sparking

TCap

TCap

Member
Started the A up today. While idling I heard a random snap. I knew it was sparking. I checked under the hood and waited. Then I saw a blue spark snap from the #2 spark plug base to a head bolt. Why would this happen?
 
Wow, that's strong spark!

Check the insulator portion for cracks and make sure there is no oil or paint around the spark plug threads. Use alcohol on a rag to remove oil from the threads when you replace the plug.
 
Like the others mentioned,, it could be a poor ground where the sparkler screws to the head, a bad insulator or the plug could be badly fouled really showing the cracked insulator..
 
If something was shorting, you'd have no spark on that plug at all.

It can only be 1 of 2 things, and luckily both are easy! If the plug isn't cracked, then you have poor connection between the plug and the head. That can be caused by excessive oil in the threads or paint in the threads (or really corroded heads and plugs). Also, clean the ring of metal around which the plug snugs up to when tightened.
 
make sure that the insulator between where the plug strip connects and the base is real clean.
 
Hi guys, I did all the checks and cleaned the plugs and between the plugs and head as suggested. Didn't come across anything significant. Started her up and no problems, had her running for 45 mins. Thanks for the help! Now, on another topic, does anyone know if welding a small crack (slowly getting bigger) on the exhaust manifold is worth it? I would just go and buy a new one but I have the manifold/heater with the waffle top for the auto-lite heater and I can't find one.
 
keep searching... they are offered on here in the swap column from time to time...also on e-bay and at swap meets... be patient.. they can be found.... swap meet time is starting... also on your sparking, could be too much humidity...or dampness on your ignition items....
 
TCAP,
Betcha' some "FRIEND" drew a line down your spark plug porcelain, down the base, & across to the head with a SOFT lead pencil!!! Ask me how I know? Stare all your "FRIENDS" IN THE EYES & SEE WHO LAUGHS!! Bill W.
 
I was thinking the same as Bill. Since the spark can jump through paint and rust, I see no way for a spark to jump from the base to a head nut.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
I was thinking the same as Bill. Since the spark can jump through paint and rust, I see no way for a spark to jump from the base to a head nut.
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Tom,
GREAT minds think alike. Thought about posting that when TCAP first asked, but some folks think that my timing is sometimes "OFF" when attempting "humor!" MY TIMING is surely OFF, sluggish, slow, dis-organized, WEAK spark, etc, complicated by D.S.T, clocks not re-set, 1/2 of Pat's 17 battery clocks have dead batteries, gotta' go to Batteries Plus as it's hard to find a "N" battery, it's only this big {-----} and costs half as much as a 6 volt OPTIMA!! Buster is my clock, begs to go to bed at 8:30, when sounding EXTRA ferocious at the door, yep! its 2:30 P.M, MAILMAN!! Bill W.
 
BILL WILLIAMSON said:
Tom,
GREAT minds think alike. Thought about posting that when TCAP first asked, but some folks think that my timing is sometimes "OFF" when attempting "humor!" MY TIMING is surely OFF, sluggish, slow, dis-organized, WEAK spark, etc, complicated by D.S.T, clocks not re-set, 1/2 of Pat's 17 battery clocks have dead batteries, gotta' go to Batteries Plus as it's hard to find a "N" battery, it's only this big {-----} and costs half as much as a 6 volt OPTIMA!! Buster is my clock, begs to go to bed at 8:30, when sounding EXTRA ferocious at the door, yep! its 2:30 P.M, MAILMAN!! Bill W.
Click to expand...

7d9882ba.jpg


My Model A clock also used to take the expensive hard to find N battery, so I bought a AAA battery holder for 50 cents and glued to the rear of the clock. Now I can use a 25 cent battery, which can be found anywhere.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
7d9882ba.jpg


My Model A clock also used to take the expensive hard to find N battery, so I bought a AAA battery holder for 50 cents and glued to the rear of the clock. Now I can use a 25 cent battery, which can be found anywhere.
Click to expand...
Love your talents, Tom,
You ARE the "MAD INVENTOR!" When I need something "invented," I'll E-Mail you what it is, and you can "invent" it for me. My '29 came with a "mushroom" shift knob, sans clock. I'm grinding the strap loops from one of Pat's cheap quartz watches & putting it in the knob, so's I don't be late to feed Buster.:D Bill W.
 
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