What can someone tell me about these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-T-Ford-Firestone-Spark-Plugs-/181014133119?pt=Vint age_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a2548797f&nma=true&si=MBRDrOkG gyMbGTDUQjpjBHFN5kQ%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
I've got a set of four back by my tool box. I haven't tried them yet but other than the fact they're radio active I think they'll probably work OK. I am a little worried about this ear that's growing out of my forehead but I guess we all have our little burdens to carry.
William, they have Palonium (sp) electrodes on them. Palonium is a radioactive material. The thought was that the radioactive electrodes would deliver the spark to the fuel/air mixture and maintain a lot of efficiency in the firing of the engine. The problem with them is they lose their radioactivity so fast that it was gone before it actually had a chance to do it's designed purpose. The radiation ionizes the air and makes for a better spark. The problem with them is palonium has a very short half life and the ability to ionize anything was gone within a few months. I did read somewhere however, someone checked them recently for radioactivity with a gieger counter or some piece of equipment and the 40 year old plugs still gave a pretty strong reading.
Thanks. I own the one's listed in the above ad. I was just curious about them.
I think they're probably safe but when I first read they may be radio active I became a curious as to what the story was. So I researched them a little. Have you run them in your T yet? I figure they should work fine just like a regular plug but the design intent just doesn't seem to make it.
No, I just got them today. Two plugs plus the box. I'd like to have two more for a whole set.
Would like to compliment my Wards set.
Here's link to a set of these I posted under ACCESSORY OF THE DAY a while back.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/136830.html
Reminds me of Fiestaware. Radioactive dinnerware.
I have used Firestone palonium plugs with good results.
They are great plugs. I've had a couple sets for years and have run them, cleaned them, loaned them out, cleaned them and run them again. I just bought 24 NOS ones at an auction, sold a couple sets of T Bay, didn't get rich but they sold. I think any radioactivity they had is long gone by now. When they were new supposedly they Polonium did offer some advantage.