Spark plug fouling issue.

flipklos · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 08:25 PM

I am experincing a problom with what I belive, is my lead substitute fouling the insulator pretty bad on my 64s 292.
Curently I am using autolite 46s with stock wires, cap, and roter.
I have a pertronix ignitor and a flamethrower coil as an upgrade.

I tried looking for a autolite 47 but that was a no go. Has anyone had this as an issue and can anyone tell me waht a slightly hotter plug would be?

HT32BSX115 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 05:52 PM

Howdy,

I would replace the plugs you are running with new ones and stop using the "lead" substitute and see what happens.

I ran my 57 292 for years on "unleaded" fuel and other than a little ping (because it really wasn't "pump" gas) I never had any real problems. It certainly didn't hurt the valves or seats all the years that I ran it and It never pinged on regular unleaded fuel.

(Assuming your timing is correct,)If it pings on regular try using mid or premium gas. In reality, the difference in price from reg to premium is usually less than 10% and in some cases less than 5% (At $3.00 per gallon, 5% is only $0.15!)

Cheers,

Rick

flipklos · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 10:19 PM

I will consider this. Has anyone else ran unleaded without hardend seats?

46yblock · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 11:41 PM

I ran unleaded without hardened seats in the last engine. My understanding is that with stock spring pressures, valve sinking is minimum or less. If pressures are higher than stock to go along with a performance cam and high rpms, then the seats need replaced.

Havent heard any reports on lead substitue, good or bad, but have wondered about its effectiveness.

HT32BSX115 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 12:11 AM

Quote:

If pressures are higher than stock to go along with a performance cam and high rpms, then the seats need replaced.

And I would say that applies whether you're running unleaded or not.

I put those lead "substitutes" up there with most of the other snake oils.....

flipklos · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 08:38 AM

The only thing I have noticed when not using the substitute is a sharper and briefer exhaust note.

I will try a tank of plain gas with ethonol to clean her out. After a set of new plugs of course. You guys use autolite 46s I assume?

46yblock · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 11:21 AM

A good spark plug discussion came up recently over on the forever site. At the same time it was going on I obtained a couple old spark plug crossover references, one for Atlas and Autolite plugs. They each had some good simple diagrams and explanations of hot vs cold plug design, which I have not fully been able to understand before.

My plugs have been Accel 378. According to both of the manual descriptions this looks to be a very cold plug (neither crossover reference had Accel's). However the expert in the discussion said it is equivalent to a 46. I nevertheless think it is cold, and sure dont recommend it in your case. I was using the 378s in the previous low compression engine, and they always seemed to be clogged up. Could have been the plug, or the screwed up engine.

There are a set of 45's on the shelf ready to be installed, which are one heat range colder than the 46. I've been intalling my hood and havent had a chance to put them in. In a stock engine the 46 or equivalent would be the best choice.

A blasting cabinet with glass bead sure makes quick work of returning a set of plugs to like new.

flipklos · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 01:45 PM

I would like to go one range hotter. I went to my local parts store and asked for autolite 47s. The one older guy that works there and said he aint seen a set in years.

The fouling aint to the point it causes misfire. It simply builds a graysh black powder on the insulator. The electrode and post stay fairly clean for an older engine with no serious deposits.

I put 8 galons of that increased octane 10% ethonol stuff in her today. I will go get a set of 46s and plug wires. Also, I will stop using the lead substitute for a few fills.

I wish I had a blast box. It takes about an hour and a half to propperly clean eight plugs.

46yblock · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 02:08 PM

The blast cabinets sure come in handy. Especially if a person is in a vehicle restoration or sells stuff on ebay. They arent very expensive, but the problem is having a compressor large enough to handle the air requirements. It seems to take about 5 minutes to clean a set of plugs.

HT32BSX115 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 12:27 AM

Well, if you have a pinging issue, you could hop on over to Harry Stern Airport and get yourself a 5 gallon container of avgas. A little avgas will probably stop the pinging but instead of lead substitute fouling, you'd get lead fouling!

100LL avgas has 3.2 ml of TEL per gallon.

I don't think you need it anyway.

I ran avgas in my 57 Ford back in the late 70's and it didn't seem to make any difference at all....and that was 100/130 (which had 5ml lead per gal) I also tried 80/87 and it didn't ping on it....(0.5ml lead per gallon)

charliemccraney · #11 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipklos

I put 8 galons of that increased octane 10% ethonol stuff in her today. I will go get a set of 46s and plug wires. Also, I will stop using the lead substitute for a few fills.

Change one thing at a time. Otherwise, you may not be able to pinpoint the cause.

I think you are just a hair rich or the timing is retarded. The 46's should work fine for a stock engine.

idaho211 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 01:36 AM

One idea I found was when my spark plugs were fowling I re-adjusted the idle mixture and it went away. It was running too rich. Just an idea.

flipklos · #13 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 10:41 PM

I got a set of plugs going in on tuesday. Im getting married tomorrow so I havent had alot of time to screw with it.
HT32BSX115 are you from Wahpeton?

I got new wires, plugs and a roter to go in then so mayby I will get a hotter spark.
That E10% gas is a heck of a solvent. Breaks alot of stuff clear That is the only reason I used it here. After I am donein two or three fills, I will switch back to a straight gasoline.