Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Blownoutsparkplugs.com (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Yahoo Message Number: 150201
Getting ready to retire and we plan on doing some extensive traveling pulling our sailboat. Wouldn't you know it, our 1997 LD TK with the V-10 is right there with the other aluminum headed Fords that have a tendency to blow out spark plugs. Evidently this issue was not only with the V-10 engines. Anyway, our engine is just about ready for the 100K tune-up to change the coil packs and sparkplugs. So I think we're going to take the preventive measure and have all the sparkplugs receive the insert job. Spoke with Ric yesterday from "Blownoutspartplugs" and had a good conversation.  Heck, these guys are right here in our neighborhood! The engine will be worked a little harder pulling the boat, and although to the best of our knowledge, the engine has never had a sparkplug issue,(have GOB's of paperwork from all the maintenance the previous owner did), just seems like taking the preventive approach will be the prudent thing to do in the long haul. Blowing a plug 2,000 miles from home pulling the boat would put a damper on retirement....
 http://www.blownoutsparkplug.com/contact.htm 
Don
Re: Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150206
Don:  What sailboat?  We pulled our Rhodes 22 from Edenton, NC to Stuart, FL with no issues using our '06 30IB.

Bob in Florida  SE 5
Re: Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150209
Bob,

We'll be pulling our wing keeled Catalina-22 MK-II. Good to hear you had no problems towing your boat with a 30' LD. Our boat and trailer, as she is normally provisioned for towing comes in at 4,500 Lbs. We'll be attending the annual North Gulf Coast Cruise out of Ft Walton Beach Florida in May, then the C-22 National's at Portland, Oregon in July, and a trip to Michigan in August. So we don't want any engine issues for sure!

Don
Re: Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150212
Assume you had the factory-installed 4000 pound hitch reinforced or upgraded by a competent hitch shop.

Bob Siegel Santa Fe New Mexico
Re: Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150213
Not yet, will be installing an upgraded hitch on the rear and also a hitch on the front to make moving around the boat ramp easier.

Don
 
Re: Blownoutsparkplugs.com
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150237
Don: Great upgrades for moving and launching the sailboat.  I doubt I could launch by backing our 30IB with the 10' trailer extension unless I am lined up perfectly.  Will be anxious to see how you do with the front hitch.  I have a safe steer and I'm not sure a front hitch could be installed but it would be a nifty addition if we decide to tow the boat to different sailing locations like you - the true trailer sailor!

We have talked about following your plan but, at times, the task seems overwhelming. On the road we made sure that we only selected RV parks with pull throughs.  A bit more expensive but worth the convenience.  Watch for tree limbs that may catch on the mast, the boat or the trailer.

The sailing venues you mention are really great.  We have often wished we had our sailboat up along the Gulf coast and Michigan.  We have sailed all through south Florida from Fort Pierce, down the east coast on to Biscayne Bay, Key Largo, Key West and up to Punta Gorda, but mostly in a Tartan 37 that we owned and sailed for five years.   At one time I was doing R22 sailing demos in Miami and St. Pete, both great sailing areas. In the military we sailed out of Hickam AFB, down along the Honolulu International Airport reef runway heading toward Diamond Head in Cal 20s and Rhodes 19s.  We have also been lucky enough to sail on San Diego Bay thanks to the North Island Navy Sailing Club.  Great fun saling along side some huge Navy aircraft carriers!  Of course security boats keep you some distance away.  {:>)

We need to get a bit more adventurists and follow your plan with the R22.

Best of luck!

Bob SE 5