Spark plug washers which way?

[corvette8n]

I noticed one side of the washer is a little larger in diameter than the other does it matter which side goes toward the head?

 

[34fordy]

Yes--Smaller diameter toward the plug--

 

[Lawson Cox]

It depends on which side needs to go to the head the worse, LOL

 

[30-9]

Does it really matter?

 

[34fordy]

A Google Search shows pics apparently how the manufacturers recommend small side towards plug--Does it make any difference--Probably not much as I am sure nearly 50% go each way--I am sure I have done it wrong many times with no ill effects--

 

[J Franklin]

Big, small, it is most likely a manufacturing process that has minor bearing on use.

 

[scrapiron]

Now that I think about it,, it would better be that the large side goes to the head, be cause if the "imperfect" hole in the head as the thread starts.

 

[39topless]

It seems to me that the only difference, which way the washer goes, would be if that would effect the length of the plug entering the cylinder.

 

[Pete]

If you really want to be worry free, use solid copper washers.
They will work equally well either way.
Another big advantage is, you can re-use them.
Oh, and another big advantage is, they transfer heat better, hence they work better.

 

[34fordy]

If you really want to be worry free, use solid copper washers.
They will work equally well either way.
Another big advantage is, you can re-use them.
Oh, and another big advantage is, they transfer heat better, hence they work better.

Probably should be annealed each time you reuse them.

 

[Pete]

Probably should be annealed each time you reuse them.

Nope.

 

[RalphG]

Have to admit I didn't know it made a difference. Pretty sure I have gone without the washers at all on occasion with no ill effects that I know of. Of course I am still running with 40+ year old spark plugs so you can see I'm not too fussy.

 

[34fordy]

Nope.

You can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink--

Also hard to teach an old dog new tricks--

And-------I am done now!

 

[Pete]

Roflmao.

 

[34fordy]

You can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink--

Also hard to teach an old dog new tricks--

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4 years ago today I made this nasty and uncalled for comment to Pete. I have regretted it and think it is way past time to apologize for it. I have learned so many things from his contributions to this forum!

 

[JSeery]

I think that is a cool post 34fordy, way to step up.

 

[Tim Ayers]

Have to admit I didn't know it made a difference. Pretty sure I have gone without the washers at all on occasion with no ill effects that I know of. Of course I am still running with 40+ year old spark plugs so you can see I'm not too fussy.

LOL! love it.

 

[Pete]

You can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink--

Also hard to teach an old dog new tricks--

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4 years ago today I made this nasty and uncalled for comment to Pete. I have regretted it and think it is way past time to apologize for it. I have learned so many things from his contributions to this forum!

Thanks but there was no need for apology. I took no offense.
Stop by for a beer.

 

[34fordy]

Thanks but there was no need for apology. I took no offense.
Stop by for a beer.

Thank you Pete for accepting my apology. You are a special gentleman to me.
I do like beer and the mountains are beautiful. I am sure the conversation would top them both for me! With respect, Don

 

[A bones]

Large side down. Both surfaces ( head and plug ) are machined. In the everyday common engine, impurities, oil and dirt collect in the plug well. Steps can be taken to clear the area, but most times the plug well won't be as clean as a plug out of the box. The extra crush cushion will give a better gas ( gaseous ) seal, in this case.