Hemi spark plug tubes washers?

I'm picking up some more 354 Hemi engine parts for my rebuild.

My question is should I be getting a set of spark plug tube washers.
Or is it more advisable to run with just the tubes and rubber seal (no washers).

I will be running stock valve covers with stock wire covers on as well, will this matter.

Thanks

 

If you are talking about the large washers on the top of the tubes and are going to use the long spark wire covers, yes. They hold the rubber washers tightly to the valve covers.

Ps, spark plug tubes are consitered consommable items. The seal to the spark plug/ heads wears out in time.

Never use spark plug washers in a hemi.

 

Yes i'm talking about the large washers on the top of the tubes. I have seen people not running the large washers and just using the tube with the seals. I didn't know if it really makes a difference or not. especially when you are running the long stock spark plug wires over them.

Thanks for the tip on the washers on spark plug themselves.

 

The tubes themselves do not hold enough pressure on the rubber to seal. I make both the replacement washers that are used with the wire covers, as well as a slightly smaller ID washer that can be placed under the tube to hold pressure on the rubber seals.

 

TRWaters PM sent

 

After reading your post I think that you need the washers that go on top of the rubber seals as Ma Mopar made em. The tubes were always regarded as a tuneup part and after about 5 or6 plug changes were replaced. Never install a spark plug in a hemi with the gasket on it as the plug tube acts as a gasket.

 

I've run them both ways. I've used a bit of sealant under the rubber seal with only a hint of seepage on long trips.

 

you're talking about the compressible metal ring that comes with the plug, right?

 

Take the ring that comes on the plug off

 

I do not know why you remove the plug washers but that is the was Ma Mopar did it. The plug tubes got worn out in that area and were considered a disposable tune up part. I'd like to see someone make a "repair" tip for the tubes, somthinng like a repair sleeve for a shaft.

 

This is news to me - but I am new to the Hemi. I left the washers on my plugs, did I possibly screw up the tube, get a shitty seal, both?

Can someone shed a little light on this? Sorry to hijack.

 

It is just that they are not needed with the tubes.

 

I like this idea. You do not have to use wire covers to seal things up. Important if you are using a PCV system.

 

Huh?

 

Thanks for all the information. Now I'm currently looking for a good set of tubes.

 

They show up on EBay quite often.

 

Moon still makes them.

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Hot Heads have them plug tubes .
http://hothemiheads.com/valve_covers/spark_plug_tubes_moon.html

James

 

Just called Moon the tubes are 6 1/2 in length.

 

Tubes are 6 13/32(51-3), 6 1/8(56-8), or 5 29/32(53-55)

 

Damn George...now that is exact...

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oops 6 1/8

 

I don't like the looks of the washers. Are they held down by the sheet metal strips that cover them? My Desoto will have O-rings with clear silicon sealant. I'm gonna put the tubes on the lathe and roll the tops down just a bit to better hold the O-rings.

 

This is the first I've heard of the washers. George, can you elaborate on the tube lengths? Why 3 ? Dodge, Desoto, Chrysler? Moon appears to just make one size?

 

Yup!

 

Thanks, George.

 

Or you could use my under tube washers and the late model boots.

 

The problem that I have with not using the wire covers (which I actually like) is keeping garbage out of the tubes. Yes, a 426 boot can be installed but it really dosen't 'seat' on anything, the grip on the wire is all that keeps it in place. And, yes, if you use 8mm wire then the grip is stout.
Here is what I came up with years ago for a customer who had some demands...


I machined a die to flare the top of a 426 tube so that the 426 boot would snap over the lip and be close to the valve cover.



Also, keep in mind that the steel tubes offer some opportunities to do some mods of your own if you can think up a better way to seal things up.

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W/O modifying the tube, a wheel cylender seal from a 60s(probably others) Mopar with 8MM wire in it seals tight, some times too tight, they occaisionaly pop off when the air in the tube heats up as the engine comes up to temp..

 

Yeah, I have even seen where a guy used rubber test tube stoppers...
Maybe being really different is cool...

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