Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Posts that have nothing to do with the Model T. You can post here or OT posts will be moved here.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
User avatar

Topic author
Ruxstel24
Posts: 2345
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hanlon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Touring car
Location: NE Ohio
MTFCA Number: 50191
Board Member Since: 2018

Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Ruxstel24 » Mon Oct 07, 2019 4:34 pm

I have 6 of these FS “Polonium” plugs.
Trying to find what they fit and found info about the ground electrode being radioactive !! :shock:
Anyone know what they fit ?
Too small for Model A...5/8” thread, box says T-40-F, but plug is marked M-100.
The 6 I have are NIB old stock, like to sell them, but any knowledge prior would be appreciated.
Attachments
0A192F7C-7C37-41AA-9B63-9EDB7C79AA6C.jpeg


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Scott_Conger » Mon Oct 07, 2019 6:00 pm

https://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/con ... kplugs.htm
and

from Wikipedia: Polonium spark plugs were marketed by Firestone from 1940 to 1953. While the amount of radiation from the plugs was minuscule and not a threat to the consumer, the benefits of such plugs quickly diminished after approximately a month because of polonium's short half-life and because buildup on the conductors would block the radiation that improved engine performance. (The premise behind the polonium spark plug, as well as Alfred Matthew Hubbard's prototype radium plug that preceded it, was that the radiation would improve ionization of the fuel in the cylinder and thus allow the motor to fire more quickly and efficiently.)[70
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured

User avatar

Topic author
Ruxstel24
Posts: 2345
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hanlon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Touring car
Location: NE Ohio
MTFCA Number: 50191
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Ruxstel24 » Mon Oct 07, 2019 10:45 pm

Thanks Scott, that’s interesting stuff.
I found also, some had a pink porcelain insulator.
Nice collector piece.
Still nothing to cross an application.
I have numerous new smaller MOPAR plugs that these were with, and 6 of these...maybe a Dodge 6cyl ??
Anyone have any ideas where to find a cross reference or application ?

User avatar

Mark Gregush
Posts: 4956
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Gregush
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
Location: Portland Or
MTFCA Number: 52564
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Mark Gregush » Tue Oct 08, 2019 1:31 am

Are you sure they are not 18 mm? Which would be early Ford V8
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup

User avatar

Rich Eagle
Posts: 6796
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:51 am
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Eagle
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 TR 1914 TR 1915 Rd 1920 Spdstr 1922 Coupe 1925 Tudor
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
MTFCA Number: 1219
Contact:

Re: Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Rich Eagle » Tue Oct 08, 2019 1:26 pm

These pink ones were in a model A I bought in 1962. (7/8" threads) #S-120-CF. The white one is a M-100 with a different base.
Polonetc.jpg
When did I do that?

User avatar

Topic author
Ruxstel24
Posts: 2345
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hanlon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Touring car
Location: NE Ohio
MTFCA Number: 50191
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Firestone Spark Plugs...Radioactive

Post by Ruxstel24 » Tue Oct 08, 2019 3:27 pm

The pink ones are cool. 8-)
I believe these are 5/8” like the box says.
Not sure what the 10MM refers to, maybe the hole size at the bottom...looks about the size.

I will try looking at the Champion stuff and maybe find a match to the threads and an application ? :?:

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic