Bob, good advise. While you mentioned it, most overlook really good spark plug
wires. They do age with time and heat, and the newer wires in 8mm silicone,
can put all those new benefits to the plugs.
I wonder how many people have the original plug wires on their cars. Maybe
they like the electrical spark dance, visible at night.
Larry
Bob Palmer wrote:
> Steve,
>
> You are sure right about checking anything suspicious before it's too late;
> I've had a few close calls myself. You're very lucky the oil didn't catch
> fire.
>
> Now to your spark plug gap question. It all depends on what one means by
> "electronic ignition". The Pertronics unit has no effect whatsoever on the
> voltage/energy of the spark; it only affects the reliability versus
> mechanical points. As for the "Flamethrower" coil, I gather by its name that
> it is a higher performance - by some measure - coil than "stock". It may
> allow you to open up the spark gap somewhat, which has a good effect,
> especially at lower rpms. You will know when you have too much gap; either
> you get missing at higher rpms (5,000+) or possibly arcing at weak points in
> your wiring. In general, I'm not too keen on "hot" coils. They are only
> marginally effective. What really works is a good capacitive discharge
> ignition like, for example, the MSD 6A that I use. MSD has a chart of
> recommended spark gap versus engine compression and I believe 0.055" is what
> they recommend for about a 10-11:1 compression ratio. I don't think this big
> a gap will work with just a hot coil by itself. BTW, don't use a hot coil
> with any capacitive type of system.
>
> If you don't want to spring the $150 or so it costs for an MSD, which at
> this point I'm sure you don't, then I'd try setting the spark plug gaps at
> 0.045" and see how that works. If your engine still pulls strong to the
> highest rpm you run it, then I'd call it good. If you detect some misfiring,
> then drop back to 0.040".
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Bob
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