[DeTomaso] Fouled Spark Plugs

[Julian Kift]

Carbon fouling of all plugs is nearly always from too rich a mixture. Can you get a hold of or know anyone with an exhaust gas/CO analyzer?

 

What is your timing set at and how much mechanical advance did you set (with the various spring combinations) in that new "almost ready to run" MSD distributor?

 

Good luck,

Julian
 
> From: wkooiman at earthlink.net
> To: detomaso at realbig.com
> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:49:40 -0600
> Subject: [DeTomaso] Fouled Spark Plugs
> 
> I fouled another set of spark plugs, and got stranded - again. I love AAA
> and flat beds. Not really, but it sure beats walking. From now on, I'm
> carrying a spare set of plugs with me.
> 
> 
> 
> So, the question of the night is, "Why are my plugs fouling?"
> 
> 
> 
> I have:
> 
> Autolite 3926's, gapped at 0.045
> 
> MSD 6AL (6-7 years old)
> 
> MSD ready-to-run dist no-vac advance (new)
> 
> MSD blaster-2 coil (2-3 years old)
> 
> MSD plug wires (new)
> 
> 11:1 comp
> 
> Aluminum heads
> 
> CompCams 294S
> 
> Holley
> 
> 
> 
> Could the MSD be bad? I always thought MSD ignitions were overkill. If I'm
> fouling plugs with an MSD, surely it would be worse w/out MSD - right?
> 
> 
> 
> I have a brand new 6AL that I can swap out to see if it is more reliable
> than the current MSD.
> 
> 
> 
> Are 3926's too cold? The previous set of plugs were 3923's.
> 
> 
> 
> Is 0.045 too wide?
> 
> 
> 
> The carb is slightly rich, but not too bad.
> 
> 
> 
> It runs really strong, but I need it to be more reliable than this. I was
> driving from Dallas back to Houston when it just stopped running. I
> verified that it has gas, power to the MSD, spark (from timing light),
> timing is where I left it. I replaced 3 plugs with some old plugs I had in
> the garage. It hit a little bit, but wouldn't start. I'm sure if I
> replaced all 8 with new plugs that it'll start right up.
> 
> 
> 
> On a possibly related note, my tail lights and brake lights went out. It
> might be related to my emergency flashers, though.
> 
> 
> 
> One more thing - this engine runs hotter than the last. I don't have my
> fans hooked up. If I go less than about 40mph, it overheats. As I was
> leaving Dallas, the temp got to about 230deg. Surely the hot temps didn't
> hurt the plugs. And yes, I plan on hooking up the fans this weekend. That
> is, of course, after I fix the issue with the plugs.
> 
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