drummer481
Member
Anyone know what the gap should be on Autolite 388 plugs on a 730 gas with electronic ignition? I currently am using Autolite 386 plugs with a .030 gap and looking for a hotter start in the winter.
- Thread starter drummer481
- Start date
teddy52food
Well-known Member
Gap them at .025 may help.
Often times when converted to electronic ignition coupled with a suitable matched
high voltage capacity high energy coil, a wider plug gap may be used such as perhaps
0.025 to 0.030 increased to 0.035 to 0.040 etc. The 388 is a tad hotter than the 386.
When you say you want a HOTTER START ???? spark energy IS NOT the same thing as a
plugs operating heat range. The 388 has a higher physical temperature rating but to
increase spark energy that can involve an elec switch and suitable high voltage high
energy coil.
Another method to increase starting spark energy is when they used a 6 volt coil on
a 12 volt tractor PLUS the series voltage dropping (12 to 6) ballast resistor which
was by passed when cranking yielding a higher energy starting spark
John T
high voltage capacity high energy coil, a wider plug gap may be used such as perhaps
0.025 to 0.030 increased to 0.035 to 0.040 etc. The 388 is a tad hotter than the 386.
When you say you want a HOTTER START ???? spark energy IS NOT the same thing as a
plugs operating heat range. The 388 has a higher physical temperature rating but to
increase spark energy that can involve an elec switch and suitable high voltage high
energy coil.
Another method to increase starting spark energy is when they used a 6 volt coil on
a 12 volt tractor PLUS the series voltage dropping (12 to 6) ballast resistor which
was by passed when cranking yielding a higher energy starting spark
John T
buickanddeere
Well-known Member
Hotter spark ? That would be more current and more voltage .
A Pertronix and non resistor 3116 plugs .
Can not use solid core wires with Pertronix . Spiral wound resistance wires are good .
coonie minnie
Well-known Member
Make sure you have a good 12 volts getting to the ignition when cranking. Voltage drop (moreso in cold weather) can cause those electronic units to not fire. I have a 70 that sometimes will not start in the
winter without a battery charger attached... especially if below zero- but then will start and run instantly.
winter without a battery charger attached... especially if below zero- but then will start and run instantly.
drummer481
Member
Thanks for the responses, great advice all around. I have 3 tractors (3020,730,Ford NAA) and a 1957 Chevy truck all with points and condenser. This is my first tryout of a Pertronix electronic ignition kit. I got the hot coil, graphite carbon core wires, and 388 plugs. I am retired, so to convert all of them would be cost prohibitive. The 730 is the hardest to start in the winter at freezing temperatures and I am trying to alleviate that problem. Going to start at .025 and see what happens.....................
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