Other: Spark Plugs

[drnittler]

For my 61 Lark (six cylinder) I have been using Champion spark plug 857 RH18Y. Now I find they are getting hard to get. Do you all have a recommendation for another plug? Does NGK (NKG or whatever ) have a similiar plug?
It seems plugs do not last on antique cars, especially if they get flooded. The ones on my Lark in question only had 2000 miles on a new rebuild.
Thanks for the help.

[31Streetrod]

Have your local auto parts store cross the RH18Y over to an Autolite plug. Far better plug and is very forgiving if flooded with gas.

[Bud]

The Autolite number is 437. Bud

[DEEPNHOCK]

I like, and highly recommend, the Autolite spark plug line.
Jeff

The Autolite number is 437. Bud

[53k]

I like, and highly recommend, the Autolite spark plug line.
Jeff

Ditto. I have had very good luck with the 437s.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Not to get boring, but I likewise have only used (and sold, as a Studebaker parts dealer) #437 Autolite plugs for the last 25 years or so. Never a complaint or issue with them.

[drnittler]

Thanks one and all. I'll get some autolite plugs

[FlatheadGeo]

I have always preferred the Autolite plugs. However, when I ordered them for my 63 Valiant the shop couldn't get the correct thread length that I needed. Had to go to the NGK's. Haven't put them in yet due to hernia surgery. Definetly go with the Autolite plugs.

[SN-60]

Remember the mileage recommendations at which spark plugs needed to be cleaned/replaced? Now they go 100K+ in the new engines----interesting.

[63 R2 Hawk]

Remember the mileage recommendations at which spark plugs needed to be cleaned/replaced? Now they go 100K+ in the new engines----interesting.

Computers ARE good for something! ECUs can optimize engine parameters, which saves fuel, wear-and-tear and tuneups. Also, fuels are cleaner and metallurgy science has improved considerably in modern cars. In the Studebaker era, most cars needed a complete overhaul at 100K miles, usually sooner!

[Chicken Hawk]

I think people using brands of spark plugs are like some that will only drive Chevy or Ford or ?? I've tried several brands including autolite, NGK, Accel, Motorcraft, etc. and could never tell any difference in any except the NGK did not do as well but in all fairness I might not have experimented with correct heat ranges. All my Studebakers have Champtions in them.

Ted

[Bud]

I whichever plugs I can get for the best price. I have a stash of the old AC 43LS plugs that I've been using for a while. I bought a couple sets of Bosch platinum plugs for the Avanti when Rock Auto had a sale on them. I don't believe if the correct heat range and thread length plugs are used, the manufacturer of the plugs really doesn't matter. Bud

[drnittler]

What number on the NGK's?

[Chicken Hawk]

What number on the NGK's?

I don't recall now. It's been several years ago when I tried the differenct brands and couldn't tell any difference in any of them except for the NGK's. So I"ve been using Champions ever since and that must have been at least 15 years ago.

Ted

[jackb]

almost monthly there are sets on eBay for original H-14Y plugs.......Been using these since the 70's w/o any incident......I've snagged 43LS too