[DeTomaso] Car related laugh for the day, LPC (Little Pantera Content)

[Asa Jay Laughton]

So I go to change oil in my daily driver, a Ford ZX2.  Hmm, I seem to be 
out of synthetic, no bother, I'll just use this Napa brand 10-40 I've 
had sitting on the shelf for several years, it should do until I pick up 
a new case of synthetic.  Besides, I need to change the oil again soon 
anyway, as a "clean-out."

So I get the filter changed, and decide to plunk that first quart of oil 
in.  While I'm at it, I'll start taking out the bolts that hold the 
spark plug cover on.  What's this?  An oil pan plug.  !?!?!  Oops.  
Looking under the car, sure enough, brand new oil draining into the oil 
pan.  Pretty too the sun is so bright I can see right this stuff, not 
like the stuff that came out earlier.  Put the plug in stupid.

Onto quart number two (it's a good thing I got five quarts out of the shed)

Off with the spark plug cover, off with the plug wires/boots, and out 
come the plugs.

Holy CRAP!

Now, at this point, let me go back and tell you the reason I wanted to 
pull the plugs.  In my humble opinion, the engine has been running kind 
of puny lately.  Seems like it's missing on a cylinder every now and 
again, but it still runs decent and drive fine on my commute everyday.  
I figured I'd pull them to check them out, then if I need some, pick 
some up.

It's after 1900 (7 pm RPT), all auto stores are closed.  I hadn't really 
thought I'd need to get them THIS bad.

The gaps on the plugs range from .075 to somewhere over .100 and there 
are only four of them.  The center electrode is worn down to a razor 
thin wire.  The ground electrodes are tapered, one has a spike of 
something on it pointing to the center electrode and others have little 
divits you could hold a small golf ball in.  Wait. . . WTF. . .These are 
Motorcraft PLATINUMS!  Who the hell put THESE in???

It certainly wasn't me.  I've not changed plugs on this car since I've 
owned it.

The memories go back to 1987 when I tried a set of Bosch Platinums in 
the Mach I, only to pitch them after about three weeks.  Seems I know 
remember this kind of bad running scenario from way back.

Did I mention the part stores were closed?  So I stare at the Pantera 
and think, hmmm, maybe I should just drive it the next few days.  YES! 
you all say.  YES, I say, but darned if I can't get it out unless I move 
the stinkin' ZX2 now.  I'm pinned.

So, I get out my trusty points file (you know, from waaaaaay back in the 
capacitive discharge days of motoring) and file both the ground 
electrode and the center electrode.  Then I have to gap the things.  The 
one with the most worn center electrode ends up having the ground 
electrode bent over like a hook in order to get it close enough to gap 
at .065.  Now mind you, I'm guessing here at .065, but I figure it's 
gotta be close.

Put them all back in, cross my fingers and it fires right up.  Seems to 
be running a lot better too.  So now,  . . .
Do I swap the cars and drive the Pantera?  Oh noooo, not me, I'm going 
to temp FATE, and drive the ZX2 to work tomorrow, pick up parts on the 
way home (plugs and oil) and see just how well backyard shadetree 
mechanicin' really works.  :)

I'll be getting the Pantera out Wednesday to stretch it's legs.  Wish me 
luck.

Asa Jay


Asa Jay Laughton, MSgt, USAFR, Retired

& Shelley Marie
Spokane, WA

1973 Pantera L 5533
[ASASCAT]
    
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http://www.asajay.com
http://www.351c.info