Does your spark look like this??

[KivaKid]

I was just curious as to what my spark is supposed to look like. After replacing all the ignition components (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, module), I've got it from dull orange to a blue/white/orange mix. Is this right for a 258 stock ignition? Still runs like crap......

[Stuka]

Spark should be a consistant blue/white color, no matter what engine its on. If your getting orange or yellow it means your loosing voltage somewhere. If its sporatic I would say ignition module, as thast what they start doing before it goes completely orange then it hardly runs as the fuel drowns the spark out.

[kong]

Did you do the coil and box upgrade without doing the ford F-350 460 cid cap and rotor upgrade?

Jus wunderin' what's goin' on

Kong :confused:

[ July 25, 2002, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: kong ]

[KivaKid]

Just replaced normal stock stuff for the 258....

[Bombadier]

figured this out the hard way.....
Replaced 8 autolite plugs in gf's wag with 8 bosch platinum plugs.....wag starts running rough a week later....
:confused:
take it into the shop, maybe vacuum leak? maybe coil? maybe choke? (it idled rough but fine w/ throttle applied) maybe timing? (even though it had been set just prior)......
:mad: :mad:
mechanic calls back and says, "You got gummed up plugs, those Platinum plugs are only for injected engines".....he fixed a few vacuum leaks too, which might've contributed to the fouled plugs...... :mad:
NO WHERE did i see ANYTHING that says Bosch Platinum plugs are not recommended for carbed engines!! :confused: :mad:
Those things were EXPENSIVE......

[Tad]

NO WHERE did i see ANYTHING that says Bosch Platinum plugs are not recommended for carbed engines!!Never heard this either, what's the real story here?
Used to run them in a 300K carbed Nissan and never had a problem.

[KivaKid]

This is all mysterious, this thing just won't idle right....it surges and sometimes just dies when idling, and forget about driving...dead at every stop sign unless you're clever with your feet....maybe it's time to sell and get the one I've been dreaming of...1975 with 62,000 miles for $1200!!!!!!!!!

[ July 27, 2002, 08:35 AM: Message edited by: KivaKid ]

[Stuka]

I didnt know that that was a fact. But ever carbed engine I have put platinums in have rann terrible. So I dont use them at all. They actually perform worse then a standard plug as platinum has more resistance in it. They are designed for life, they will last 100k miles in a newer EFI engine.

I use standard autolites in all my domestic cars and NGK's in alll my jap cars. (dont/havent owned any euros)

[Chero77]

Bosch Platinum plugs have a very small electrode which may have something to do with it. I tried them in my Jeep and got a rough idle so went back to the Champion RN12YCs, that the TSM reccomends. Not sure why this would happen, but maybe you just don't get a big enough spark for an old 112k motor that burns oil.

[wagdriver]

If you know the ignition is up to snuff, then most rough idle problems are usually vacuum related, or idle mixture, in my limited experience.
Things to check, I'm sure you have done most of them.
Manifold gaskets all of them and phenalic spacer for the carb.
Any and all vacuum hoses.
Throttle plate bushings on the carb.
All the carb gaskets
Most guys use WD40 or carb cleaner to check for vacuum leaks, spray it around all mating surfaces, if the idle smoothes out you have found your leak.
You really have to be methodical and check every thing, there is no easy way unless the first few things you try happen to be it. Good Luck! ;)
I run RN12Ys and have never had any problem you can go to RN14Ys if you do a lot city driving. I am kind of like the other guys about the Bosch plugs. Older engines that are using a little oil need the best spark attainable. smile.gif

[ July 28, 2002, 07:22 PM: Message edited by: wagdriver ]

[AOE]

Try splitfire plugs i put a set of them in my truck as well as new spark wires and it fixed alot of my rough idling problems.

but maybe thats becuase one wire was eaten through and the old plugs were never gapped. But im telling ya the splitfires are great!!! i've never had any problems with them.

[ July 29, 2002, 01:59 AM: Message edited by: jeep69 ]

[Lindel]

Platinum plugs usually won't supply a hot enough spark to fire a carburated mix, but will do ok with a fine mist (MPI). Use regular Champions, or the Champion truck plug, if you feel like spending more money than necessary.