Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum water through bonnet louvres

Stanley may have been described as a "poverty model " here on TM; or by an ex Chairman of the MSCC (at the 2009 Centenary) as "one of those dreadful entry level 4/4s"


But on the issue of water on the spark plugs, Stanley's reduced louvres do seem to work rather well.

Bud, it's better to drive a poverty car than to suffer a poverty brain.
(While a poverty brain may provide plenty of fun too.)

How uninformed, Who was that?

Name and shame

I wonder if also a bit of grease smeared around each socket might help as well

Vasiline is combustible so maybe not ideal but it is recommended on battery terminals so maybe OK

That would be quite fun, but I won't; taking comfort from the fact that he also had a truly unpleasant wife.

Karma in action. What a disgraceful thing to say, clearly no gentleman!

Hi Stewart,

Years ago I had problems of "tracking" around the spark plugs due to water ingress. My solution, after a conversation with a motorbike friend and the following info from the net was.......a trip to a local trade electrical store for a tube of dielectric grease.

The net info, part of a very long information paper, stated.....

"In single high voltage connections, such as spark plug boots or other high voltage connectors (x-ray, neon sign, or HV power lines), only pure dielectric silicone greases should be used. Generally a light coating or wipe is all that is required. Dielectric grease will actually increase voltage breakdown across insulators, especially in the presence of moisture. Never use or allow a metalized grease around HV connections"

So, based on this I do not use "conductive" or other type greases around my plugs. But, I'm no expert and will stand corrected.

In addition I made a plate to fit on top of the engine a la Dave W. Not so elegant as his but I also attached a waterproof fabric "skirt" along the back edge to cover the "electrical bits" that are located at the back end of the engine.

I appreciate a piccie would help. I have not yet mastered doing that but will attempt putting some on the photo forum if it helps, or send me a pm or if someone can put them on for me.

If doing yourself you will need a pair of spark plug boot pliers otherwise you may destroy the plug leads if you are not careful. Readily available and cheap.

Regards everyone

Salmo

70th Anniversary

I don't see what all the fuss is about.

A bit of copper grease on the spark plug threads when reinstalling them stops them seizing in the head. If they do get stuck, a nice long run to get the engine hot then try to take the plugs out.

I've had more cylinder heads brought to me to install thread inserts on due to cross threaded or overtightened spark plugs than seized spark plugs!


I don't bother covering the engine when I wash mine, just start it up straight up and it will boil the water straight off.

Hi Alwyn,

To correct any misunderstanding , I too, use copper slip on the threads, and totally agree over tightening and cross threading are an issue.

My problem was tracking. Water moisture remained somewhere between base and tip of plug/boot. So the outside of the plug is coated in dielectric grease.

The cover plate is belt and bracers and I know subjective. But, should I wash but not use my car at least I know water is not sitting in the plug well until next use. And your right......I should use it more!

Kindest regards

Salmo

The dielectric grease sounds like a very good tip