Topic: Autolite BF-32

[preaction]

Did all autolite  sparkplugs have the star on them or was that a assembly line plug.

[CharlesTurner]

Did all autolite  sparkplugs have the star on them or was that a assembly line plug.

Depends what year you're asking about.

[preaction]

I should have known that, 67. I came across an unopened  box of 10 autolite BF-32's and the packaging is marked 1966 but I herd of but don't remember where the star marked plugs come in at or if it is a Shelby thing, at least that is where I remember the conversation about them was.

[70cj428]

I think the "star" disappeared at the end of 67, but someone here will tell you for sure. As for the date, I think the Autolite logo was trademarked in 66, so even the later, 68/69/70 boxes will have the 66 date. I know all the "star" marked plugs that I have have the "star" on the outside of the box also. If it will help, I can post some pic's later tonight....

John

[70cj428]

I went down and checked my stash, all the "star" plug boxes (box of 10) don't have any date and have the big star on the box. The later 68-72 Autolite Ford plug boxes have the "ghost" GT40 on the box and the 1966 copyright. I even checked one of those round Autolite tune up kits from 1971 (had a promo offer inside that expired in 72) and they had the 1966 copyright on them. My camera battery charger took a shit so I couldn't take some pic's but I found 2 pic's on Ebay that show the early and late boxes...  Just curious, does your Cougar take BF32's or BF42's ?  I know 428's pretty well, but 390's, not so much....

The 1st pic is the "star" plug box, The second pic is the later Autolite plugs..

Hope this helps, John

[Bob Gaines]

I went down and checked my stash, all the "star" plug boxes (box of 10) don't have any date and have the big star on the box. The later 68-72 Autolite Ford plug boxes have the "ghost" GT40 on the box and the 1966 copyright. I even checked one of those round Autolite tune up kits from 1971 (had a promo offer inside that expired in 72) and they had the 1966 copyright on them. My camera battery charger took a shit so I couldn't take some pic's but I found 2 pic's on Ebay that show the early and late boxes...  Just curious, does your Cougar take BF32's or BF42's ?  I know 428's pretty well, but 390's, not so much....

The 1st pic is the "star" plug box, The second pic is the later Autolite plugs..

Hope this helps, John

As you surmiss the star disappeared in late 67. The 67 428 PI and the 390 used BF 42.

[70cj428]

Hi Bob, Would a 67 GT500 use BF32's ?  I always thought so till you mentioned the 67 PI using 42's.

Just wondering....

Thank's John

[preaction]

The reproduction 68 owners manual I have calls for BF-32 for the 390 and the 302, BF-42 for a 289 2v. I thought the 67 390 would be the same. 67 shop manual calls for BF-32 for a GT390. BF-42 for 390 other than GT.

[J_Speegle]

Application for many motors (spark plug choice) often changed a number of times through a production year - especially some. Ford didn't change their suggested application (tune up charts and the like)  just changed the use on the line and notified the service managers. There are a number of TSB's related to the subject.  Looks like they were searching or trying things out at points.

One such example is TSB article #1175
(1967 390-4V, 410 and 428 CID Engines)
The spark plug recommendation for 1967 390-4V, 410 and 428 CID engines (except police interceptor) has been changed from BF41 to BF 32. On normal replacement only. BF32 plugs should be used for the above engines types. This change was effective at engine 4/3/1967

My note- approx 6 months prior to this announcement


TSB article #1355 followed almost a year later stating that a change in spark plugs for 390 4V and 428 CJ , from BF32 to BF42 due to fouling . Engine plant effective approximately 4/1/68

Almost exactly one year after the first change

[Bob Gaines]

Hi Bob, Would a 67 GT500 use BF32's ?  I always thought so till you mentioned the 67 PI using 42's.

Just wondering....

Thank's John

Apparently because BF 42 is what is indicated for 428 sparkplugs on page 60 of the 1967 Shelby owners manual . BF 32 was for the 289 (hipo).

[Bob Gaines]

The reproduction 68 owners manual I have calls for BF-32 for the 390 and the 302, BF-42 for a 289 2v. I thought the 67 390 would be the same. 67 shop manual calls for BF-32 for a GT390. BF-42 for 390 other than GT.

I assumed you were wanting information for a 67 based on previous posts. The 1967 Mustang owners manual does not give plug specifications but on page 9-2 of the 1967 Ford Car service specification manual it indicates BF 42 for both 390 and 428.  On page 60 of the 1967 Shelby owners manual it indicates BF 42 also .

[Bob Gaines]

FYI it was typical for us to change out BF 32's for BF 42's on the FE engines 68-70 428 CJ's back in the day when the cars were everyday transportation because the 32's fouled out easily and the 42's being a hotter plug stayed clean longer. BF32's were good for best performance but 42's were the best compromise for performance and endurance for everyday driving.

[preaction]

I assumed you were wanting information for a 67 based on previous posts. The 1967 Mustang owners manual does not give plug specifications but on page 9-2 of the 1967 Ford Car service specification manual it indicates BF 42 for both 390 and 428.  On page 60 of the 1967 Shelby owners manual it indicates BF 42 also .

Bob you are correct I was looking for info about the 67 it just happened that the 68 manual was at my desk, the 67 was in the car in the garage.

[preaction]

Is it possible for what spark plugs are installed in a car to come up at a judged event ?

[J_Speegle]

Is it possible for what spark plugs are installed in a car to come up at a judged event ?

Possible?    Of course