The Ford Barn

denver9 · 07-10-2016, 06:18 PM

I am running a high compression head (Snyder's 6.5:1) on my 31 Model A coupe. I am also running it with a Weber 2BBL carburetor and electronic ignition. (First Street Ignition, Tulsa, OK).

Until recently it has purred like a kitten (Ran nice) with this set up,
Then I put the car in the shop for unrelated cosmetic upgrades. It ended up just sitting for almost a year. When I got it back it ran like a sick old cat.

At every stop light the engine would die. The only remedy was to set the idle to an unusually high RPM or pull the choke out a little (That seems odd and a bit contradictory for a rich running engine?).

Adjustments to the carburetor had little effect if any. I checked the compression and all 4 cylinders had excellent compression (100 +/-2 lbs). However, all 4 plugs were black and sooty looking, as though the engine was running extra rich. However pulling the choke out a little also seemed to help, which to me was rather odd, as I said.

After doing some investigative reading I find that it is recommended to have a fuel pressure regulator in the circuit set to no more than 2 PSI.
I have done that and I am about ready to install new spark plugs
(NGK BP R5 ES).

I am wondering if I need to regap the plugs or use them as they come out of the box? (.035 gap).

I would appreciate any comments (Constructive please) that any of you might care to share about this overall situation.
Thank you all,

Denver Howard, Hemet, CA.

07-10-2016, 06:18 PM	#1
denver9 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hemet, Ca Posts: 55	Correct spark plug gap I am running a high compression head (Snyder's 6.5:1) on my 31 Model A coupe. I am also running it with a Weber 2BBL carburetor and electronic ignition. (First Street Ignition, Tulsa, OK). Until recently it has purred like a kitten (Ran nice) with this set up, Then I put the car in the shop for unrelated cosmetic upgrades. It ended up just sitting for almost a year. When I got it back it ran like a sick old cat. At every stop light the engine would die. The only remedy was to set the idle to an unusually high RPM or pull the choke out a little (That seems odd and a bit contradictory for a rich running engine?). Adjustments to the carburetor had little effect if any. I checked the compression and all 4 cylinders had excellent compression (100 +/-2 lbs). However, all 4 plugs were black and sooty looking, as though the engine was running extra rich. However pulling the choke out a little also seemed to help, which to me was rather odd, as I said. After doing some investigative reading I find that it is recommended to have a fuel pressure regulator in the circuit set to no more than 2 PSI. I have done that and I am about ready to install new spark plugs (NGK BP R5 ES). I am wondering if I need to regap the plugs or use them as they come out of the box? (.035 gap). I would appreciate any comments (Constructive please) that any of you might care to share about this overall situation. Thank you all, Denver Howard, Hemet, CA.