So within a few thousand miles I fouled all of my spark plugs Guy at auto parts store recommended spark plug extenders to keep them from fouling until I get everything stable and worked out. I had never heard of these. Anyone know if they work, how they work or if they have any impact on performance? Thanks
How are they fouling? I would fix the problem vs putting a band aid on a gashing wound. Plug extenders are basically making the plugs hotter. Personally I would just jump up 2 ranges hotter plugs before putting extenders in. We have enough ranges of plugs now adays, no reason for extenders IMO. Back in the day they were shadetree mechanic useful
gotcha. the guy at the parts store didn't know how they worked... made me alil leery. I've had so many issues going on (exhaust, timing, tuning, accel pump) that I was hoping it would cut one thing out the equation. That way If I can't get something right, I know that at least it's not my fouling spark plugs.
They work by taking the spark out of the cylinder when it is needed. Might as well pull the plug wire to that sparkplug and get the same result.
Spark plug extenders lengthen the path to the cooling jacket. They are meant for old (low compression) oil burning engines that should be rebuilt. They can cause detonation and preignition and should only be used as a last resort. Hotter plugs will likely solve your fouling problem but before you do that check to make sure your wires are new. Old wires that are leaking to the nearest ground can cause plugs to foul too. Gaps that are too small or too large can increase fouling as well. Start with new wires, plug gaps at .035" and the next range hotter plug.
new plugs and wires (pretty sure the wires were new but I couldn't remember..). plugs are gapped at .035 (as close as I can get with the keychain gapper). I had already put the new plugs in a few days ago so I'll wait to see if these foul before buying the next stage hotter. The gapping and plug wires doesn't make sense why ALL of the plugs were fouled. I'll check them in week, see how they are, clean them and check in another week. Maybe once the engine's tuned it will take care of it..
Can you post some close up , CLEAR photos of the fouled plugs, this will give us a good chance at steering you in whats going on and WHY they are fouling. Close up pics of porceline and ignitor please
Sounds like it's running rich. Is the choke coming off all the way? How is the float level? Or are they oil fouled? If they are oil fouled, the rings are stuck or worn out....
i'll work on getting some pictures in the tomorrow. gotta find a camera. lol, didn't think this was gonna get this high on the to do list so fast. I'll take it!!
i dont get this O2 sensor plug thing you guys are talking about. I have an O2 sensor? I should remove and plug this sensor that I didn't even know existed? lol
You only have an O2 sensor if you have converted to electronic fuel injection. The reason for replacing the plugs is that they were fouled and to use the hotter plug. A hotter plug will keep the plug hotter there by allowing it to clean itself of fouling. I had a 250 six cylinder that was fouling plugs until I went to the next hotter plug. It then ran like a dream - no more fouling. Another thing I should have mentioned - use Autolite plugs. I have had problems with AC, Delco and Champion plugs. They all have fouling problems and Champions were the worst of the bunch. I got less than 3 hours on them before they refused to fire. At that time I was working closely with Champion so I called the rep - got transfered to tech and was told, "Heat the plug with an acetylene torch and then they would be good to go" RIGHT! I am going to heat my spark plugs with a F*@King torch to make them do what Autolite do naturally. I have never looked back. To top it all off the Autolites are cheaper and last two years for me - the Champion plugs wouldn't last one year (even if you reheated them every couple of weeks)
word. thnx!! autolites are what i had just put in. I'll check'm tomorrow to see how they look and go hotter if need be. Glad i don't have an O2 sensor. I was confused there for a bit.
