The Ford Barn

marc hildebrant · 05-14-2010, 09:36 PM

Group,

New Model A owner here. I'm ready to replace the spark plugs on the Ford, and I'm confused.... The base near the block is very large. Then there is a hex 11/16. Does the bottom "base" stay ?

Marc

JBR · 05-14-2010, 09:46 PM

Marc,
Original Model A plugs like the 3X were made so you could take them apart and clean them. The top hex should screw out of the bottom and the electrode will come out allowing them to be cleaned or replaced. To remove the plug from the head, the whole thing screws out as and assembly.
Hope that helps - good luck - have fun,
Jon

Jim Parker Toronto · 05-14-2010, 09:51 PM

If you are new, you haven't found out yet that the 3X plugs are very expensive! There is a lot of good daily drivers plugs out there, that are more reasonably priced if you are not a purist.

J Franklin · 05-14-2010, 09:54 PM

Don't take them apart unless you are prepared to clean them up, or just curious. If they are original 3X plugs they are worth something to a collector or re-builder, so don't just toss them!

marc hildebrant · 05-18-2010, 05:19 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Group,

Another basic question. How to install the spark plug gasket ?

In the past, I have put the smaller diameter section of the gasket so that it touchs the head. Does it matter ?

Had some water from an engine cleaning on the head when I started up the engine. Saw some "bubbles" around the base of the plugs. Do I need to tighten the plugs more ?

My method, is with a cold head, tighten with a wrench firm but not hard.

Marc

05-14-2010, 09:36 PM	#1
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Spark Plug Basics Group, New Model A owner here. I'm ready to replace the spark plugs on the Ford, and I'm confused.... The base near the block is very large. Then there is a hex 11/16. Does the bottom "base" stay ? Marc

05-14-2010, 09:46 PM	#2
JBR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 346	Re: Spark Plug Basics Marc, Original Model A plugs like the 3X were made so you could take them apart and clean them. The top hex should screw out of the bottom and the electrode will come out allowing them to be cleaned or replaced. To remove the plug from the head, the whole thing screws out as and assembly. Hope that helps - good luck - have fun, Jon Last edited by JBR; 05-14-2010 at 09:47 PM. Reason: change wording

05-14-2010, 09:51 PM	#3
Jim Parker Toronto Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,289	Re: Spark Plug Basics If you are new, you haven't found out yet that the 3X plugs are very expensive! There is a lot of good daily drivers plugs out there, that are more reasonably priced if you are not a purist.

05-14-2010, 09:54 PM	#4
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,962	Re: Spark Plug Basics Don't take them apart unless you are prepared to clean them up, or just curious. If they are original 3X plugs they are worth something to a collector or re-builder, so don't just toss them!

05-18-2010, 05:19 PM	#5
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Re: Spark Plug Basics Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Group, Another basic question. How to install the spark plug gasket ? In the past, I have put the smaller diameter section of the gasket so that it touchs the head. Does it matter ? Had some water from an engine cleaning on the head when I started up the engine. Saw some "bubbles" around the base of the plugs. Do I need to tighten the plugs more ? My method, is with a cold head, tighten with a wrench firm but not hard. Marc