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Question for the spark plug gurus

F

fixerupper

Well-known Member
Our local threshing show has a model AA Ford truck that they run through parades. I did the engine work and some of the restoration on it so they come to me sometimes if there's a problem. Today the plugs fouled and it crapped out on them for a parade. I was driving a tractor pulling a float full of nursing home folks so I pulled the Model A behind my float with a tow strap. It's not a good thing but it got us through.

The Model A has W16 plugs. Is there a hotter plug in that big size? Maybe a 21? What do you guys run? I run hotter plugs in all of my old tractors now to keep the fouling problem at bay but I'm not too well versed with those big plugs those engines from the '20's and early '30's used. Jim
 
I can not say for sure but if they are any thing like the ones in my 1935 JD-B yes they make hotter ones and you can also maybe open up the gap a tad bit more which may help also
 
If it is running modern oil. (detergent) try putting synthetic in it. It can make a drastic difference in fouling. Carb richness is also a check point. (I do not know a better plug) Jim
 
Okay, Im NOT an antique Ford man so absolutely NO WARRANTY but that being said.

I think the W 16 is a 7/8 18 spark plug and ifffffffffffff thats so that corresponds to an Autolite 3076 and ifffffffffffff thats so the Autolite 3077 is a hotter deep reach side wire electrode plug so thats what Id use. Seems like I used to have some AC Delco W 18 plugs that were also the deeper reach hotter side wire electrode units (Im sure they were 7/8 plugs) ?????? See if you can take a look at some W 18 and/or Autolite 3077 and if the threads and diameter are the same and they dont reach so deep theres interference ONE OF THOSE MAY HELP REDUCE PREMATURE FOULING

You need to use radiator air restrictions or thermostats or curtains etc to get n keep the engine temp up, that reduces fouling.

Mske sure the carb isnt set any richer then necessary, if shes throwing excess black smoke out the exhaust the plugs will get that flat black colored sooty carbon build up right away n foul out.

John T
 
Did it oil foul or gasoline foul? Recommendations will depend upon the preceeding.

Dean
 
I don't know if I would take spark plug advice from anybody that would let their neighbor take a power saw-zall to my pick-up bed!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Yes it is a 7/8 plug. We do have some new people driving this truck who might not know how to set the fuel mixture. I'm not even sure if they know how to set the spark. The plugs appear to be just plain sooted up, no hard carbon to speak of. Thanks for the suggestions. Gotta go or Marilyn's gonna leave without me!! Jim
 
I have to agree, you might be a Redneck if you let a "friend" hack up your pickup bed with a Sawzall so your golf cart will fit between the wheel wells lol

Gimme a call when youre ready to come up n sign papers

John T
 
If its the 7/8 plug then just make sure the deep reach Autolite 3077 (or W 18 AC Delco) doesnt go so far in pistons or valves wanna get in contact!!!! If so then maybe the hotter Champion 7/8 plug (D 21 ???) since its NOT a super deep reach like the Autolites

John T
 
The Autolitr 3077 would be your best bet for parade use. They work well in F-series farmalls and they are pretty notorious for rich idle and plug fouling in light duty use.
 


Sounds like you need to educate the operators..!!

Also sounds like you have not had this problem recently, or until the new driver had this problem..
(Maybe it ain't broke)...???

Ron..
 
John, I've thought about the 7/8 equivalent of the D21 but I don't know what it's called, maybe W21? I run D21's or equivalent in my 2 cyl Deeres now instead of 16's or 18's and that pretty much elimated the plug problems. These Deeres putz around now and rarely are worked. This AA Ford is trailered to parades cause cruising speed is around 25 MPH so it's never had it's tongue hanging out working hard. Jim
 
From a Model A owner:

Show plug: Champion 3X
Show plug replacement: Champion W16C
What many guys use: Motorcraft SP-488
 
Gas fouling is common with unleaded gas.Make sure they havent played with the gas mix.This is done by turning the choke rod.Google Aldor spark plugs.I used a cut down Model A in the 50s.Lots of low speed running hauling fire wood.No spark plug fouling.It had pink Firestone plugs.
 
I've got a Wisconsin 2 Cylinder engine that uses
some oil, and fouls plugs, Champion D-16, quite
fast. My plan is to have it bored and use over-
sized pistons. Until then, I picked up one of
those "Harbor Freight" spark plug cleaner/sand-
blaster gadgets,(about $10,on sale), and it
works great to remove the carbon fouling. I
usually give the plugs a shot of starting fluid,
or carb cleaner before cleaning, to make sure
that they're not oiley !
 
Before you spend time and money. Use some non resisitor Autolite plugs. Lean the carb idle and main out. Use a low ash oil such as SF-2 for two stroke Detroit diesels. Or oil for modern particulate trap post 2007 trucks.
Make the engine work instea dof idling and puttering around.
 
The AA truck could run 35 mph with ease.40 mph is about tops with the 6.65 ring gear.I expect they are running with retarded spark.Since my friends and I were just teenagers and ran a Model A all over the woods I find it hard that adults cant drive one.
 
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