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01-21-2016, 02:28 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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Spark plug shims
I've built a flatty based on a 51 merc block. During the machine shop phase, my machinist shaved the decks a "little" (I don't really know how much).
I'm running the Edelbrock 74cc heads and a Potvin Super 3/8 cam. I also m sing Edelbrock's recommended spark plugs, Champion rc12yc. The problem I'm having is the valves are closing all but one of the gaps on the passenger side bank. It doesn't seem to be smashing the electrode, nor does it leave and real damage on the valve. It just seems to close the gaps. I don't want to use a shorter plug because they are MUCH shorter and the heads are aluminum. I know of several manufacturers of "indexing washer" that vary in thickness, the thickest being .064" . I believe that should be enough of a shim to keep from closing them. I have run the engine a bit (not knowing at first) and it sounded real lumpy and randomly spit fire from the pipes. After finding the problem, I re-gapped the plugs then installed them hand tight, then backed them off about 2-3 threads and fired it up again, now both banks are running but I don't think well enough to get any real tune. Has anyone dealt with these indexing washers before? or had similar problems? I guess what I really need to know is...do I remove the "gasket" from the plug before using the washer, or just leave it on? Here's a link to it running... https://youtu.be/rJsxl5MS4PY |
01-21-2016, 04:53 PM | #2 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
The indexing "washers" replace the original plug gasket for the purpose of aligning the plug ground strap to the desired location. The variety of thickness options allows for differing thread calibrations so most rotational locations can be accommodated.
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01-21-2016, 05:18 PM | #3 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
I do have a box of champion plug gaskets . I coud send you a few and you could just doble them up????
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01-21-2016, 05:22 PM | #4 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
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01-21-2016, 05:23 PM | #5 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Way to go, Ronnie!....Thank you for that link....
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The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... "Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!" "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 Last edited by petehoovie; 01-21-2016 at 06:09 PM. |
01-21-2016, 06:17 PM | #6 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
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01-21-2016, 06:43 PM | #7 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Another option might be NGK Surface Gap spark plugs - they make one in 3/4" reach that might be worth checking out. A lot of boat engines use them. What I don't know is how much energy it takes to fire them and if there are any issues with fowling. I bought a set of 7/16 surface gap plugs to try in my 42 Merc 284 cube flathead (just for shits and giggles) - they are NGK BU8H. Regular plugs work fine in this engine, just wanted to try these for the heck of it. (I am running a Vertex Mag).
Here is a link to Summit, with a .750 reach NGK plug (#2322) . . . maybe be something that works, won't know until yah try it! http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ngk-2322 Also, here are spark plug index washers at Summit: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-71910/overview/ |
01-21-2016, 06:57 PM | #8 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
So I am not the only one that used surface gap plugs in a flathead. I had a "hot" 276" Merc with an MSD igition which fired the surface gaps just fine. After 6 years and 14,000 miles of trouble-free driving (except for axles) I sold it too a guy who told me they flat out wouldn't work!
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01-21-2016, 07:15 PM | #9 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
>>>I re-gapped the plugs then installed them hand tight, then backed them off about 2-3 threads and fired it up again>>>
Prolly not a good idea to run it too much with loose plugs. Aluminum threads can get buggered up and/or fouled with super-hot combustion leaks. Jack E/NJ |
01-21-2016, 10:48 PM | #10 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Back in 1970 I had a Kawasaki 500 two stroke. It had surface gap plugs. Did not have any problems with fouling. I still have some of the plugs.
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01-21-2016, 11:21 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Quote:
Yeah I know...It was just a warm up run. |
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01-21-2016, 11:24 PM | #12 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Yes I understand the true purpose of the indexing washer. I did ask Speedway about the use of them, they say to use them WITH the gasket.
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01-21-2016, 11:27 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Quote:
Whoa hey now!!!! that plug may be the ticket as I am running an MSD. I like that better than "double gasketing" another plug. |
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01-21-2016, 11:34 PM | #14 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Hey thanks for the offer there Bubba!! .... I have a bag of these indexing washers on the way already,but I think I may try these surface gap plugs mentioned here.
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01-22-2016, 12:11 AM | #15 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
If you screw one into a head before it is on the engine, you can see that they produce an almost absolutely flush surface on the inside of the head. The ones I used were Champions, but I believe that most plug manufacturers make them. I never changed plugs in the 6 years I had the car. (It was a '36 3-window coupe, BTW.) Like B&S, I got the idea from the plugs that were used in a Johnson O/B motor I had at the time. You really should try a set. The cost will be minimal, and there is no electrode to break off and drop into the engine. The worst thing that could happen is that they wouldn't work very well, but I doubt it.
If you try some, let us know. I would be interested to see if I am not the only one who got away with this. |
01-22-2016, 10:46 AM | #16 | |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Quote:
But I do believe this is my best option. |
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01-22-2016, 12:06 PM | #17 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Got my Champion L76V marine plugs at Tractor Supply. Run them in my Case SC.
Jack E/NJ |
07-10-2020, 02:13 PM | #18 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
What is the reach, less gasket on the L76V champ plug ? Thank you.
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07-10-2020, 02:19 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Spark plug shims
Quote:
Wrong plugs, no matter what Edelbrock "recommends"?? (Add) Just realized the date of this thread, missed that. Also, today there always seems to be plug length issues, more than normal for these Flatheads with aftermarket heads? Thanks, Gary in N.Y. P.S. We never use "extended-tip" plugs in any of our Flatheads, and we don't particularly care for that brand any longer! We use "Autolite" pump-gas plugs on almost all our builds!
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http://www.stromberg-bulletin.com/me...berg-equipped/ Last edited by GOSFAST; 07-10-2020 at 02:37 PM. Reason: Add |
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07-10-2020, 02:28 PM | #20 |
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Re: Spark plug shims
I run extended tip plugs in my car, but I have Edmunds heads where the spark plug has been relocated just enough to get it away from over the valve. Two years and 3000 miles with no problems. I wouldn't try it with "regular" heads, though.
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