Autolite 3116

[DanMD]

So I picked up a set of AutoLite 3116 plugs after reading how good they are. Unfortunately, they do not have a tall enough hex on the body for me to be able to install them in the head of my Super C. None of my sockets are thin enough to be able to fit into the head far enough and still engage the short hex on these plugs. They are probably 1/4" shorter on the hex parts than the Champions I am replacing.

Anybody else run into this and what other plugs are suppose to be this good?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[CRS982]

I had the same problem when I worked in a dealer on some of the utilities. Most of the time using a chrome deep well socket instead of a sparkplug socket solved the issue, but I do have a ground down harbor freight socket I would use once in a while. On the bright side 3116s do not require constant changing like the champions.

 

[IAtractorKid]

Try a chrome 12pt deep well instead of your spark plug socket, they
usually fit.

On another note, I'm guessing your Super C has a distributor, the
Autolite 386 would be my recommendation...the 3116 is a non-resistor
plug recommended for magneto ignition. Not saying they won't work for
you, just giving you the info.

 

[DanMD]

I tried a 12 point in 1/4 and 3/8 drive. I also tried a 6 point and a spark plug socket. I am not measuring enough wall thickness to even turn a socket down far enough to fit in the recess.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Daniel H.]

NGK 2910 (AB6)

The plugs have a 13/16 hex and work well in my Super A. I had the same problem with the Autolite. Some of the castinsg must have less clearance.

 

[fastfarmall]

I had the same problem, i had to put the deep well in the lathe, and cut some off the diameter ,top 3/4 inch, of the socket. Works well now, and i know which is my spark plug wrench, now at a glance.

 

[fastfarmall]

Some of them older farmer sets would work i suspect, I never thought about digger them out, the kind where u have to turn them with a screw driver crossway's thru them.

 

[PretendFarmer]

A deep socket works fine, as mentioned. Sparkplug socket wont fit, as you've discovered.
As to the 386 vs 3116 debate, I ran both. Yea they say the 386 is the more recommended plug but, Both my 1950 H and my 1948 C which both have a distributor both run much smoother on the 3116, for whatever reason. Is there more power with a 386? Maybe. A noticeable amount? Doubt it.

 

[cuby]

I am now doing a C and installed 3116 and used a 12 point Craftsman deep socket-no problem.

 

[Rick Remmert]

I might be missing something here, but the 2 "spark plug" sockets I have are 13/16". I use a 7/8" 6 point Craftsmen deep socket for the 3116 Autolite plugs on my 53 Super C. I have not ever had any problems with them. I even just walked out to my shop to be sure what I was saying. Another thought is I always blow the crude from around each plug before I remove them. That may also have something to do with the socket not going on.

 

[NoNewParts]

I never use a sparkplug socket, hate that rubber insert thing.
(big blocks in small cars...ya gotta finangle a socket on)
farmalls, my good S-K sockets I usually use for plugs wouldn't fit.
Swung by NAPA (farm country) and the owner/friend threw me a deep socket. He laughed and said we keep these on hand for you Farmall guys, It'll fit....it did.

If you can't find one, I'll see if it has a brand name on it.

 

[David G]

I got a Snap On 13/16 socket from my dad that has real thin walls, think it was made for this.

 

[Tom Fleming]

Well, the original IHC tool (socket) was stamped steel. You can buy the cheap stamped steel sockets at any hardware or big box store......about $3. I have a similar problem on the F20. I used the stamped steel socket without issue.................