civilian spark plugs

steved · Post by **steved** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:56 am

What is the autolite number for the civilian plug for our trucks? I ordered a set of 2243s for $8.89 a piece (I figure these are the mil-style plugs), but I think it would be easier to get running with non-mil type plugs...

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:13 pm

I would think that civilian plugs would actually make it harder to get your truck running. In order to use them, you'd have to change to civilian plug wires which would mean changing to a civilian distributor. More stuff to buy and change out equals more work in my book, not less.

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 2:31 am

The plugs I used for my test fire were Champion J8C's. This is a common lawn tractor plug anybody should have.The standard 7 or 8MM automotive wires will slide into the military 24VDC distributor. They fit a little snug so use care when pulling them out as to not crack your plastic cap. The rubber insulators will slide over the threads of the metal cap. I got a set for a 318 V8 at Advanced Auto. All the 6 cylinder sets I looked at had two wires that were too short. The standard wires make it easier to use your timing light if you don't have an adaptor for the waterproof wires. Also it is a great alternative if you do not plan to ford or spend $175 for plug wires. You can trim to length as desired. You can also do all your fine tuning before you put in those expensive 2243 plugs and screw on your mil-wires.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:55 am

Ah! Nothing like the voice of experience! I'm glad to know that it is possible to use civvy plug wires with a military distributor. It will make it much easier for me when I get that far along with my own truck.

I'm also glad to know that I'm not too old to learn something (yet).

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 5:01 am

Lifer,
Sometimes I think my voice of experience is more like a "moan of desperation"

After all my oil pump timing questions last week I still managed to put it in 180 out.

My ears are still ringing from the backfire Sunday night when I tried to fire her up. Sounded like a M80! Easy fix though, running good now. I need one more 70 degree NE Ohio weekend so I can paint my cab underside and put it on the frame to keep me on schedule

steved · Post by **steved** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:35 am

See, I'm a pack rat...I have several sets of new plug wires (and funny thing is they are for a 318!) and figured that it would be difficult to check the timing through the armored wires. I also need to rebuild one of my wires (probably redo the entire set, but one is separated).

I just figured it would be easier in the short term to work with civy plugs (and as eluded to, not worry about damaging those expensive plugs!).

steved · Post by **steved** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:35 am

I may have messed up...I ordered the coldest range autolite spark plug (in the MIL-type), now I'm wondering if that was a good idea?

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:47 pm

If your engine is in good condition (i.e. good compression, correct timing, good points/condenser, and proper fuel mixture), they should work just fine.

k8icu · Post by **k8icu** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:20 pm

HingsingM37 wrote: I need one more 70 degree NE Ohio weekend so I can paint my cab underside and put it on the frame to keep me on schedule

I think you may see that weekend in about 6 months...from all indications Indian Summer is over....

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:36 am

Yeah, wouldn't you know it this past weekend was shot. Friday had to visit mother -in -law. Went to a cookout on Saturday. Sunday I had to put a new storm door on Mom's house, move and split firewood, and transport a 600lb wood burner. Which by the way I did not believe weighed 600lbs until I went to move it. I would have guessed 300 tops. 1/4" plate steel and firebrick is pretty dense material. By the time I got done I wouldn't have been able to lift a paint gun

Well see what happens. You know how Ohio weather is

CREEPING DEATH · Post by **CREEPING DEATH** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:25 am

I don't know the plug number but if you can find a 'radio suppression kit' for an M880 it contains adapters that'll let you use civilian plugs with the military wires.

CD

steved · Post by **steved** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:56 am

Well as luck would have it...

I bought the actual mil-style plug for later on, and in the midst of a pile-o-parts I acquired from a service garage that had went out of business, I had a package of eight new AC Delco civy-style plugs that were an exact match to the mil-styles...one less thing I had to buy!

I may even have the points/condensor for this thing in my pile-o-parts...just got to take the time to look...

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:47 am

Forgot to mention to make sure you put the "pin" style ends on your civilian wires going into the cap or they will short against the outer metal cap.