Slick/Autolite spark plugs

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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KAP54
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Slick/Autolite spark plugs

Post by KAP54 »

I was wondering if anyone has any had any experience with Slick/Autolite spark plugs. Decided to replace plugs at annual and bought the Slicks as they were about $3.50 cheaper. The mechanic doing the annual commented that he didn't like the plugs as the electrodes bent too easily. On runup after installation found two bad plugs that had to be replaced. Spruce replaced them, but I obviously didn't save anything by the time I paid the shop for diagnosing the problem. Runup is OK now but haven't had a chance to fly do to work and weather
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mit
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Post by mit »

Stick with what works let somebody else do the testing. Lots of times cheaper is not. Sometimes it is. :wink:
Tim
Bill Rusk
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Post by Bill Rusk »

I've used em with no problems. Work good.

Bill
zero.one.victor
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Post by zero.one.victor »

Bill Rusk wrote:I've used em with no problems. Work good.

Bill
Me too. Also, they appear to be stainless, so they shouldn't have the tendency to rust like Champions can after several years.

Eric
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n3479d
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Autolite Plugs

Post by n3479d »

I have used Autolite plugs for the last 40 flight hours and they are working fine.

Harry
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GAHorn
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Post by GAHorn »

My last set was Champions. I'd asked the guru's over at RAM aircraft engines which plugs they recommended, and they told me that they only use Champions because they'd had too many problems with Unison/Autolites. I'd wanted the Unison/Autolites because I'd hoped their nickel alloy would let me avoid the rusting problem with the bases.
Anyway, I installed Champions like they recommended. They work fine.
Six months later I was over at RAM with a client's aircraft, and I noticed all the new RAM engines were being sold with Unisons. :?
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
Harold Holiman
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Post by Harold Holiman »

I installed Autolites last year and like them fine.

Harold
M# 893
N92CP
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N3243A
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Post by N3243A »

I've got over 200 hours on a set of Unisons with no problems. They still exhibit rust thru the nickel plating but not as bad as Champions rust thru their grey paint.
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cessna170bdriver
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Post by cessna170bdriver »

If you can't stand the rust, the next time you clean your plugs, just mask off both ends (including the threads), and squirt them with some high temp paint.

Miles
Miles

“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
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GAHorn
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Post by GAHorn »

cessna170bdriver wrote:If you can't stand the rust, the next time you clean your plugs, just mask off both ends (including the threads), and squirt them with some high temp paint.

Miles
What's your approval basis? :wink:
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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Bruce Fenstermacher
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Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

gahorn wrote:
cessna170bdriver wrote:If you can't stand the rust, the next time you clean your plugs, just mask off both ends (including the threads), and squirt them with some high temp paint.

Miles
What's your approval basis? :wink:
George I see your back in your usual form after your days off.
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N2255D
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Post by N2255D »

If you can't stand the rust, the next time you clean your plugs, just mask off both ends (including the threads), and squirt them with some high temp paint.

Miles
I would just do it with a log book entry and new weight & balance, assuming that you are using certified aircraft quality paint of course. :lol:
Walt Weaver
Spencer Airport (NC35)
zero.one.victor
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Post by zero.one.victor »

I have the STC for repainting Champion spark plugs, all the approved paperwork can be purchased for $20. If you paint your plugs with just a logbook entry or even a field approval, you will be in BIG trouble! So just send me some money & you'll be OK.

Eric

PS: I'm serious!
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cessna170bdriver
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Post by cessna170bdriver »

George,

What's the statute of limitations on illegally painted spark plugs? Is the AI whose idea it was in danger of losing his certificate? :lol:

Eric,

Are there separate STC's for the Champions and Unisons, or are both included for one low price?!
Miles

“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
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KAP54
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Post by KAP54 »

Thanks for the comments. I have a feeling that the remark that " the electrodes bent too easily" was the point at which the two plugs were damaged. Since those of you that are using them have had no problems, I'm hoping it's a case of bad start good finish.

Keith
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