spark plugs for 3.8 OMC

[jack avery]

I have a 1984 3.8 (229 Chevy) OMC I/O in a 23' Proline. I've been having problems with a skip that is present when cold and usually stops after the engine is warmed up. The entire engine was proffessionally rebuilt and has about 70 hrs on it. The plugs I have in it are AC mr43t, as per specs. I have determined that right now the engine is running on three cylinders, nos. 2,4 & 6. I strongly suspect that my plugs on nos. 1,3 & 5 are fouling out because they are not getting hot enough. I have plenty of spark at the distributor cap, which is new, but the plugs are not firing. <br />I have read that the projected nose/tip plugs, such as Champion RV15YC4 or AC R43TS may work better due to a wider heat range.<br />My question is whether I have the room in my stock 229 engine for the projected tip to clear the pistons? If these plugs work in a Chevy v-8, is there any reason they won't work in a Chevy v-6 such as mine?<br />Has anybody else run into this problem, and how was it resolved.<br />Thanks much!

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: spark plugs for 3.8 OMC

Is the spark hot at the plugs themselves? Do they appear oil-fouled or fuel-fouled? Have they been replaced since the rebuild?

 

[jack avery]

Re: spark plugs for 3.8 OMC

They were replaced about 25 hrs ago, use time. They are not oil fouled, and are getting gas. The plug wires are 75 hrs old, and I will probably change them just to be sure. I have checked the wires at the plugs with a flourescent tester but I can't see if the tester is actually lighting up or not. It was probably too bright at the time.<br />The real question is whether the projected tip plugs will fit and work in the 229 v-6. <br />Thanks for the reply.