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hemi spark plug tubes & Seals #2802644
07/29/20 07:52 PM
07/29/20 07:52 PM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline OP
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Does anyone have a source for better quality spark plug tubes than the factory type junk currently out there?? The existing junk isn't even close to being round with parallel scratches, ripples and the bottoms are about as thick as a matchbook, which in turn distorts easily between the plug and head with or without the washers. mad spank

I did find one company making a billet tube with steel ends but they are no longer in production due to a lack of demand which is hard to believe> he said they have been getting more and more calls and they are considering making more if the calls continue. Looked like a nice product.

LINK TO THEIR SITE with PIC's of THE TUBES

Would also be interested in a corresponding set of lower tube seals as well.

FYI Aluminum headed motor with edelbrock / mopar heads.

It's hard to believe that no one has solved this issue shruggy beer
TIA

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: TJP] #2802654
07/29/20 08:34 PM
07/29/20 08:34 PM
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UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
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I have the Indy covers and tubes along with the Milodon lower tube seals.

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: TJP] #2802672
07/29/20 09:26 PM
07/29/20 09:26 PM
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Morristown Tn.
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71birdJ68 Offline
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The only lower seals I know of are the on the Stage V heads and in the bore that the tube goes in and even with this they still leak oil into the inside of the tube where the plug is. I have all noticed two different size o ring top seals that seal the valve cover.

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: 71birdJ68] #2802811
07/30/20 11:02 AM
07/30/20 11:02 AM
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I forgot to mention the engine has the stock stamped steel valve covers so stock length tubes are what is needed. I am told that the lower seals that are available @ multiple sources will fit these heads. The "counterbore" dimensions in the head appear to confirm this.

The parallel scratches and ripples in the tubes I am told occur during the forming process which makes sense, but doesn't solve the leakage problem as one cannot expect an o ring to seal against that type of surface. The flimsiness of bottom where the Plug seats is another issue.

Does anyone know of a source with better quality??

The gentleman I spoke with yesterday said he would need a minimum of 15 sets ordered and paid for with delivery in 2-3 weeks. SEE PIC. I am half tempted to do so and then resell the other 14 sets frown

beer

hemitube.jpg
Last edited by TJP; 07/30/20 11:22 AM.
Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: TJP] #2802950
07/30/20 03:15 PM
07/30/20 03:15 PM
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northwest USA
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NANKET Offline
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What does he charge for a set of tubes?

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: NANKET] #2802979
07/30/20 04:39 PM
07/30/20 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by NANKET
What does he charge for a set of tubes?

About 320.00 Which I would gladly pay. It would then be a one time expense up

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: TJP] #2802991
07/30/20 04:52 PM
07/30/20 04:52 PM
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Southeast Virginia
68jim Offline
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I use the Milodon seals on the bottom and they seem to help. I had bigger issues with the sealing on the top to the valve cover. I had 3-4 that leaked a bit and really annoyed me. I brought the tube to a place that sold O-rings and the sales guy was pretty cool even though this would be a low volume sale. I found that when I used a #318 sized O-ring that it makes a good tight fit around the tube and a firm fit into the valve cover - You have to install it on the tube first (well lubed) then firmly push it into the valve cover. It is a bit snug getting it out (need a small pair of pliers in each hand to pull it back out) but not that bad considering I have no more leaks in the past 10 years or so. Can't remember exactly what I paid at the time but O-rings were probably 25-30 cents a piece...

I remember looking at those custom tubes a few years back - sweet!

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: 68jim] #2804595
08/03/20 10:09 AM
08/03/20 10:09 AM
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Great Neck,LI,new york
hemi-itis Offline
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I also went with a slightly fatter o-ring for more crush. The milodon bottom seals help but they are not dry. Need to pull the pkug real fast in order to see the plug with no oil on them.

7.18.17 019.jpg

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Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: TJP] #2804627
08/03/20 11:30 AM
08/03/20 11:30 AM
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Morristown Tn.
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71birdJ68 Offline
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When I said lower seals, there is a grove cut into the head of a Stage V head for an o ring, I haven't seen any other type of lower seal.

Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: 71birdJ68] #2804701
08/03/20 04:00 PM
08/03/20 04:00 PM
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Southeast Virginia
68jim Offline
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Sorry, I'm not that familiar with the Stage V head. For the factory heads, Milodon makes a press fit adapter that incorporates an o ring for the lower part of the tube. I have not been tried yet to cross reference the o-ring they use so I can swap new ones at a later date next time I open things up to adjust the lash. You would think that the Stage V o ring information should still be available from the manufacturer???

DCP02241.JPGDCP02242.JPG
Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: 68jim] #2804742
08/03/20 07:39 PM
08/03/20 07:39 PM
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N.Y.
sixpacksteve Offline
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ii had to double gasket the valve cover so i needed a longer tubes cause the stage V rockers were hitting covers.
got a set from Tim Banning at FHO.
so far so good!
if need be, try a little rtv on bottom of tube


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Re: hemi spark plug tubes & Seals [Re: sixpacksteve] #2805547
08/05/20 08:33 PM
08/05/20 08:33 PM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline OP
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thanks for all the replies.
I've ordered in another set of stock ones and will look at them when they get here along with the Milodon inserts I also have a few other ideas I may try. I did contact Tim @ FHO but I'm suspecting his are too long as i ahven't heard back form him.
The one set up was so sweet It's hard to believe their no longer making them frown Thanks again beer







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