Spark Plug Extender

[jdiesel33]

Just went to replace the plugs and noticed that the old ones were way longer than the new ones. Then I figured out they had these "extensions" on them that screw on the threads that would be normally screwed in the block. Was this just to make them longer thereby being easier to get to since they are already in an awkward place? Is there any performance gain or loss since the strap and copper are not at the top and actually exposed? It is like they are in a cave with this extension. Please advise.

[jdiesel33]

pic

[terrible one]

Wow that's interesting! I don't know anything about plugs/gap, etc. but wouldn't that effect the gap? 

[mikepmcs]

courtesy resize for ya.

Just go get some ngk xr5's and be done with it.

[tan top]

     never seen anything like that before , for a second it looked like a broken plug   

   

[jdiesel33]

courtesy resize for ya.

Just go get some ngk xr5's and be done with it.

I was actually replacing with some NGK XR4IX 7189's. Are the xr5's better?

[mikepmcs]

Ron would know that answer.  I run the 5's cause that is what he recommended.  I don't know anything about the 4's.

[69chargerR/T]

That looks like an oil fouler, they use them to stop the spark plug from getting oil fouled.  Witch means oil must be getting in the cylinder and fouling out the plug.

[firefighter3931]

The 4 series NGK plug is a "hotter" series than the 5's. Those plugs you linked to are probably the Iridium plugs that they sell (just guessing  ) that usually cost more than the standard v-groove series.

The XR5 works great for an iron head build that runs pump gas....if you're running in excess of 10:1 static compression you might consider a slightly cooler plug. 



Ron


Ps. Not sure what to make of that plug extender do-hicky....looks to me like it would move the electrode away from the chamber. Honestly....that's the first time i've seen something like that. 

[jdiesel33]

The 4 series NGK plug is a "hotter" series than the 5's. Those plugs you linked to are probably the Iridium plugs that they sell (just guessing  ) that usually cost more than the standard v-groove series.

The XR5 works great for an iron head build that runs pump gas....if you're running in excess of 10:1 static compression you might consider a slightly cooler plug. 



Ron


Ps. Not sure what to make of that plug extender do-hicky....looks to me like it would move the electrode away from the chamber. Honestly....that's the first time i've seen something like that. 

You are correct. They are the Iridiums and were a little more expensive. I wish I knew what the diff between hotter and cooler plugs was or what the heck the static compression is. I'm still a mere rookie and trying to learn all of this stuff! In any event, the R/T I am trying to bring back to life has a stock 440. That's about all I know. With that said, should I switch to the XR5's? Much appreciation for all of the guidance on this kick ass site!!!!

[69chargerR/T]

The 4 series NGK plug is a "hotter" series than the 5's. Those plugs you linked to are probably the Iridium plugs that they sell (just guessing  ) that usually cost more than the standard v-groove series.

The XR5 works great for an iron head build that runs pump gas....if you're running in excess of 10:1 static compression you might consider a slightly cooler plug. 



Ron


Ps. Not sure what to make of that plug extender do-hicky....looks to me like it would move the electrode away from the chamber. Honestly....that's the first time i've seen something like that. 

It sure looks like an oil fouler. When the engine is getting oil in a cylinder and keeps fouling the plug out. You can make the spark plug last longer buy installing an oil fouler, it covers the plug so lasts longer ( it takes longer for the oil to foul out the plug )

[jdiesel33]

It sure looks like an oil fouler. When the engine is getting oil in a cylinder and keeps fouling the plug out. You can make the spark plug last longer buy installing an oil fouler, it covers the plug so lasts longer ( it takes longer for the oil to foul out the plug )


[/quote]

That makes sense. Does having the fouler on there affect performance? Seems like it would.

[69chargerR/T]

I think it would. The fouler you took off that plug looks like it has oil deposits on it, witch means there is oil getting in the cylinder witch will hurt perfomance. The oil is getting in the cylinder though the valves or the rings on the piston, witch is not good. Was that the only plug that had that on it ?

[firefighter3931]

It sure looks like an oil fouler. When the engine is getting oil in a cylinder and keeps fouling the plug out. You can make the spark plug last longer buy installing an oil fouler, it covers the plug so lasts longer ( it takes longer for the oil to foul out the plug )

Looking at that pic posted above your explanation makes sense....the threaded portion that portrudes into the chamber is covered in oil. 

Could be bad rings, worn guides or leaky valve seals....maybe time to do some diagnostic investigation. 



Ron

[Sublime/Sixpack]

By the looks of that fouler (?), the new plugs won't last very long before they're oil fouled. 

[Ghoste]

I have never heard of that before, an oil fouler.  My lesson for the day, thanks. 

[jdiesel33]

Well Son of A .......  I was just trying to change the plugs!! Good that I find out about this now and address it now though.

So with a stock 440 should I be using the NGK xr4's or xr5's?

[rt green]

ya i've seen those before, but not since the '80's. had one cylinder on an old 72 monte caelo that kept oil fouling. got sick of replacing the one plug all the time. it worked then sold the car to a friend that wanted to fix it.

[Nacho-RT74]

That looks like an oil fouler, they use them to stop the spark plug from getting oil fouled.  Witch means oil must be getting in the cylinder and fouling out the plug.

down here they are called TOWERS... MOSTLY of oil fails droping to spark plug electrode are made by worn valve guides ( don't ask how I do know that  )

[tecmopar]

Thats what they are, "Will cure your engine of burning oil and fouled spark plugs for just 2.99 each" was the ad in the J.C. Whitney catalog years ago.