Spark Plugs

[Jamie Miles]

I did the Duraspark II conversion on my car about 9,000 miles ago and at that time I put new spark pulgs in. I am running the stock Duraspark module and a TFI coil. I decided to pull one of the plugs out to see what it looks like and to my surprise it still looks practically new.

Is this normal?

It is clean to the point that it almost leads me to believe something may be wrong. The car idles somewhat rough but has all around decent power. I set the timeing and fuel mixture by ear. I was expecting to at least see a LITTLE discoloration. This engine has 99,900 miles on it and has been ran very hard it's entire life. When I got it, it had been sitting for 9 years and had 3 seized exaust valves and bent push rods. I Re-lapped all the valves and installed new push rods and lifters. The cylinders have basically no cross hatch left. Just dosen't seem right that the plugs look almost like new after 9,000 miles in this engine. The ones that were in there when I bought the car were orangeish pink colored.

Could this engine really run that clean? Plugs are gapped at .045.

 

[addo]

Yes, that's pretty normal. You're running medium to high octane unleaded with no additives? It was the lead compounds that coloured the plugs. MMT, an additive in some "octane boosters" will add a rusty look to the plug but is apparently harmless electrically.

 

[CobraSix]

Yup..looks like you have a smooth running engine that has a properly tuned carb.

Slade

 

[66200i6]

Have you got a dremel and a little cutting wheel? Make that center electrode nice and flat again. With nice new sharp edges you will get a much nicer spark. Oh yea, and with the care you have taken keeping it tuned start opening up that gap. That system should be able to handle 55 thou easy.

Have fun, Ric.

 

[Jamie Miles]

Ok cool. Yea, the car has it's problems and dosen't look very good, but I'm pretty strict about keeping the oil changed and the engine tuned properly.

Good to know that means it's running right. Makes me feel alot better about doing everything by ear. Some day I'll get the proper tools. :roll:

I have never ran anything but regular old 87 octane in it. Money is tight. I usualy buy the cheapest gas I can find.