Autolite 216 plugs

You don't say what you have but the book for my '51 8BA says the gap should be .025 -.028. However, I use NGK's B6L's.
 
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As stated above, .025 is standard. A larger gap requires more voltage to jump the gap. The discharge will seek the easiest path to ground and may jump through plug wire insulation, cracks in insulators, etc, before sparking at the spark plug if higher gaps are used.
 
What 40cpesays. 25 thou is good. The HT side of the ignition can and will break down if the load is too high.
I noticed the 216s are now made in China. I have made the switch to NGKs but haven't tried them yet.
Mart.
 
FWIW, I had the electrode pull out of three Auto 216’s and have gone back to Champion H10’s. I am going to try the NGK’s next time I get plugs......Mark
 
hmmmm,

The Autolite 216 used to be a great plug and back in the 80's they even came with a guarantee,

But now made in China?

I guess I shoulda stocked up while I had the chance.
 
Call me different but all I use is either E3 or Autolite plugs. I have had issues with Champions and NGK fouling out, a issue I have never had with a Autolite. I do like the E3 plugs for the 38-53 Fords
 
35fordtn said:
Call me different but all I use is either E3 or Autolite plugs. I have had issues with Champions and NGK fouling out, a issue I have never had with a Autolite. I do like the E3 plugs for the 38-53 Fords
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You got your answer in #2,#3,#4 so a little diversion.

I've never heard of an E3, always use NGK. If the hype is all its cracked up to be, they could be pretty good. Think I'll track some down and give em a try.

Copied from a Google search:

Here are some excellent features that make the E3 Spark Plugs one of the top-rated spark plugs on the market: ... Depending upon the engine class, the E3 Spark Plug improves the engine power by 6% to 12%. Again, depending upon the engine class, the E3 Spark Plug enhances the fuel efficiency by 4% to 13%.

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35fordtn said:
Call me different but all I use is either E3 or Autolite plugs. I have had issues with Champions and NGK fouling out, a issue I have never had with a Autolite. I do like the E3 plugs for the 38-53 Fords
Click to expand...

Maybe I missed something but I did a cross reference for the E3’s but there was none for the autolite 216 or the NGK B6L. What E3 do you use?
 
Those E3’s are expensive! In Canada, with currency exchange, taxes, duties, and shipping, they would be about $15.00 each. I haven’t had any problems with the 216’s I’m running so far, but will Try the NGK’s next if I do a plug change.
 
anyone use 386 autolites? they seem to read spot on burn with my town driving in 37 85hp. oreillys $2.00 ea. i got the 37 last spring 2020 and have tested one set and just put in a new set a few days ago. tom.
 
in all the cars and motorcycles i have owned in since i was 14yrs old i have used ac.champions.ngk,denso,autolite,motorcraft they all seem to have performed equally but after the first set of ac,s i removed from a chevy long ago they are raw steel and rusty and the previous owner did not use antiseize either. so i havent used ac,s since. ive heard of people having trouble with champions in the 70s but possibly they over torqed them in there harleys but i never had that problem in my bikes. like i said im on my 2nd set of 386 autolites in my "37 and seem to be doing well. tom
 
51woodie said:
Those E3’s are expensive! In Canada, with currency exchange, taxes, duties, and shipping, they would be about $15.00 each. I haven’t had any problems with the 216’s I’m running so far, but will Try the NGK’s next if I do a plug change.
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Do you have Canadian tire on the east coast? They have them there.
 
Been running E3-10 plugs for a few years.
They have appox. 1/16" shorter reach but the electrode protrusion is virtually identical.
Most noticeable to me was easier starting as compared to the 216's.
They are 'stubby' plugs by comparison.
No gapping required.

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I’ve been using champion H-10 plugs in my flatheads for over 25 years and not just my own cars customers also In my Harley and Willys jeep never a problem but over the years working for the Cadillac dealership for 20 years that Champions don’t work good in G M engines always had problems with the porcelain cracking off AC was the best for GM just my opinion
 
farmertom said:
anyone use 386 autolites? they seem to read spot on burn with my town driving in 37 85hp. oreillys $2.00 ea. i got the 37 last spring 2020 and have tested one set and just put in a new set a few days ago. tom.
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I am using the Autolite 386 plugs in a 21 stud 34 engine, and the same set have been in there for six years.
 
I like the 386 plugs as you can run raja ends on them for 18mm. Tops are removable. Been great for me.
 
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