sweet spot.
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07-23-2010, 11:00 PM | #5 | |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Quote:
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07-24-2010, 08:45 AM | #6 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
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re: the topic, I run premium non-oxygenated gas exclusively in m 30 coupe, and I have a hard time telling any difference when I close my GAV completely. I've checked my rebuilt Zenith and the GAV needle DOES close off the port (checked by blowing with a straw, etc... per one of the rebuild book's instructions), and I can just barely tell the difference when idling if I close it completely. But driving, I can turn it 'off' and not see any power loss. Do you think this is due to the premium gas? I remember my Tillotson was much more sensitive to closing the GAV, but have not run the Tilly since I got the Zenith 10 years ago. |
07-24-2010, 08:55 AM | #7 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
CCWKen: It's the 35% oxygen in ethanol (CH3CH2OH) that reduces mileage (no heat energy in O). Ethanol chemically leans the mixture because of its oxygen, and helps the combustion reaction go all the way to CO2 instead of stopping at CO (an EPA-regulated pollutant). There's more, but it gets nerdy.
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07-24-2010, 11:33 AM | #8 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Old182 is correct. Gasoline containing ethanol is also known as "Oxygenated Gasoline" which means it is contains oxygen. The oxygen or oxygenates are in the ethanol.
The environmental Libs decided that oxygenated gasoline would reduce carbon monoxide emissions as compared to conventional gas. Oxygenated gas requires less oxygen from the air for compete burning than the same volume of conventional gas. Adding oxygenate is like adding more air. So for the same carb setting, using oxygenated gas produces a less rich mixture and therefore generates less carbon monoxide when it burns. So the common man breathes better and since the government sends him a free monthly check anyway it's no problem for him to buy and burn more gas than he would have with conventional gas to cover the same amount of miles. Yep, the environmentalist knows what's best for you and me .... but while he's smoking a doobie or two, the carbon monoxide inhaled by the environmentalist does not seem to be an issue. Larry B. Last edited by Larry Brumfield; 07-24-2010 at 01:42 PM. |
07-24-2010, 02:05 PM | #9 | |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Quote:
Ian, I wouldn't pay much attention to the exact GAV settings discussed by the other posters. The GAV will vary from one engine to the next. Always set the GAV to wherever YOUR engine runs the best regardless of the fuel choice. Then run a heat range test on the plugs. Now concerning your white spark plug if you idled the engine or drove the car slower, the color of the electrode is not a true indication of the heat. The heat will be less than what it is when you are cruising. You need to run a proper heat range test to be sure. If the plug is bright white after idling or slow driving more than likely it's too hot for your particular engine set up and driving habits. Larry B. Last edited by Larry Brumfield; 07-24-2010 at 02:35 PM. |
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07-24-2010, 03:33 PM | #10 |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Larry, you are a Hoot with a capital H, that's what you are!
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07-25-2010, 12:01 AM | #11 | |
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Quote:
I have a 56 Silver Hawk and 57 Golden Hawk. That's part of the "other projects". Old182 - I stand corrected. I never pay much attention or keep up with the new-fangled fads. |
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07-25-2010, 12:18 AM | #12 |
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Location: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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Re: reading spark plugs after using gasohol
Gasohol which is water absorbing alcohol in gasoline to stretch the Nation's gas supply and as a concession to corn and other plant producers does nothing for gasoline, especially in a low compression engine like our 'A's. Water absorbed and burned just comes out as water and regular exhaust.
Since your burning lean I'd say that why she's not sooted up. skip. |
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