surprising spark plug find

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Jul 23, 2013 | 11:20 PM

F-250 restorer

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Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,182

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From: Near Los Angeles

surprising spark plug find

I found something very interesting with my spark plugs. Periodically I take them out and check them because of my carburetor fetish, changing carbs every so often. I want to check the color of the plugs.

The plugs are autolite, and they were set at .055. After three years, I find the gap is .075, or more! I'm surprised how much the side electrode has worn and rounded, the same with the center electrode. It's very surprising how much it has worn.

Jul 24, 2013 | 04:06 AM

tiap

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 307

Likes: 1

From: South Florida

All depends what type plugs you're using and mileage of course.
Try platinum or iridium if you think the price is worth it, they are made to last much longer.

I reset my wife's iridium plugs at 75,000 miles from 75 back down to 50.
depending on the ignition, you'll start to get misfires much beyond 60.

Jul 24, 2013 | 10:22 AM

Argo

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,006

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From: Sussex County, DE

I have always found that these engines are hard on plugs. I just do them every year. They are easy to do anyway, and cheap.

Jul 28, 2013 | 10:10 PM

Harte3

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,603

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From: Spokane, WA

"...they were set at .055..." Setting the gap wider than the stock gap might increase the rate of plug wear. I've also had Fords that were hard on plugs but my current rig is not one of those.