Y Block Spark plug cross over - Autolite 4316

J

JimNNN

Well-known member
I bought some new plugs for the '54 wagon 239, and bought a second set as well. The first set was Champion 844 H10C, as usual, but they didn't have enough of those for a second set, so I asked for a second set of Autolite. The number was 4316, which I was unfamiliar with. I think the Autolites I've bought in the past had the number 216 or something.



I took the Autolites because that's what they said crossed referenced to the Champion, but I'm wondering if the 4316's will work correctly. They're a non-resistor plug, but I have no radio in my car. What do you think? One place online indicated they will interchange but another place seemed to indicate they were mostly for bikes. Thanks for your help.
 
Back in the '70's, I used Champion UF11YC spark plugs in my Y-Block, but the chain auto parts stores around here discontinued them, but offered Champion F14Y plugs. I never had a problems with either heat range (southern Illinois). The F14Y is the hotter plug. Eventually, I couldn't find any Champion plugs around here for my Y-block and switched to Motorcraft BSF82C for about a decade.
Now I am using NGK for the first time.
It is my understanding that the Champion H10C plug is the coldest plug they offered and was listed in the books for heavy duty truck Y-blocks.
Hot plugs have more insulation to retain heat and burn off carbon deposits. These are best used for shorter trips and low RPM driving.
Cold plugs are meant for high RPM or long term driving as a means of carbon burn-off.
 
Thanks Dave and 57Fordor. Very helpful. I think I'll take back not only the 4316's, but the H10C's, as well. I'll try something hotter and see what happens. As it turns out, I do mostly drive longer distances on the highway in my car - 15 to 50 miles at about 55 mph, on average (appox. 2800 rpm) but my tired old engine could use some help burning deposits off. I'll let you know what happens.
 
MOTORCRAFT BSF82C
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I think I should mention that I've checked some of the part numbers on plugs mentioned/recommended on this thread and others, and some of them specify a 18mm thread diameter, where the '54 Ford Y Block has a 14 mm thread diameter. Did they increase the plug size in '55 or '56?



I ordered some NGK's online, and they were from a highly rated seller who stated they were specifically for a '54 V8. (Also said they'd work on '52-53, which are flatheads.) Didn't give the thread diameter, but the Man. part # is:
SX6841 IKH IK IQ IW IWM IWF ITV ITL ITF


I don't know which characters in that # are non-relevant.
 
I think I should mention that I've checked some of the part numbers on plugs mentioned/recommended on this thread and others, and some of them specify a 18mm thread diameter, where the '54 Ford Y Block has a 14 mm thread diameter. Did they increase the plug size in '55 or '56?
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The 14MM was used in 1954 (EBU) production and went to 18mm 1955 production. You have an early EBU 239?
 
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KULTULZ said:
The 14MM was used in 1954 (EBU) production and went to 18mm 1955 production. You have an early EBU 239?
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Yes, that's what my engine is. Thanks for that info. I'd like to use a hotter plug than normal, but I don't know that the NGK's I ordered are that. I ordered them for spare sets.



Almost nobody rods/mods the first year '54 Y block, but I figure if my car uses the same plug as the '52-53 flatheads, there's surely someone on the flathead forum who'll know which plug will work if you want a hotter plug...right?
 
JimNNN said:
Yes, that's what my engine is. Thanks for that info. I'd like to use a hotter plug than normal, but I don't know that the NGK's I ordered are that. I ordered them for spare sets.
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That was a very brief description as there was much more to it as there were two 239CI engines, the EBU and the EBV. The MERC 256CI EBY even comes into the fray.

The original plug was the CHAMPION 14MM H-10 (B4A 12405-A). Why do you feel the need for a hotter plug?

Here is some more interchange info -

https://www.sparkplug-crossreference.com/convert/CHAMP_PN/H10

https://www.sparkplug-crossreference.com/convert/CHAMP_PN/H10C

Almost nobody rods/mods the first year '54 Y block, but I figure if my car uses the same plug as the '52-53 flatheads, there's surely someone on the flathead forum who'll know which plug will work if you want a hotter plug...right?
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The EBU was a very unique engine. The EBY and EBV were continuations of the design. Your engine because of unique parts is meant only for restoration (IMO). If you want more performance, you would go to a 272/292.
 
A 54 was my first car, it was 239. Engine was silent when running. It got the job done with smooth V8 power. Sold the drivetrain to a guy restoring a Skyliner after rust on mine made it unsafe to drive.
 
!!! TRICK ME !!!​

MOTORCRAFT BSF82C is a 18MM plug as identified by the character 'B'.

First character 'A' would identify the plug as 14MM.

Now this was with the older ID SYSTEM. MOTORCRAFT has gone to a new system that seems to me as a guessing game. The OLDER SYSTEM actually ID'd the spark plug.

Anywho - Back at the ranch, the LONE STRANGER, disguised as a lantern, while TONTO dips his wick ... :rolleyes:

H-10 R/B H18Y R/B H18YC R/B by RH18YC

R = RESISTOR - C = COPPER CORE

NGK (as well as AUTOLITE (but won't), DENSO and BOSCH) is a QUALITY PRODUCT. FORD is even supplied by NGK in some applications.

Me... I use MOTORCRAFT (ON FLM) and never look back.
 
this is the original 55 ads
 

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I found the Champions made in the past twenty years or so to be far inferior. Both my 312 and my 286 flathead ran best with NGK plugs. Sorry, my geezer brain does not remember the numbers. O'Rielleys sold them to me.
 
I found the Champions made in the past twenty years or so to be far inferior.
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I've heard/read that also. Never used them except for small engine.

I just bought a set of MOTORCRAFT plugs for my ESCAPE. MADE in JAPAN and packaged the same as NGK. They are iridiums ... :D
 
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