I recently put in a new set of plugs in my '72 302 at about the same time that I put on a set of headers and switch the point ignition out for a Pertonix unit (kept original coil). After about a week of running I took one of the plugs out and was suprised that it was absolutely clean...looks like new. The porcelain is white and the electrode is light grey.

The old plugs were a light brown colour. I think the new plugs are a hotter plug.

Is this OK or is it a sign that I am running too lean? The water temperature is OK and the truck runs very nicely.

Thanks

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-May-02 AT 05:15 PM (EST)]Usually white plugs are a sign of running lean. That or the heat range is too high. Between the headers and the Pertronix, you could be having a combo of both. As you probably know, the light brown color is ideal. To get a true reading, you would have to make a wide open throttle run, and then shut down the engine without having it idle. Then check your plugs. Sometimes tough to find a place where you can do this.

 

OK, lets say the truck is running lean, would the solution be to put the next size larger main jets in my carb? It has the stock 2 barrel.

Thanks

 

If it's running nicely and doesn't ping under load, what you've got is a perfect situation. Don't mess with it. You know what happens when you mess with something that's working properly, right?