Clearance between spark plugs and Radiator

[Deleted User]

😀 😀 I seem to remember that this question surfaced a while ago? I had the same problem with the MPG Scott. Here was my (eventual) solution. 😀 😀 I popped the racing NGK plugs (Shorter overall length BTW) into my ancient lathe (quite like me actually) and machined off the bottom third of the thread! It worked for me but as they say “”Dont try this at home kids!”” It may wreck your motor:D 😀 😀 Regards Ted

[gammakeith]

The solution to this problem on my bike is rather more drastic. The restorer fitted a “sprint” style radiator that is much shorter so I can certainly wield the plug spanner with ease. Unfortunately, the downside is that the bike boils over if ridden at more than 50 mph for any period of time…….. 🙄

However, if anyone out there is troubled by sleepness nights about the lack of spark plug clearance then I will happily swap radiators with them to permanently cure this most troubling problem. The new owner will then be able to sleep well at night…. 😆

Keith

[Deleted User]

you might try this

https://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/coolant/red-line-water-wetter-super-coolant

@gammakeith wrote:

The solution to this problem on my bike is rather more drastic. The restorer fitted a “sprint” style radiator that is much shorter so I can certainly wield the plug spanner with ease. Unfortunately, the downside is that the bike boils over if ridden at more than 50 mph for any period of time…….. 🙄

However, if anyone out there is troubled by sleepness nights about the lack of spark plug clearance then I will happily swap radiators with them to permanently cure this most troubling problem. The new owner will then be able to sleep well at night…. 😆

Keith

[Deleted User]

😀 😀 😀 Now thats interesting!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 😀 Just done 50+ miles on the ex Kev Scott with the aforementioned plugs! Perfect! Good plug colour. Nice acceleration up to 68mph. BTW it was on max throttle for approx 60% of the time! Rad was nicely hot. 😀 😀 BBTW what condition is the Sprint Rad? Regards Ted 😀 😀

[Deleted User]

😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 Graham Moag does new Radiators to cure this problem! Regards Ted 😀 😀 😀

[gammakeith]

Yes, I am aware that new radiators are available that will cure the boiling problem though this will obviously lumber me with the spark plug clearance problem instead. Alas, my financial controller is unlikely to sanction such expenditure at the current time. However, I have some things to try to improve matters following on from the last East Mids meeting so have not given up on it just yet 😀

Water wetter and the new non-water coolant stuff are also worth considering.

Keith

[Deleted User]

Some years ago I used to race saloon cars and at one stage had an MG that was very, very marginal temperature-wise. Water wetter was recommended to me and despite my initial scepticism I gave it a go. It certainly did the job for me and dropped the temp to normal levels under fairly extreme conditions – for a very low cost – so would certainly be worth a try IMO Keith.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Hi Keith, as I said at the last EM meeting, you are very welcome to borrow my spare radiator to see how it fits as regards plug clearance, (There shouldn’t be a problem !), and to try it in use to see if it overcomes your boiling problem.
Brian

[Deleted User]

I dont fit plug caps either those little eye screws they used to have in net curtains or these items
https://www.gsparkplug.com/shop/spark-plugs/spark-plug-connectors1/misc-right-angle-plug-end.html

interesting about the mixtures for radiator should have known that before my boil up on Kop hill 2 weeks ago

[Deleted User]

I use these

[gammakeith]

@BRIAN MARSHALL wrote:

Hi Keith, as I said at the last EM meeting, you are very welcome to borrow my spare radiator to see how it fits as regards plug clearance, (There shouldn’t be a problem !), and to try it in use to see if it overcomes your boiling problem.
Brian

I have not forgotten your offer, kind sir. Motorbike time has been severely curtailed recently 🙁 I’ve just finished changing clutch and flywheel on the Alfa and once my back has recovered I’ll get the dial gauge out and double check the ignition timing as a first step.

Keith

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