Hello guys I've been away for a while protecting our so called blanket of freedom. I have a spark plug question, I have just a basic 302 EFI and black Hookers, (I laugh every time I say that) steel. I have 123k on the truck and had a cracked exhaust manny and went with headers instead of factory back. MISTAKE!! Anyway it looks like my plugs are getting cooked and there just autolite, they aren't brittle just darkining up. I added Accell wires at the same time as the headers and they seem to be ok, I've put maybe 1000 miles on it since the install about 18 months ago. If ANYONE has any intel or questions please shout back, you guys have helped me before with an EGR question and were spot on!!!! Thank you!!!
SEMPER FIDELIS 2/3

 

When you say the plugs are "darkening up" are you referring to the nose (tip) color?
What color is closest to according to this chart? NGK Spark Plugs USA

 

I think he means that the ceramic on the exposed section of the spark plugs are getting a dark burned color form the heat off of the headers .

my suggestion would be some spark plug boot protectors .

something like these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...9blu/overview/

 

Yes the Yeti guy nailed it, it's the ceramic part and it's like dark brown burnt. Yes I've thought about the sleeves but they are really expensive. If that will stop it though I will bite the bullet and order some. Any thoughts on the best to put back in, Sparkplugs I mean?. I normally get what was OEM. Thank you guys for your reply on a Sunday, I know the games are on.
SEMPER FIDELIS.

 

I find the best plug for most older fords is motorcraft copper core plugs .most here will likely say the same . I use them in my mild 302 as well .

 

How can you hurt and overheat ceramic? That's what the plugs are made of. It's the boot and the wires that you have to be careful with. How many miles are on the plugs? They may be ready for a change anyway.

 

Thank you for the replies! I have about 1000 miles on the plugs, the were put in the same time as the header install. The don't seem to be damaged or cooked, they are just dark brown. The boots and wire seem ok, they were put on with the headers. Accell is what was recommended by Advance Auto.

 

I truly appreciate you guys helping!! Almost 80 people viewed this and I'm sure they know more about Fords than I do.
SEMPER FI.

 

Accel is good stuff. I use them.

Is it possible to get a picture of the plug?

 

Have you guys used the Header wrap or have intel on using it?? I have room to apply it still, don't know if it's good or bad for the Header.
SEMPER FIDELIS. 2/3

 

Header wrap will trap moisture and rust out the headers quickly . If it worries you that much just get a set of the boot covers i posted earlier it is cheaper than header wrap . I have a set of used exhaust manifolds i will be cleaning up and putting in the classifieds later this week.

 

Thank you again Yeti guy!! I will get the sleeves and go with the moto copper plugs. I've thought about going back to stock also. The city I live and the high school I graduated from in Salem is the home of the Spartans football team. Just a bit of intel, I'm a big MI Spartan fan. Thanks again for replying!!
SEMPER FI

 

Just a heads up , some of the boot sleeves are meant to be installed when building the plug wires . you'll want find a set that will slip over the plug boot while assembled . Can be tricky with angled plug wires .might be something to look for local so you could check them over in person to see if they will fit .

 

I have black hookers as well, no heat wrap, NGK V power standard sparkplugs, never any problem like that. Ditch those autolites for the NGK's when they're junk...