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Old 04-04-2021, 04:26 AM   #1
alexiskai
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Default Plug connector options?

I just got my Winfield head installed, and it turns out that, because the Winfield locates the spark plugs between the valves, the stock plug connectors are just barely too short to connect plugs 1 and 4 to the distributor body.

Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternative connector that will work with the stock distributor? I can get 7mm wire and crimp some terminals, I guess, but I'm not sure what terminal type would work best.
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Old 04-04-2021, 05:43 AM   #2
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Even for a standard head, I lengthen the leads by cutting them and soldering in what ever length is needed to do the job. I use a piece of shim brass to do the job. I always lengthen #3 lead so I can get it clear of the body enough to prevent the infamous Model A #3/#4 cross over and no body has noticed yet.
Hope that helps!
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Old 04-04-2021, 07:37 AM   #3
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

3 X spark plugs ? I bought new 3X plugs( the forums said they run so much better) and the connectors where almost to short, to close the the cap body. Well my a didn't run well so I bought the champion replacements and they are about 1/2 in taller, no more clearance issues! My head is the 6.0 hc Snyder
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Old 04-04-2021, 08:07 AM   #4
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

No, it's the W18Y. The connectors would work if the plugs were about two inches taller, but I'd rather get longer wires.

I don't have soldering skills unfortunately.
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Old 04-04-2021, 08:15 AM   #5
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Purchase some brass shim stock and make/cut your own.
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Old 04-04-2021, 08:52 AM   #6
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

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Get the connectors for the Model B engine/distributor. They are longer due to the distributor being taller (because of the mechanical advance unit). 3 1/4" vs 3 13/16"
https://www.macsautoparts.com/spark-...09651657eea338

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 04-04-2021 at 09:03 AM.
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Old 04-04-2021, 08:59 AM   #7
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Get the connectors for the Model B engine/distributor. They are slightly longer due to the distributor being taller (dbecause of the mechanical advance unit).
Perfect, that's exactly what I needed. Exactly the right length too.

Oh look, there's a fordgarage.com page. Of course there is.

Update: Woohoo, $10 on eBay shipped. I love the internet.

Last edited by alexiskai; 04-04-2021 at 09:05 AM.
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:08 AM   #8
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
Perfect, that's exactly what I needed. Exactly the right length too.

Oh look, there's a fordgarage.com page. Of course there is.

Update: Woohoo, $10 on eBay shipped. I love the internet.
HAH!! You're too fast! You caught me while I was looking up the link to MAC's.
https://www.macsautoparts.com/spark-...09651657eea338
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:11 AM   #9
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

It's this guy, he has one more set if anyone wants them.
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:14 AM   #10
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

This works too -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296653

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Old 04-04-2021, 09:17 AM   #11
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

I thought about that. Plan B was to get generic plug wires at AutoZone and crimp new terminals on ‘em.
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:38 AM   #12
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Beware running a manual advance distributor with a high compression head...as compression goes up,the engines tolerance for timing deviation reduces.
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:41 AM   #13
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

I'm using the modern cap and wires with my Winfield head.
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:43 AM   #14
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Bailing wire works.
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Old 04-04-2021, 10:58 AM   #15
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Shaft View Post
Beware running a manual advance distributor with a high compression head...as compression goes up,the engines tolerance for timing deviation reduces.
I'm running the Nu-Rex mechanical advance, so hopefully that's taken care of.
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Old 04-04-2021, 11:28 AM   #16
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

the gyro? best map it with a timing light..
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Old 04-04-2021, 11:42 AM   #17
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

I haven't worked with timing lights before. What am I "mapping" exactly?
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Old 04-04-2021, 08:53 PM   #18
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Get the connectors for the Model B engine/distributor. They are longer due to the distributor being taller (because of the mechanical advance unit). 3 1/4" vs 3 13/16"
https://www.macsautoparts.com/spark-...09651657eea338
Learned something new today, thanks!
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Old 04-04-2021, 09:11 PM   #19
Jack Shaft
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

You use a pointer and a degree reference for the crankshaft pulley, nurex has them. Then use a cheapie tach dwell meter ,it reeds rpm off of the points. Once those two are set rig the timing light and start the engine.. The strobe from the light on the pointer will tell the nurex advance.. per rpm.. the model a ford engine performs optimally at 1 degree advance per 100 rpm...so at 500 rpm or idle,5 degrees, it should read 10 degrees at 1000 with a maximum advance at 24 degrees..By check the advance at various rpms you are basically mapping the timing..something I would definately do with the gyro,
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Last edited by Jack Shaft; 04-04-2021 at 09:17 PM.
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Old 04-05-2021, 12:38 AM   #20
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Default Re: Plug connector options?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Shaft View Post
You use a pointer and a degree reference for the crankshaft pulley, nurex has them. Then use a cheapie tach dwell meter ,it reeds rpm off of the points. Once those two are set rig the timing light and start the engine.. The strobe from the light on the pointer will tell the nurex advance.. per rpm.. the model a ford engine performs optimally at 1 degree advance per 100 rpm...so at 500 rpm or idle,5 degrees, it should read 10 degrees at 1000 with a maximum advance at 24 degrees..By check the advance at various rpms you are basically mapping the timing..something I would definately do with the gyro,
The Ford Garage has a pretty good article that show the advance curve of The Nu-Rex/Phillips advancing unit on a Sun Distributor Machine and compares it to the Model B advance.

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/nurexadvance.htm

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 04-05-2021 at 12:53 AM.
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