Reading Spark plugs (with pictures!)

[OUTFXD]

Cleaning up the head trying to solve the leaking spark plug issue and I decided to check the spark plugs.

 

Plugs 1 2 5 & 6 showed a some black soot but the insulator was dusted with grey ash.  As I recall this is normal.

[OUTFXD]

plugs 3 & 4 showed the same black soot around the edges,  but the insulator showed some TAN ash.  I dont remember seeing that before. Could someone with more experience (and a better memory) tell me if this is normal?

[Sniper]

Tan is normal, it's the additive package in the gasoline, IIRC. 

 

Looks like your timing is good.

[OUTFXD]

Sweet! thank you!

[desoto1939]

1 hour ago, OUTFXD said:

Sweet! thank you!

what plug type and number are you running for this car? I would suggest that you get another set of the same just to have as spares. If they are a regular plug then set the gap at 25.

 

A friend of mine is running Autolite 295 sparkplugs and has found then at his local walmart. They cost around $1.85 each. They have the chrome base and are a replacement for the Champion J8.  Whole lot cheaper than getting them off the internet.  Just some thought on sparkplugs.

 

Rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

[OUTFXD]

I am running Champion J11Cs  Just what was recommended by the local parts hause so I could get some fresh plugs in her.

[keithb7]

For comparison interest if wanted. Last week I took these out of my recently rebuilt 237 engine.

 

 

[OUTFXD]

Looks like what came out of mine! Thank you!

[maok]

You're looking for a nice light brown/coffee latte colour on the porcelain, electrode and ground strap. 

[OUTFXD]

Thanks! Mine do have a little black soot around the edges (from running rich) I am currently rebuilding the carb and hope that clears it up!

[Bryan]

If you're running gas with ethanol the porcelain won't color. If you found some "real" gas it will.