Proper spark plug for JD 60

I just purchased a '56 Model 60 and have it home now. I am in the process of changing the fluids, fixing what doesn't work, and learning about the machine. I pulled the spark plugs yesterday and found I have a D21 Champion on the left cyl and a D16 Champion in the right cyl. The machine runs great, but the plugs need changed. Can someone please recommend the proper plug.

Regards,
TOM

I've got a 50 and I would think the spark plug requirements would be similar. I've been the most satisified with the Champion D23. I've run Autolites and while they did okay, my 50 seems to cold start a little quicker with the Champion D23.

Generally speaking when I use my tractor I will run it for at least 30 minutes and will usually exceed 170 degrees engine temp. I think this helps to reduce fouling. My 50 will smoke just a bit if it has idled a long time before I rev it up, but otherwise it does not use much oil.

I've heard lots of opinions as to the best plug. Generally the only brand I would not recommend is NGK. Don't know if they make a plug for our tractor anyway. I've had several NGK plugs quit firing after sitting for a month or more in an engine. I assume they develop an internal short from corrosion.

John 1953 Model 50

Anyhow, we ALWAYS ran C88L's in the Putt-Putts..... ..and they'd last for years. It didn't matter what you did with the tractor either.

Autolites are better than Champs IMO, but AC's worked the best for us.

How do you like that 60? They are pretty nice aren't they!

One additional advantage of the Champion D23 is its longer length which makes removal easier as a wrench can be put on the hex - but it is harder to find and higher priced than the D21, which is shorter.

Original plugs are often available from Don McKinsey, P. O. Box 94, Wilkinson, IN 46186 - he has a list for $2 (refundable with order) that lists about 70,000 old plugs.

IF, you want to farm with that tractor & pull a plow all day long then the Champion D-16 are probably the proper choice..

IF, you want to use it around the estate, plow some snow, idle it around some the Champion D-21 are probably a good choice.

IF, you want to just play with it, plow some snow, idle it around for long periods, idle it down slower than recommended, lots of slow speed stuff then the Champion D-23 are probably a good choice.

D-16 = colder plug
D-21 = slightly hotter plug
D-23 = fairly hot plug

I�m not necessarily recommending the Champion plugs although I use them myself.. If you want a different brand of plug just grab a plug cross reference chart & find a cross to the Champions listed above.. BTW, I use the D-23 in most of my number series tractors with no problems..

Clooney

While people have different opinions on the best "brand" of plug, to me the correct heat range (and, of course, a well tuned ignition) is more important than a brand designation, since a plug that runs too cold can accumulate fouling deposits prematurely. Those tractors were designed to run at temperature (180 and above) and under load, and its those parameters around which the plugs are specified in which case potential fouling deposits are burned off. HOWEVER, when we use them for short light duty (or engines are worn) the plugs may not be exposed to conditions conducive to maintaining a clean plug with that preferred nice warm gray appearance. Thats why I like to run a heat range hotter plug (especially for light use or worn engines).

To avoid premature plug fouling (besides proper use or a hotter plug) it also helps to:

--Use shutters or thermostats etc to keep the operating temperature to 180 and hotter.

--Avoid long idle periods

--Adjust the carbs so youre not running too rich (excess black smoke).

--Make sure the air cleaner bowl and air inlet piping is clean, open and water free.

--Make sure the choke butterfly plate is opening full n proper.

--Have a meticulous tuned ignition and a good hot spark, usually by use of good proper gapped plugs, good wire core (NOT carbon core) plug wires, and a good cap n rotor PLUS have her in proper time.

Sooooo ooooo the Champion D 21 or hotter plug in a Champion (NOT colder D 16) is what I would use or equivalent plugs like the Autolite 386 or hotter 388 (or I believe 3116 is a non resistor?? Sorry I have no data or charts). Plus keep her well tuned, dont run her over rich, and have good wires for a hot blue spark and get the temperature up in the 180 or hotter range.

Its always fun to hear other opinions on what brand or type plugs people have best luck with. My friend Duane Larson has excellent data and specs on Spark Plugs, he's the "go to guy" on the subject of spark plugs in my opinion.

Good Luck n God Bless

John T

I appreciate all of your opinions. Thanks. I really enjoy this board - and John51 will tell you that I enjoy playing with my new machine...

John -- I had it out plowing snow today. The neighbors didn't seem to mind the straight stack today as I cleaned out their parking places.

Regards,
Tom