Been getting a lot of PMs requesting elaboration on my previously posted advice not to use the ring gaskets that come with new spark plugs.

All slant-6 heads from 1963 to 1974 are designed such that the spark plug tubes themselves are the gaskets. Sometimes the ring gaskets are tough to remove, but that's the correct thing to do. The factory service information is very clear on this point. That said, it's not totally disastrous if you leave them on. The plugs just run somewhat hotter and you are more likely to get pinging under some circumstances.

'60-'62 heads are designed such that you are supposed to use the gaskets, while '75-up heads use non-gasket taper-seat plugs.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

They deffiantely are a pain to remove - you'd have to mangle/cut them off. I tried it on one of my plugs and wasn't successful so I just left them in and was done with it (71 head).

Aháaaa
I think that previous owner of my car never checked that up, since the aluminium tubes was destroyed at the bottom end. Should I follow your advice and thake those rings out? It's a very easy task on my NGK spark plugs, you just screw the gaskest off and they come out nice, clean and fast. I dunno what style of head my car has, I'm guessin prolly 63-up. (I mean, when compared to american heads. We never had cast plug tubes on our heads nor hidrolic slants...) I'm using the tubes off a 170 CID slant now (much thicker, nicer ones than our later 225's tubes)

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Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

does anyone still sell new plug tubes? the ones i have are in pretty sad shape. years of using the gaskets and overtightening i imagine

I'm tearing apart a '63 Dodge 100 truck and will be pitching the head (I have more than I can handle at the moment)...If you want the tubes I'll pull them for you and clean them up. Send me a PM, call it $5 and shipping for all 6...


-D.Idiot