73 454 spark plugs
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
73 454 spark plugs
Hello,
I am trying to do a major tuneup on my 73 454, replacing all the ignition parts. Since it was running so bad before the tuneup, I am going to change my plugs. I like what Forum member "classicharley" did with his photos, so I am copying his idea.
Below are the photos of my plugs. They were gapped at .042 except for plug number 2, which was gapped at .022. I am installing AC R44TS plugs gapped at .032
What is your opinion of these plugs. Burning oil, oil fouled, ????
I am trying to do a major tuneup on my 73 454, replacing all the ignition parts. Since it was running so bad before the tuneup, I am going to change my plugs. I like what Forum member "classicharley" did with his photos, so I am copying his idea.
Below are the photos of my plugs. They were gapped at .042 except for plug number 2, which was gapped at .022. I am installing AC R44TS plugs gapped at .032
What is your opinion of these plugs. Burning oil, oil fouled, ????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Actually they don't look all that bad, there may be some oil getting in there but not bad enough to worry about, you'll find that most of the original, non rebuilt big blocks tend to burn a little oil. Try gapping them at the stock .035. I just replaced my set and they looked very similiar.
Pat Kunz
Pat Kunz
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Originally Posted by danthony
TRy an R45Ts and see how they look, its a step hotter.
I checked my notes and found that plug range in them. Too Late. I already busted my knuckles putting in the R44TS plugs
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
#6 is the only one I'd be a little worried about. #7 and #5 have a lot of oil on the threads. Check your valve cover gaskets. Oil leaking down can make it onto the plug that way. If oil leaks onto the plug boot it can misfire (spark going from the terminal along the oil on the boot to the plug shell).
A one step hotter plug may work better. Use a small dab of anti seize on the threads and di-electric grease inside the boots. If you have a stock ignition system gap the new plugs at 0.035".
A one step hotter plug may work better. Use a small dab of anti seize on the threads and di-electric grease inside the boots. If you have a stock ignition system gap the new plugs at 0.035".
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Thanks Zwede,
I see that # 6 and #3 look the worse. I dont know the history of this car, or how long these plugs have been in the engine. Now that I am replacing them I can check them again in 100 miles of driving or so. After having this photo of the plugs, I can see what plugs to pull to inspect. That way I can compare plugs #8 which looks ok, and plug #6 which looks bad to the ones that I put in.
kdf
I see that # 6 and #3 look the worse. I dont know the history of this car, or how long these plugs have been in the engine. Now that I am replacing them I can check them again in 100 miles of driving or so. After having this photo of the plugs, I can see what plugs to pull to inspect. That way I can compare plugs #8 which looks ok, and plug #6 which looks bad to the ones that I put in.
kdf
