Can anyone give a definate answer to the use of platinaum plugs in the y block? My old "y" has 9.3:1 c.r. and have been using the Autolite 46s. No big problem, just most of the gas we get anymore is not real good and plugs show fouling by the additives, in a couple thousand miles and was wondering if the platinums would help. Also if they would hurt the motor? I've heard some on that subject also. Mucho thanks beforehand!

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Old Y Block

Kerrville, Texas

As for me I have used them for years and won't go back to regular plugs.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

I wondered about platinum plugs and found that MSD Ignition recommends not using them with their ignition boxes. Says they don't dissipate the amount of heat the MSD units apply to the plugs. I have MSD on my Yblock and two FE motors. I stick to regular Motorcraft or Autolites. NO CHAMPIONS!

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I have used Autolite for years with the exception of one time using Champions that lasted around 100 miles. The gap had changed on everyone. I talked with a Champion salesman and kinda pis--- him off. He said he didn't believe it, but had heard it a lot!!! Duh!!! Also heard the platinums don't do well on high output ignitions. I am running a stock ignition on the old 55 (changed to 12v long time ago) so I might try them. The thing that bothered me was a story of platinums burning a hole in the piston. Don't know what ignition system he had or if he was using exotic fuel or what. But anyway thanks for the info and everyone that helps keep 'em alive.

Old Y Block

Kerrrville,Texas

Just from my experience over the last 15yrs. or so I found that platinum plugs seem to run colder and foul eaiser even on computer controlled cars. I wish I had a 1$ for every platinum plug I had to replace on a new car that wouldnt start on a cold day. After a couple months of warranty plug replacements Ford would come out with a "new" plug for that vehicle. Also back when SE Mi. still had emission testing if one came in that failed with high HC you could put money on it that they had either platinum or Autolite plugs.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

I have been running F14Y for 50 years and I always keep coming back to them. They have long been out of production, but they appear on eBay ever so often.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Every few years plug companies come out with an expensive metal in their plugs that are supposed to give some form of benefit. But as these come and go it's obviously a marketing ploy.

You have to understand the purpose and function of a spark plug. It is not responsible for creating a spark nor varying the heat or strength of your spark. They are just a place where spark occurs. The heat range of the plug is just a mechanical or physical device that maintains the electrode at a critical temperature to assist in combustion. The heat range has nothing to do with spark.

I have electrical friends who say that the platinum has a greater resistance than the normal metal used in normal plug. This provides a benefit in some systems as it assists in allowing current to build before sparking creating a bigger spark but as most systems have some form of resistance (leads, caps, radio suppression) it is of no benefit at all.

Cheers

Warren Adams  

Grizzly (Aussie Mainline)

I have Autolite platinum in my '56 & they work fine with electronic ignition. My Navigator has the original Motorcraft platinum @ 135,000. I guess they are OK.

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL