Hi All,

I've been doing some maintenance on my 1967 Valiant. It has a stock 225 slant 6.

I replaced the spark plugs, as I have done several times over the 5 years it has been my sole daily driver.

This was the first time I took off the washers on the spark plugs. My understanding from searching the forum is that if you have spark plug tubes on your head, this indicates you should remove the washers.

There is exhaust gas coming from all 6 spark plug tubes. Not a lot, but definitely noticeable.

I torqued the plugs as tight as I am comfortable torquing plugs. I don't want to strip the threads.

Any suggestions? The car always seemed to run fine with the washers.

Thanks for any assistance.

Jon

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

Just took another look at it. All six are leaking the same amount. I am thinking I should have left the washers on there. I tried tightening a couple but they are already tight.....Do you have to use more torque without the crush washers?

Nervous about really cranking them down. Guru to the rescue?

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

How are your drool tubes (spark plug tubes)?

Here's an article on working with TUBES.

_________________
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Thanks for the reply!

The tubes looked clean and unmangled when I was swapping the plugs. Main thing is that they weren't leaking with the old plugs and now they are. It is noticable and something I wouldn't have missed with the old ones.

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

If the engine has been run many years with spark plugs installed with "double gaskets", (the tube + the washer) then it is likely that carbon deposits have collected in the last few lower threads of the spark plug holes.

Remove your new plugs and use a 14 mm tap to clean the carbon out of the lower threads, then re-install the plugs with just the tubes.

If you do not have the correct tap, take an old spark plug and cut some virtical slots into the end of the threaded area, to act as 'flutes', then deburr & use that modified plug as your tap.

It is a good idea to apply some grease to your "tap" to help catch any carbon you clean-out of the threads. (it will stick to the grease and collect in the flutes)

As with any threaded hole... work carefully at the start to be sure you do not "cross-thread", gull or otherwise damage the threads. If the tap or fastener (spark plug in this case) does not start and progress smoothly, stop, back-out and inspect for the problem, then corect as needed.
DD

Thanks Doc! I'm calling around for a tap. Don't have a tool to cut plugs with.

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

A hacksaw or triangle file works...
DD

Make sure it's actually exhaust and not crankcase fumes which could easily be escaping "from the tubes" (in actuality from around the upper/outer junction of tube to cylinder head) if the spark plug tube seals are hardened/cracked or missing.

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

I have a quick question on tube seals. Do the felpro ones work well ?

Ended up getting it done just by backing out plugs and tightening repeatedly. All six are leak free now. Thanks everyone for the help! I also replaced both front shocks which has improved my handling nicely! Great to be back on the road.

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

I don't have any first hand experience, but I see them mentioned a lot in this forum. I think they are the favored option.

_________________
-----------------------------------------------


"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away" - Tom Waits

Tune-up parts and technique suggestions (including plug tube seals) in this thread.

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