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Old 11-20-2019, 07:55 AM   #1
rockfla
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Default Spark plug preference...Curious

IS there a preferred "Brand" spark plug for your flathead? What prompts the question is my best friend is a "Willys" guy and all the guy's on his support page prefer the Champion J8 for the Willys Jeeps!! They say they run best with them.....SO before I go buy a new set.... is there a particular brand like "Champion that is preferred say over Autolite??? Flathead in question is a 1939 Merc.
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Old 11-20-2019, 08:04 AM   #2
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

NGK or Autolite for me.....some folks are not happy with Champion quality.
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Old 11-20-2019, 08:28 AM   #3
Bored&Stroked
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use only NGKs
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Old 11-20-2019, 09:22 AM   #4
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

Fifty + years ago, the only thing I ran in several "go-fast" Chevies was Champs. As time went-on, the Champs became more and more prone to fouling. Later in the early '80s and to this day, I had some STOCK, factory hi-horsepower Corvettes that were all impossible to keep Champs running clean in. Changed to Factory-type AC plugs and the little Chevies love 'em. I've had the same bad results with Champs in my flatheads. Only Autolites for me any more. I know that "Kiwi" is gonna hate me for chastising his Champions. Just my experience! DD
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Old 11-20-2019, 09:43 AM   #5
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use Autolite #216 in a stock motor. I’ve had the electrode pull right out of the porcelain when I pulled the wire off on two plugs. As of now,I haven’t changed to another brand.....Mark
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Old 11-20-2019, 10:42 AM   #6
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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Would that be the NKG 7131???
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Old 11-20-2019, 11:19 AM   #7
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use a NGK B6L when I need a 7/16 reach plug. They work well on both street and high-performance flatheads. Part number is 3212.
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Old 11-20-2019, 11:33 AM   #8
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked View Post
I use a NGK B6L when I need a 7/16 reach plug. They work well on both street and high-performance flatheads. Part number is 3212.
It's Dead stock 39 Flathead.
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Old 11-20-2019, 11:49 AM   #9
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use NGK # GR4 2635 plug with 11/16 reach on MCF heads vintage 1999.
That was the plug suggested by Mark Kirby of MCF.
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Old 11-20-2019, 12:05 PM   #10
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I also went to NGK for 2 reasons....first they have never so far failed in mysterious ways for no reason...and i can buy them in bulkpack for a reasonable price.
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Old 11-20-2019, 12:07 PM   #11
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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I use NGK # GR4 2635 plug with 11/16 reach on MCF heads vintage 1999.
That was the plug suggested by Mark Kirby of MCF.
1940, are you 12 volt Or 6 positive earth ?
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Old 11-20-2019, 12:26 PM   #12
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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1940, are you 12 volt Or 6 positive earth ?
For the 3rd time, STOCK. 6V system, positive ground. Original 39 Mercury engine....NO aluminum heads, NO high performance JUST STOCK. AND numbers sure help a fellow, I've got 3 different NKG numbers, 3212's seem to be the one (Thanks Bored&Stroked).....but NKG's web page only has to 1950 SO not sure if an 8BA plug is good for 39 Merc???? The "plug" cross reference page I looked at listed "several" NKG numbers 3212 being one and 3112 being one, not seeing where 7131 is listed for a flathead BUT That is what NAPA's web page shows for a 39 Mercury????
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Old 11-20-2019, 12:32 PM   #13
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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1940, are you 12 volt Or 6 positive earth ?
I am 12V with negative earth. I use an alternator not a generator.
Engine is 8BA with early style heads.
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Old 11-20-2019, 04:20 PM   #14
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use the Autolite 216's.
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Old 11-20-2019, 04:37 PM   #15
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

Any pros or cons using a resistor type. I know the newer cars w all the electronics & computers need them but also I’ve used them thinking it prevented radio / stereo interference?
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Old 11-20-2019, 04:50 PM   #16
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

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I use the Autolite 216's.
Me too !
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Old 11-20-2019, 05:53 PM   #17
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

I use NGKs 3212 in my more or less stock avatar 40 engine. I like them because you can clean and regap them multiple times before they get tossed. I have never used Champions but had been using Aurolute 216s - more of a personal preference using the NGKs .....
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Old 11-20-2019, 08:04 PM   #18
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

NOS 3 piece Champion C7's in my 1934.
20000 miles on the current plugs and still going strong I have a spare (and a half) set if I ever need them. When I got the car it was running Champion D21's . Nothing wrong with them just not original. The D21's are still doing sterling service in my 1910 Hupmobile-Bearing in mind that the fire is lit in this by a an early HT Bosch magneto -If the plugs aren't tip top you would know pretty quickly
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Old 11-20-2019, 10:23 PM   #19
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfla View Post
For the 3rd time, STOCK. 6V system, positive ground. Original 39 Mercury engine....NO aluminum heads, NO high performance JUST STOCK. AND numbers sure help a fellow, I've got 3 different NKG numbers, 3212's seem to be the one (Thanks Bored&Stroked).....but NKG's web page only has to 1950 SO not sure if an 8BA plug is good for 39 Merc???? The "plug" cross reference page I looked at listed "several" NKG numbers 3212 being one and 3112 being one, not seeing where 7131 is listed for a flathead BUT That is what NAPA's web page shows for a 39 Mercury????


The best choice of plug for your Flathead as others have mentioned is the NGK B4L or B6L the NGK plug works perfectly for stock as well as modified applications being 6 or 12 volt neg or positive ground has no effect over the spark plugs performance. The Autolite 216 is a second choice but is in no way as good as the NGK . Champion plugs being made in mexico are prone to failure so what ever you do stay away from that brand. Ask your NAPA salesman for the B6L plug no need to try and figure out the part number.
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Old 11-20-2019, 10:29 PM   #20
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Default Re: Spark plug preference...Curious

Quote:
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Any pros or cons using a resistor type. I know the newer cars w all the electronics & computers need them but also I’ve used them thinking it prevented radio / stereo interference?



Never use a resister type plug with a 6 volt system their design is for much more modern ignition systems the original flathead systems do not fall into that category. In other words not enough coil potential to get a good spark with 6 volts
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish.
"Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block"
Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline.
First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH
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