Frank DuVal 1,000 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 Way way far from topic, but I had to correct my own statement. The first number of the AC Delco part number is the thread size of the plug. 4 means 14 mm, and 8 means 18 mm. Link to post Share on other sites
buick special 7 Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 I went back to the parts store today for the R46 plugs I was correct that they were a longer electrode tip as the guy was not giving me R46s I had asked for he was giving me R46S _ _ So I asked him for R45 plugs and he had 8 of them in stock and they looked correct so I purchased them instead PS a quick question the metal gasket was not on the plug and was loose in the box which side of the metal gasket faces the bottom of the plug? Link to post Share on other sites
Dynaflash8 986 Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) I found the AC-45 was not quite hot enough. I've been buying 46s off of the Internet up until now. Recently I tried AC-47 but I'm not that satisfied with them, at least not as yet. But, the 47 may also be discontinued, I'm not sure. Edited August 25, 2017 by Dynaflash8 (see edit history) Link to post Share on other sites
buick special 7 Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 14 hours ago, Dynaflash8 said: I found the AC-45 was not quite hot enough. I've been buying 46s off of the Internet up until now. Recently I tried AC-47 but I'm not that satisfied with them, at least not as yet. But, the 47 may also be discontinued, I'm not sure. does anyone else have problems with the r45 plug not preforming well? should I return them and get the r46 plugs off the web instead? Link to post Share on other sites
Dynaflash8 986 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 2 hours ago, buick special said: does anyone else have problems with the r45 plug not preforming well? should I return them and get the r46 plugs off the web instead? Very simple: Buy all of the NOS AC-46 spark plugs off the net that you can find and stock them on your shelf to cover the period you expect to keep the car. They are still out there. And there are other "off-brand" plug out there NOS that were produced specifically to replace them. The AC book tells us that lower numbers are cooler plugs. If a straight 8 plug is too cool it will foul over time. They did foul over time in my car, and my car is not an oil burner...............but, it's not run everyday. Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Engle 170 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Albert Champion came to the USA in the 1890's as a motorcycle racer. there was no supply of plugs for his European cycle, so he began to make his own plugs. other people wanted his plugs so he began selling Champion spark plugs. When he decided to return to Europe, he sold his Champion business , included the name. Durant did not like buying components from competitors. He hired Albert Champion to start a business of producing spark plugs. The name Champion could not be used in the new business so it was Called AC. Durant eventually bought out Albert's interest in the business. Durant also bought Delco (Detroit electric Company) and eventually merged the two ignition businesses. So Albert Champion started up two of the big 3 plug companies in the USA. Bob Engle Link to post Share on other sites
MCHinson 3,934 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 3 hours ago, buick special said: does anyone else have problems with the r45 plug not preforming well? should I return them and get the r46 plugs off the web instead? They work wonderfully in my 1937 Century. I have no idea why Earl has problems with them in his 1939 Buick, but they work good in my car. If they gave lots of people trouble, I doubt Bob's would be selling them. I have not heard anybody else complaining about them. Link to post Share on other sites
Larry Schramm 3,129 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) The need for 45 or 46 spark plugs depend on the overall condition of your engine. If the engine is "new" and tight and does not burn any oil, the 45 heat range plugs should work fine. (provided the carb is set up properly and not rich). If the engine is getting tired and burning / using oil then the 46 plugs would be needed. If it is really bad for oil consumption then might need to go to 47's. Going to a higher heat range was the fix in "the old days" to keep a tired engine on the road. That was when a ring and valve job was needed every 50,000 miles +-. Sometimes a hotter heat range plug was put into a single cylinder if it was fouling out the spark plug. Not an unusual temporary fix for an engine that needed more extensive work but the owner did not want or had the ability to spend the money for the fix. Edited August 26, 2017 by Larry Schramm (see edit history) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Dynaflash8 986 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) On 8/26/2017 at 8:35 AM, Larry Schramm said: The need for 45 or 46 spark plugs depend on the overall condition of your engine. If the engine is "new" and tight and does not burn any oil, the 45 heat range plugs should work fine. (provided the carb is set up properly and not rich). If the engine is getting tired and burning / using oil then the 46 plugs would be needed. If it is really bad for oil consumption then might need to go to 47's. Going to a higher heat range was the fix in "the old days" to keep a tired engine on the road. That was when a ring and valve job was needed every 50,000 miles +-. Sometimes a hotter heat range plug was put into a single cylinder if it was fouling out the spark plug. Not an unusual temporary fix for an engine that needed more extensive work but the owner did not want or had the ability to spend the money for the fix. My car doesn't burn oil and the engine has been totally rebuilt. For awhile, because of lack of use, I think I had one or more stuck rings. I was advised to use some Rislone and I did. The car no longer had the stuck rings. I will say, it was during that period of time that I had a AC-45 plug or two foul and I stopped using them. The car calls for AC-46 so as long as I can find them, I'm going to use them and then I'll do something different. The car runs great on AC-47, but it doesn't want to start hot until it cools, like vapor lock. So, it's possible the 47's are too hot. But, I think its the electronic ignition. The deal is, I've had one problem or another ever since I installed an electronic ignition kit and one of their coils.... not one single day or time has there not been some sort of problem. I may be timing, but when I get back home in Florida I'm going to install a completely rebuilt distributor I have (purchased from Doug Seybold) and go back to points and condenser and AC-46 plugs. A guy told me he used AC-47 with that kit and it was wonderful. Well, the car ran perfect with the old points & condenser for years and I'm going back to it. It has never run right with the electronic ignition kit.....not for one day or time. I solved the ignition breaking down problem only to acquire hard starting when hot. I only ever installed that kit because I couldn't find a mechanic on a trip who knew how to install points & condenser...I decided to learn how myself, but took the easier way out with the electronic ignition kit. Easy is never the best way to go on anything I've found in my 79 years. Edited August 27, 2017 by Dynaflash8 (see edit history) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Larry Schramm 3,129 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 4 hours ago, Dynaflash8 said: I think its the electronic ignition. The deal is, I've had one problem or another ever since I installed an electronic ignition kit and one of their coils.... not one single day or time has there not been some sort of problem. I may be timing, but when I get back home in Florida I'm going to install a completely rebuilt distributor I have (purchased from Doug Seybold) and go back to points and condenser and AC-46 plugs. A guy told me he used AC-47 with that kit and it was wonderful. Well, the car ran perfect with the old points & condenser for years and I'm going back to it. It has never run right with the electronic ignition kit.....not for one day or time. I solved the ignition breaking down problem only to acquire hard starting when hot. I only ever installed that kit because I couldn't find a mechanic on a trip who knew how to install points & condenser...I decided to learn how myself, but took the easier way out with the electronic ignition kit. Easy is never the best way to go on anything I've found in my 79 years. I understand the electronic ignition, but I do not get the retrofitting of the old cars. They ran great when properly maintained and with good parts not worn out things like distributor bushings, old wires, wrong plugs, bad points, etc..... Link to post Share on other sites
Dynaflash8 986 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, Larry Schramm said: I understand the electronic ignition, but I do not get the retrofitting of the old cars. They ran great when properly maintained and with good parts not worn out things like distributor bushings, old wires, wrong plugs, bad points, etc..... Larry, it all went back to problems I had on an AACA Founders Tour with my 1971 Riviera. I couldn't get any condenser that didn't go out in short order. And then, I couldn't find any mechanic who knew what a Dwell Meter was, had one, or had ever installed points and condenser.....even in Breezwood, PA at the largest garage there. Somebody told me about the electronic ignition and how great it was, so I had one installed in the Riviera. It's run great ever since. So, I decided to do the same thing to the two '39 Buicks and and never worry again about points and condenser. I only did one (in my picture) and it's never run right since. But, I'm not home now until after Hershey, so I can't put it back until then. AC46 all the way. I will also have to learn how to put in points and condenser myself this winter. I just kind of didn't want to learn it.....stupid yes.....but, I'm the kind of guy who still prefers a flip cell phone. Edited August 28, 2017 by Dynaflash8 (see edit history) Link to post Share on other sites
Larry Schramm 3,129 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 If you like a flip phone, you will love points & condensers. I just saw a dwell meter, timing light and something else at a flea market this weekend $20.00 for all. Did not buy it as I already have a oscilloscope and extra dwell meter. Trying to keep the amount of stuff that I have at bay or even get rid of some of it. Link to post Share on other sites
MCHinson 3,934 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 2 hours ago, Dynaflash8 said: Larry, it all went back to problems I had on an AACA Founders Tour with my 1971 Riviera. I couldn't get any condenser that didn't go out in short order. And then, I couldn't find any mechanic who knew what a Dwell Meter was, had one, or had ever installed points and condenser.....even in Breezwood, PA at the largest garage there. Somebody told me about the electronic ignition and how great it was, so I had one installed in the Riviera. It's run great ever since. So, I decided to do the same thing to the two '39 Buicks and and never worry again about points and condenser. I only did one (in my picture) and it's never run right since. But, I'm not home now until after Hershey, so I can't put it back until then. AC46 all the way. I will also have to learn how to put in points and condenser myself this winter. I just kind of didn't want to learn it.....stupid yes.....but, I'm the kind of guy who still prefers a flip cell phone. Earl, You need to buy an engine analyzer. Something like this would make adjusting the points easier... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sears-Craftsman-Engine-Analyzer-Model-161-2161-in-Box-with-Manual-/112534937399?hash=item1a339adf37:g:b7YAAOSwJclZmvAN Or you could bring your car to me and I will help you, but I think it would be a bit cheaper to buy your own meter... Link to post Share on other sites
FLYER15015 778 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Oh, and if you ever need to put your Generator on a "growler" I know where to send you. I did find a set of 6 AC-46's on evilbay for only $69.00 Mike in Colorado Link to post Share on other sites
Dynaflash8 986 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, FLYER15015 said: Oh, and if you ever need to put your Generator on a "growler" I know where to send you. I did find a set of 6 AC-46's on evilbay for only $69.00 Mike in Colorado There is a generator/starter/alternator shop outside of Sebring, FL that has a growler. He also has tons of obsolete parts on shelves for old genertors and starters. One thing he has few of and are hard to find are generator field coils. Won't you need 8 AC-46's to make a set? Edited August 28, 2017 by Dynaflash8 (see edit history) Link to post Share on other sites
FLYER15015 778 Posted August 29, 2017 Share Posted August 29, 2017 (edited) Yup, you do need 8 for a Buick, but 6 will do for a Chevy or a Plymouth of that era. Heck there is even a guy on evilbay that is selling ONE AC-46 plug for $2.50 Now if we could only find #8, we'd be all set. It's the thrill of the hunt, right up until you really need the part. Then it's a pain............ Mike in Colorado Edited August 29, 2017 by FLYER15015 (see edit history) Link to post Share on other sites
Daves1940Buick56S 488 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 (edited) If you want to get a cheap backup to the standard tune-up set capacitor (condenser), go to www.tubesandmore.com and order a few 0.22 uF 630V polypropylene caps. Part number C-LD22-630. Less than a buck each. Nonpolarized so it doesn't matter which way you put it in. Will work fine to get you home... Cheers, Dave Edited August 30, 2017 by Daves1940Buick56S (see edit history) Link to post Share on other sites
FLYER15015 778 Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 If I did not need a third set of AC46's, I would JUMP on Pete's offer and not look back !!!!!! Mike in Colorado Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan Wright 970 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 On 8/26/2017 at 7:55 AM, Bob Engle said: Durant also bought Delco (Detroit electric Company) and eventually merged the two Bob Engle Dayton. But you knew that. Sorry to mention Dayton so soon after the recent news. But yeah, Dayton Electric Company = Delco. Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan Wright 970 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 On 8/25/2017 at 1:45 PM, buick special said: PS a quick question the metal gasket was not on the plug and was loose in the box which side of the metal gasket faces the bottom of the plug? Big side of the gasket goes on first. Link to post Share on other sites
Spinneyhill 1,429 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 1 hour ago, Morgan Wright said: Big side of the gasket goes on first. Um, this topic is 2 years old? @buick special hasn't been since Jan 2018. Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan Wright 970 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 3 minutes ago, Spinneyhill said: Um, this topic is 2 years old? @buick special hasn't been since Jan 2018. I wanted to make sure he didn't leave the plug gaskets in backwards more than 2 years. I didn't want it to become a habit. Link to post Share on other sites
FLYER15015 778 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 8 minutes ago, Spinneyhill said: Um, this topic is 2 years old? @buick special hasn't been since Jan 2018. True, true, but now some one looking for all this good information may read all the above, and we may have solved a problem that no longer exists. Ain't the web great ? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan Wright 970 Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 On 3/12/1969 at 8:03 PM, Al Gore said: I invented the internet today, now can somebody tell me what a spark plug does? Link to post Share on other sites
Larry Schramm 3,129 Posted August 11, 2019 Share Posted August 11, 2019 On 8/6/2019 at 10:26 PM, Morgan Wright said: On 3/12/1969 at 8:03 PM, Al Gore said: I invented the internet today, now can somebody tell me what a spark plug does? You must be related to Al Gore & Bernie Sanders. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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