Poly 318 Spark Plug Coloring

[Mackman]

I remember back when unleaded fuel came out the experts said we wouldn’t be able to read plugs anymore.

 

[R. Shackleford]

When you buy your new plugs take the old one and ask for 2 steps colder. Or,,post your plug number and the guys will give you the right number.

They are Autolite 85

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

They are Autolite 85

https://www.autolite.com/media/wysiwyg/tech_specs/Autolite_Understanding-Heat-Range_.pdf

 

[Geoff 2]

I would NOT go two steps colder on the plugs. This is NOT a race car...

 

[R. Shackleford]

Haha yeah definitely not a race car or even a hotrod really. Just a cruiser with a little extra go. Yesterday when I got home I went out to see about the starting issue. I sat in and hit the key and she fired up like nothing happened.... I did NOTHING but bump the key. Not sure why the no start in the morning and no issue in the evening. Today fired right up so I took her to work. I plan on flushing the motor and radiator and replacing the thermostat tomorrow but today she comes with me. Lookin at the top hose and it's not bad, a little soft but I have a new one to replace it along with the lower. I've seen them routed above the top of the radiator like this before but I've always had it more level. Does it make a difference really? Thoughts....

 

[R. Shackleford]

Is the exhaust flap flappin' ?

The exhaust valve on the pass side manifold? Not sure if it works properly although she's got dual exhaust with no crossover (aside from intake manifold) and both tips have equal pressure and sound so I would assume its opening.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

I would NOT go two steps colder on the plugs. This is NOT a race car...

Maybe 1 step colder,that plug was hot!

 

[Budnicks]

maybe go with a 'non-extended tip' type plug
that'd take you down in heat range
without going down in #

 

[Geoff 2]

Spark plugs have a working temp range of around 800* F. Anywhere within that range is safe. There is no need to change those plugs.

 

[R. Shackleford]

Think I've found the issue. 160 that never closes doesn't seem to be the way to go with this engine haha. I replaced it with a 180, flushed the everything and blew it out with air. I'm even waiting the recommended cure time with the RTV before fillin back up with coolant. In my youth as long as it was loud and fast (not like that stupid tv show) that's all that mattered. Now it's time to do things the right way so I really appreciate all the advice and support.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

How did that stat work out ?

 

[Budnicks]

any updates ?, how did the stuff work out ?
how about the stuck Thermostat, 180* to 160* deal work out ?

 

[R. Shackleford]

UPDATE: She's runnin fantastic in the correct heat range. Friday when I went to fill everything back up I went in and no start. She just cranked and cranked with nothin. No spark so chased that down to a bad condenser. Swapped it out and put a good set of points in while I was there. Did a little timing and at this point everything seems to be goin good. All the crankin kinda washed the plugs a bit. Took them all out and cleaned them up but will be swappin them out too this week. I did notice the 7-8 cylinders burn leaner then the fronts. I have yet to do a compression test so that may be my next move.

 

[Dakar Timm]

Thanks for letting us know how things are progressing.
I'm not sure how many other PolyHead owners are here .
I inherited a '66 Coronet Polyhead several years back. I'm still learning..

 

[R. Shackleford]

Thanks for letting us know how things are progressing.
I'm not sure how many other PolyHead owners are here .
I inherited a '66 Coronet Polyhead several years back. I'm still learning..

Yeah this is my first Poly and so far I really like it. The 2000-3500 rpm range has torque for days. I would like to check the valve lash here soon. Not sure if anyones ever done that since the rebuild. The guy I bought her from drove about 3k miles in 22 years and I've put on 1500 in the last 4 months. She loves to drive and I'm takin advantage of that

 

[Dakar Timm]

I didn’t quite realize what it was when I brought her home .it was only after trying to replace the valve covers that I started to really understand how very different the Polyhead is from the later LA

 

[Cranky]

Thanks for letting us know how things are progressing.
I'm not sure how many other PolyHead owners are here .
I inherited a '66 Coronet Polyhead several years back. I'm still learning..

My first car had a poly teen in it and learned a lot with it....learned a lot with the whole car. That car was also my first engine swap to a 383. Also learned a lot with my sister's 65 Mudstain with the 200 6 banger just before getting the Plymouth. A tech at a Plymouth dealership showed me how to do a tune up on that little Ford after the Ford dealership couldn't get it right lol. Figured when I took it there I'd get laughed out of that place but they said 'sure, bring it in' and never took anything to another Ford dealership again.

 

[Cranky]

I didn’t quite realize what it was when I brought her home .it was only after trying to replace the valve covers that I started to really understand how very different the Polyhead is from the later LA View attachment 1896434

View attachment 1896432

polypheriscal combustion chamber....not a Hemi....not a Wedge.

 

[R. Shackleford]

I didn’t quite realize what it was when I brought her home .it was only after trying to replace the valve covers that I started to really understand how very different the Polyhead is from the later LA View attachment 1896434

View attachment 1896432

Looks real nice. How do you like it with the headers? I've been contemplating pullin that trigger