MTFCA Forum

I found this Model T engine photo, on line. My question is, what are the pads around the spark plugs.
Were can I find them?

George

Older post on these shields for the plug holes, keeps water from collecting in the depressions. Don't know the source of these plugs, likely homemade.

By Ed in California on Monday, March 26, 2018 - 11:46 am:
I remember in the past seeing machined accessory brass plugs that completely fill the hollowed out space surrounding the plug hole. The plugs screwed in as normal, but held the machined brass plugs in place. They looked pretty neat, and probably would be easy to make.

I had a set of these 30 or 40 years ago and have never seen another set since. I have seen them on cars, but not "out-in-the-wild" in a N.O.S. box, I wish I could find another set. They were advertised/marketed/sold as the Spark Plug Janitor (a name like that kind of sticks with you), I am sure other makers had their own name for them. Not helpful I know but I just thought I would share.

If you are wanting to keep water, from the rain or from washing your Model T, out of the spark plug depressions you could find or fabricate one of these period accessory troughs which catch the water and divert it away from the engine.



Of course, after washing your car you do open the hood and absorb the water with a rag or blow it away with a compressed air.
I seriously doubt that the brass shields keep ALL of the water out of the depressions. Oh sure, they would deflect much of it and simply by occupying the space they would displace water. Possibly they are not much more than bling, and bling on a Model T, um, REALLY?

Methinks they just hide the water that slips past them.

I think Mark has hit the nail on the head. Of course, if not seeing it makes you feel better...…...

That first pic is of the late RD RICKS (rip) cross country speedster. He later turned it into a PU truck.

I thought they looked cool so many years ago i bought a set.They must be here somewhere. Bud.

I would like to thank all who replied to my question. I will continue to look for them and will advise our group, if found.

George Schmidt

Years ago I had a 1937 Plymouth and I bought some spark plug “anti-moisture “ covers or whatever they called them. They were a metal bowl that took the place of the washer on the bottom or maybe eorked with it somehow, I don’t remember. The top was rubber that snapped on the base. The only thing I can see they actually accomplished was hiding the spark plugs. They did look neat though.

Those brass "janitors" were reproduced about 25 years ago by a fellow in Pennsylvania.... I believe he passed.

Most any old flat head engines have recessed spark plugs. This is another accessory for those who like to give a T engine a customized look I guess. To each his own.

1. Place nose touching spark plug terminal... 2. Have assistant start engine.... 3. Slurp water into mouth before engine heats up.... 4. No accessory needed!