The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 01-23-2017, 12:58 PM

Why are some "3X" right on the edge of the metal base of the plug, while others are higher up on the porcelain? Are the centers a later part, or did a change happen in the location during the Model A years?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/192062081134...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Here's another one with the higher "3X", but the knurling doesn't look correct.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-A-Ford...5YGiD-&vxp=mtr

160B · 01-23-2017, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ....................... Here's another one with the higher "3X", but the knurling doesn't look correct.

[URL

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-A-Ford-Original-Champion-3X-Spark-Plug-Thick-Base-1928-1929-7009-/322378053373?hash=item4b0f3ab6fd:g:laAAAOSwal5YGiD-&vxp=mtr[/URL]

That is not an original Champion 3X base.

Rancho Deluxe · 01-23-2017, 01:42 PM

On the set of four, it looks like the inside copper washer or bushing is not installed.. If is was it would raise it up..

TinCup · 01-23-2017, 04:35 PM

I understood that on the original 3X plug the 3 had a flat top instead of a round top on the 3.

msmaron · 01-23-2017, 05:26 PM

Original plugs

Brian T · 01-23-2017, 05:29 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rancho Deluxe

On the set of four, it looks like the inside copper washer or bushing is not installed.. If is was it would raise it up..

If the inside copper seal is missing, what would one do if they were, I have not seen any venders that have them.

msmaron · 01-23-2017, 05:33 PM

Early plug on LEFT 1/4 hex as per JS

CarlG · 01-23-2017, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian T

If the inside copper seal is missing, what would one do if they were, I have not seen any venders that have them.

I presume you are talking about the copper gasket that goes between the spark plug and the head:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/spark-plug-gaskets

DougVieyra · 01-23-2017, 05:45 PM

How do the spark plugs pictured (as 'original') differ from the reproduction Champion XXX "Exact Duplicate" spark plugs that were made 30 to 40 years ago?

It might help some of those unfamiliar with the difference, to learn. I myself could use a 'refresher' course.

160B · 01-23-2017, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinCup

I understood that on the original 3X plug the 3 had a flat top instead of a round top on the 3.

just the opposite

The original 3X plug, the 3 had a ROUND top.

The reproduction 3X plug, the 3 had a FLAT top.

Charles Reese · 01-23-2017, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

I presume you are talking about the copper gasket that goes between the spark plug and the head:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/spark-plug-gaskets

My 2 cents ... possibly the one between the body and insulator (hidden when assembled).

I apologize I did not keep the source of these pix or i would give due credit!

duke36 · 01-23-2017, 06:09 PM

I've been searching the posts to get opinions on a good plug for 5.5 head and 12 volt,FS ignition. Some say use the W18 Y which is now a Champion # 518 plug according to their website. The 3x is now available as a #429, see attached. Does it look close to the originals?

msmaron · 01-23-2017, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duke36

I've been searching the posts to get opinions on a good plug for 5.5 head and 12 volt,FS ignition. Some say use the W18 Y which is now a Champion # 518 plug according to their website. The 3x is now available as a #429, see attached. Does it look close to the originals?

It does look "CLOSE" to the original, must have a copper gasket, and most won't notice the flat "3"....

160B · 01-23-2017, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

How do the spark plugs pictured (as 'original') differ from the reproduction Champion XXX "Exact Duplicate" spark plugs that were made 30 to 40 years ago?

It might help some of those unfamiliar with the difference, to learn. I myself could use a 'refresher' course.

Doug this flyer cover the shape of the top of the 3, the hex height and the knurling.

Flyer from a Champion 3X Spark Plug seminar put on by John Hash and Rich Street, MAFCA 2010 National Convention Vancouver BC.

30ccpickup · 01-23-2017, 06:28 PM

I researched the 3X plugs a few years ago and created drawings of the originals and the 429 (reproduction offered today)

http://modelabasics.com/3xplug.htm

I wish I would of added text to the drawings!!!

msmaron · 01-23-2017, 06:32 PM

originals

CarlG · 01-23-2017, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30ccpickup

I researched the 3X plugs a few years ago and created drawings of the originals and the 429 (reproduction offered today)

http://modelabasics.com/3xplug.htm

I wish I would of added text to the drawings!!!

It never ceases to amaze me of all the neat drawings/animations that Paul has created on his website.

Great job, Paul!

Tom Wesenberg · 01-23-2017, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

It never ceases to amaze me of all the neat drawings/animations that Paul has created on his website.

Great job, Paul!

X2 those are fantastic.

DougVieyra · 01-23-2017, 07:46 PM

Thank you ! 30ccpickup, for the answer to my question, and a wonderful education regarding how to tell the difference between an original and a reproduction Champion 3 X spark plug. The http://modelabasics.com/3xplug.htm website was a great explaination and goes a long way to re-inforce the old adage: "One picture is worth a thousand words".

Tom Wesenberg, post #18: "X2 those are fantastic"
---------------------
Tom, don't you mean 3X !

30ccpickup · 01-23-2017, 07:59 PM

Thanks!!!!

01-23-2017, 01:42 PM	#3
Rancho Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 145	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs On the set of four, it looks like the inside copper washer or bushing is not installed.. If is was it would raise it up..

01-23-2017, 05:45 PM	#9
DougVieyra Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 1,716	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs How do the spark plugs pictured (as 'original') differ from the reproduction Champion XXX "Exact Duplicate" spark plugs that were made 30 to 40 years ago? It might help some of those unfamiliar with the difference, to learn. I myself could use a 'refresher' course.

01-23-2017, 06:09 PM	#12
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs I've been searching the posts to get opinions on a good plug for 5.5 head and 12 volt,FS ignition. Some say use the W18 Y which is now a Champion # 518 plug according to their website. The 3x is now available as a #429, see attached. Does it look close to the originals? Last edited by duke36; 03-27-2017 at 10:18 AM.

01-23-2017, 06:28 PM	#15
30ccpickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wakarusa, IN Posts: 928	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs I researched the 3X plugs a few years ago and created drawings of the originals and the 429 (reproduction offered today) http://modelabasics.com/3xplug.htm I wish I would of added text to the drawings!!! __________________ http://MODELABASICS.com/ How Things Work on a Model "A" Ford Fordbarners, Feel free to use the pictures on my site to answer questions and create tutorials/tech articles.

01-23-2017, 07:46 PM	#19
DougVieyra Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 1,716	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs Thank you ! 30ccpickup, for the answer to my question, and a wonderful education regarding how to tell the difference between an original and a reproduction Champion 3 X spark plug. The *http://modelabasics.com/3xplug.htm* website was a great explaination and goes a long way to re-inforce the old adage: "One picture is worth a thousand words". Tom Wesenberg, post #18: "X2 those are fantastic" --------------------- Tom, don't you mean 3X !

01-23-2017, 12:58 PM	#1
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Original 3X Spark Plugs Why are some "3X" right on the edge of the metal base of the plug, while others are higher up on the porcelain? Are the centers a later part, or did a change happen in the location during the Model A years? http://www.ebay.com/itm/192062081134...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Here's another one with the higher "3X", but the knurling doesn't look correct. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-A-Ford...5YGiD-&vxp=mtr

01-23-2017, 04:35 PM	#4
TinCup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: OKC / Tonkawa, Ok. Posts: 1,977	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs I understood that on the original 3X plug the 3 had a flat top instead of a round top on the 3. __________________ Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group.

01-23-2017, 07:59 PM	#20
30ccpickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wakarusa, IN Posts: 928	Re: Original 3X Spark Plugs Thanks!!!! __________________ http://MODELABASICS.com/ How Things Work on a Model "A" Ford Fordbarners, Feel free to use the pictures on my site to answer questions and create tutorials/tech articles.