Spark plug too "short"

62champ · Aug 19, 2010

Bought a set of 386 Autolites to go in my SC and have run into a bit of a pickle.

The spark plug is just short enough that the cylinder head will push the socket off before the plug will get tight enough.

The old plugs were ACs and there is a difference in the length of the plug between the threads and area when the socket catches and the actual length of the area used to screw the thing in.

Any of this making sense and if so, any ideas?

glennster · Aug 19, 2010

pick up a cheapie 7/8 socket and grind the wall down on the end so it will fit deeper in the head. a lathe would work better, but a grinder in a pinch.

old · Aug 19, 2010

Sounds like your using a thick wall socket and what you need is a thin wall socket. BTDT and yep the Farmall heads have that problem

rustyfarmall · Aug 19, 2010

The deep well sockets that I use are Snap-On, and they are not what I would call "thin-walled". I have never experienced that problem on an H or an M, and I use those same Autolite 386 plugs.

Is the gasket in place on the spark plugs?

Wild Bill · Aug 19, 2010

I went to sears and bought a thin walled deep well craftsman socket, it works great.

62champ · Aug 19, 2010

Thanks guys - now I have some alternatives.

Rustyfarmall - yep - gaskets were on the plugs - still not that much room.

Socket I was using was a Snap-on - and it is pretty thick.

In the tool box of tractor there are a set of 386s and that have a spacer that the plug screws into that would then screw into the head. I am sure the spacers are not to get the plug into the head - maybe anti-fouling spacers or something...

NawlensGator · Aug 20, 2010

I use a thinner walled sparkplug socket for Autolite 386 plugs in a IH 140 engine (same C123 engine) and it works fine.

Spark plug too "short"

62champ

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glennster

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old

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rustyfarmall

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Wild Bill

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62champ

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NawlensGator

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