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Fouled plugs on '39 H

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'52 Farmall H

10-06-2005 14:58:26

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I have a 1939 JD model H which fouls the spark plugs due to intermittent use.
What plugs would minimize this problem?
I've heard that platinum plugs don't foul.
Thanks.

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P Browning

10-08-2005 14:20:07

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to '52 Farmall H, 10-06-2005 14:58:26

Hi '52 --

On those sparkplugs for your JD "H" Tractor, delete the Autolite 388 from the list of suitable plugs. It IS a resistor type plug -- and resistor plugs are potentially harmful to the coil in your magneto. 'Sorry about that reference being in the paragraph I sent -- it IS coming out!

If you like Autolite, go for the 3116. Personally, I prefer Champion plugs for JD applications. There are some others out there but I have not needed to go there. You mentioned intermittent use of your tractor -- I would take issue with this as a reason for plugs to foul. Fuel mix too rich & worn out rings combined with lots of engine idling will do it most every time. I also have found a radiator shutter quite helpful in keeping engine temp up during periods of "light load" applications. And if by "intermittent operation," you mean parade type duty, you may have to bite the bullet and clean plugs now and then.

In summary, keeping engine temp up, leaning up some on the fuel mix, and good rings have been the main ways to keep plugs from fouling on my JD "H" tractor.

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'52 Farmall H

10-08-2005 18:55:15

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to P Browning, 10-08-2005 14:20:07

Thanks all, for the good information. It is just what I needed. The tractor has been in storage for a year now, so I can"t easily look at the current plugs. I"m going to be moving the H to a new location in a week, and I thought I"d see if I can find a better plug.
I"d definitely suspect the rings as a culprit. The tractor was restored by my uncle and grandfather about 20 years ago. I don"t know how through they were in rebuilding the engine, but I do know they never put a thrust-washer on the crankshaft. I always suspected this caused engine wear. If you turn the engine slow, you can hear an internal compression leak.
One last question I have about spark plugs is how I would tell if the coil is damaged. Just the intensity of the spark? I"ve heard that the spark might be different under compression.
The tractor is not always easy to start, so I"d like to do all I can short of a rebuild, to reduce that.
One last note is that the radiator shutters were removed from the tractor for years. We finally out them back on but the temp gauge is bad. I don"t want to over heat it. Once I get the tractor into this other barn, I"ll be able to put a new gauge in.
Thanks.

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P Browning

10-06-2005 16:48:04

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to '52 Farmall H, 10-06-2005 14:58:26

This to compliment John T's post -- should give you the more popular plugs in use today. (PatB)

Spark Plugs -- For the JD "H" Tractor, the three most common & most readily available call-outs are Champion D21, Autolite 386, and AC C87. These are basically mid-heat range plugs that will do well under average tractor-working conditions. For extremely light, no-load operation, one is probably better off with hotter versions of these plugs which are Champion D23, Autolite 388 (or 3116), and AC C88L. All plugs for the "H" tractor are gapped at 0.030 inch, and are 18 mm plugs.

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John T

10-06-2005 19:23:05

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to P Browning, 10-06-2005 16:48:04

Mr. Browning, Isnt the Autolite 3116 about the same heat range as the 388 but its the Non Resistor version????? You know???

Thanks,

John T

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P Bronwing

10-07-2005 03:28:25

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to John T, 10-06-2005 19:23:05

Affirmative. Both have the same general physical characteristics of 18mm, 1/2" reach, 7/8" hex, and gasket seat. The 3116 has a POWER TIP.

The 388 has a COPPER CORE, RESISTOR, HEAVY DUTY electrode. The 388 claims to have improved resistance to fouling.

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Duane Larson

10-07-2005 07:41:39

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to P Bronwing, 10-07-2005 03:28:25

Pat,
Could you provide a reference for the statement "388 claims to have improved resistance to fouling"? Spark plugs are a hobby of mine, and I had not run across that statement before. Thanks.

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P Browning

10-07-2005 12:40:13

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to Duane Larson, 10-07-2005 07:41:39

Hi Duane -- go to the site listed below. Once there, enter the plug type - either 388, or 3116. And when that window opens, scroll down to the plug you are interested in & click on "more information." More later -- PatB

http://www.sparkplugs.com/default.asp

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Duane Larson

10-07-2005 19:55:06

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to P Browning, 10-07-2005 12:40:13

Thanks for the reference, Pat. I'm not sure I understand it however. Plug application charts during the days of tractor magneto ignition systems (and even later) from any of the major plug makers (including Autolite, who was one of the early promoters of resistor plugs) do not list resistor plugs for use with magneto systems - I assume because of the lower peak current which a magneto coil provides (compared with a distributor coil) during the important capacitive discharge part of the spark. The resistor serves to lower that peak current over a non-resistor plug. A distributor coil can stand that reduction more readily than a magneto coil can.

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P Browning

10-07-2005 20:08:44

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to Duane Larson, 10-07-2005 19:55:06

Duane -- you may be dead on there -- perhaps Glen Shuler can shed some light on this one. Magneto coils & magnetos in general will do right well for the long haul provided they aren't mistreated. And it just may be that using resistor plugs is one way of decreasing the mag's punch. I will shoot something over to him if he don't come in here. (PatB)

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Mike M

10-07-2005 05:49:48

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to P Bronwing, 10-07-2005 03:28:25

I think the Champion D21 and D23 both cross directly over to the Autolite 388. The 388 is mainly what I have used and have not had any problems with them. I mostly chose these because of price and availabilty. I have a couple of tractors with the "dreaded Champions" in them and guess what I haven't had any problems with them either. I think it is more about compression,fuel,and spark you get these 3 things in the proper quanity and quailty at the proper time the name brand of the delivery systems is a mute point.

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John T

10-06-2005 16:23:33

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Re: Fouled plugs on '39 H in reply to '52 Farmall H, 10-06-2005 14:58:26

52, I always use a heat range or two hotter plugs then originally specified. If it has the 7/8 plugs I use Autolite 3077 the deep reach side wire electrode plugs and if it has 18 mm I use Autolite 3116 or 388. Im unsure if they even make those plugs in platinum, but I dont see how they would be all that much better to reduce the fouling deposit (like exces unburned fuel or oil) build up.

As important as the plugs to reduce fouling is a good HOT SPARK,,,,, ,,dont run the carb any richer then necessary,,,,, ,,,,use shutters or air restriction etc. to KEEP THE TEMPERATURE UP ABOVE 180,,,,, ,,, avoid long idle periods,,,,, ,,,use wire core NOT carbon suppressor plug wires.

John T

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