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Autolite 104s waste of time

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#65 ·
Ya! Unless I do something different. I posted in another old thread by whynothinknot asking if anyone had ever had to repair one. Then! After looking at it again closely I recognized it. This type of connector used to have a metal clip that held them. Think I can make one if I have any spring steel in the junk box.
 
#67 ·
1turbofocus said:
When you cut the wire back like this it changes how you measure gap and you have to do it more of an angle now
Click to expand...
Procedure:
I pre-gapped at .050. Made the cut, then debured with a jewelers file on the top and sides, and used sandpaper 'underneath' (non-abasive side toward the tip. so nothing abrasive touched the tip)
After the cut I re-checked the gap. It had not changed. But! I have a wire gapping tool, so measurements are a tad 'iffy' after the cut. I should pick up one of those stamped ones, but I heard there not very accurate. What do you think?
Edit! Oh! Duh! I just 'got' what you meant about measuring the gap. No I did not do it on an angle. As I maintained some overhang (see below), I used that and was careful.

1turbofocus said:
did you match your cuts to a AR 103 ?
Tom
Click to expand...
No. I have to order one (if that's possible) today. The prior pic (12/24 graphic) shows the end of the electrode square with the backside of the tip. As my jig was relatively untested, I set it to leave 1/32 electrode overhang over the tip. I did this to see if I could judge if I had any wobble or control issues (I did not that I could detect). I am using Dremel 'waffle' cutting disks. I do need to find a better way of measuring the electrode however. I don't have any tools that due a good job. I could have as much as ~1/64 variance and I would not be able to catch it.
FYI:
I tested the jig on old plugs and made some changes before I did the new plugs. Clamping is much improved (also helps heat sinking the electrode) and I added a vacuum attachment to catch the grit. Also, Very advisable to place a square of tinfoil over the tip and plug during the cut.
Should I post pics?
Cut plugs are installed. Engine fired right up. [clap]
 
#68 · (Edited)
1turbofocus said:
did you match your cuts to a AR 103 ?

Tom
Click to expand...
Today I got my AR103 for comparison (for ref: AR103 is a nickel plated racing plug with a cut back electrode). Compare >> The AR103 electrode is cut back 1mm from 'stock' 104. Visually, the electrode is cut at the center of the tip. It is also cut at an angle (I am guessing about 10-20 degrees 'back'. as viewed from the side. like this \ ). By comparison, When I cut the 104's, I cut the tip back 2mm and 0 degrees angle. I don't know if the cut angle has any bearing performance wise. I would not think so other than it would present more 'edge' for better ionization. But that is simply a guess on my part. My cut 104's present more of the tip to the combustion chamber. Ionization would occur at 3 edges (sides and bottom) if I visualize it correctly.
Now my question is, how come the AR103 only have 1mm trimmed from the tip? And how close is the piston to the electrode during TDC?
 
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