Spark plug inspection - input

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Sep 17, 2012 | 09:12 PM

Mooser

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Spark plug inspection - input

Plugs haven't been changes in quite a while (not that many miles) so might as well have a look.

This is about 200 miles after my last carb mixture / idle / choke setting go-round. Timing seems optimal (or pretty close to) so I'm reading them as running slightly rich if anything.

44T plugs

#8

Drivers bank has very slightly more carbon than the passenger bang.

Looking for constructive input if any.
Mooser

Sep 17, 2012 | 09:48 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

Looks like they are running a bit rich...more on the left bank. It looks like that carbon has been there a while; so hard to tell if you have corrected that problem [or not] with your last carb adjustments.

Sep 18, 2012 | 12:02 PM

Mooser

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Yeah that's all I saw too, and as far as I can tell, the previous settings on the carb (another "how did it even run" type of thing) could have been anywhere.

I'm going to clean them and re-install, went through each on and don't see anything worth replacing.
I may give the mixtures a tiny bit of a turn in and watch the rest of the season.

Mooser

Sep 18, 2012 | 04:56 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

I don't know whether you even use the spark plug shielding and covers on your car [or not], but I would suggest that you just clean the plugs and do nothing to the carb, until you do a re-check on the plug condition after about 100 miles of running. Just leave the cover/shielding off the plugs you want to check (#2 & #7 would be my choices), then put them back on after you have it all working like you want.

Sep 18, 2012 | 05:12 PM

Mooser

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It's a big block so there's no problem getting at the plugs (well, #5 is a PIA and #7 I have to do from underneath but...)

I've got a new cap and rotor to put on. Going to go over the points and re-quadruple check the timing. And leave the carb alone like you say, it's got to be close, the pictures of the plugs are a little darker than they look real.

Thanks
Mooser

Sep 18, 2012 | 05:21 PM

Ironcross

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Next time you might switch to R45T or R45TS......they could clean the cylinders a little better or try a little more lead with the proper fuel

Sep 18, 2012 | 05:33 PM

Mooser

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironcross

Next time you might switch to R45T or R45TS......they could clean the cylinders a little better or try a little more lead with the proper fuel

I considered moving to a 45T but I think the heat range looked fairly good on the plug.

As for the fuel, it's the best water they sell around here (what was Sunoco 94 once upon a time).
It does get a drink of octane boost when I know it'll get a good run, maybe once every third tank or so.
Mooser