The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop E3 Spark Plugs

Are these plugs superior to any distant technology we grew up with...such as AC Delco, Champion, Auto-lite..etc.? The NHRA boys claim they run these in their 10K+hp nitro machines. Shoot, they ought to be good enough in the small mills we're running. The multi spark design must be allot more efficient and cleaner burning....less fouling.

Thoughts/comments.

Trick spark plugs have been around as long as the 60+ years of doing auto repair that I can remember, and long before that, I'm sure. I think P.T. Barnum was a spark plug salesman, wasn't he?
Jerry

Trick or technology Jerry...they both start with a "T" brother. Do they in fact out perform, are they the next best thing. Ignition systems have come a long, long way since P.T. Barnum. The truth is the spark is only as good as the voltage supplied, regardless.

Watch this:

Good one, Gord! One thing I've noticed when there has been an improvement in function it takes no time at all for the major brand manufacturers to come out with their version utilizing the same technology hence everyone has copper, platinum in their spark plug line up (and iridium for almost everyone now). Multiple electrode plugs have been around for over 50 years but, if memory serves me correctly (becoming problematic as the years add up) I don't remember any of the major manufacturers jumping on that bandwagon. Must be a reason, right?

Somebody who's going to solve all my problems by selling me something- - - - -spark plugs or snake oil- - - -need to be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail! Airplane engines have been using spark plugs with multiple ground electrodes for decades. If it was really as big of an improvement as the snake oil guys say, why don't the auto manufacturers install them at the factory?

"There's a sucker born every minute!"
P.T. Barnum

"Never give a sucker an even break!"
W.C. Fields

LOL!
Jerry

That guy wore me out....whew!

I'm just glad that he talks fast. If he talked like someone I know from east Tennessee, I'd be up all night watching a YouTube video.
Incidentally, they both are relaying the same conclusion about spark plugs.
In my opinion, spark plugs are just a small part of what is involved in having an engine which will run optimally as designed.
Modern engines run nearly forever compared to the engines we are playing with. It is not because of the spark plugs. It is due to computer controlled everything.
Continuous timing adjustment. Spark knock sensors to prevent detonation at all times.
Variable valve time and lift technology.
Continuous fuel/air delivery adjustment. (fuel injection).
The combination of all of these provide a very precise delivery of a clean burning combustion.
A 1960 lawnmower spark plug would remain clean in one of these modern engines.
Conversely, put a platinum or iridium spark plug in one of our half worn out 216 "tractor" engines, and you will not see them remain clean for 200,000 miles.
Carl

Have to say you have a point. Another sensitive subject in the books.

Apache1,
I know that you said this one is in the books but I would like to share some real life experiences concerning “new” spark plugs. Back in the early 80’s my local FLAPS dealer recommended that I try some “new” marine spark plugs for my outboard motor on my Orlando Clipper (he was probably out of the one’s I needed). I believe they were “surface gap” plugs. I know that Champion makes them now, but I can’t remember for sure what these were. Long story short, they left me stranded far from the dock (no Boat US or cells back then) on two different occasions. I could not figure it out on the first break down so I took it to my local Marine shop and they assured me that everything was in good shape. Well, the second breakdown was much further from the dock (a real adventure story) so I took it back to the shop. They found the problem by running the motor in a tank for about an hour and then finally traced the problem to the spark plugs. The plugs worked fine when the engine was cold and they did not show any problems until about 45 minutes in the tank (it would not crank back up after shut down). Those “new” plugs made for some interesting experiences (adventures) on the water.
SLC

I know that I should stay out of this but, I have been using them for 10 years and up until lately I have been pleased with their performance. I don't think my issues are a spark plug related.

Ron,
I just recently sold my 1997 GMC Sierra with 182,000 miles on the odometer. It ran as good and as quiet as the day I bought it in 1997 and it still had the original spark plugs. It had a 5.7L Vortec V8 and was running "Iridium" spark plugs. Now there is a plug I will swear by! Man I miss that truck! Another "Real Life Experience". Just saying...
SLC

Some OMC outboards came with those surface gap plugs from the factory - Dad's '71 50 HP Evinrude did. I guess OMC didn't find then useful as my '88 Johnson came with the conventional J style plugs.

What you are “just saying” is in line with what everyone else is eluding to.
Run the plugs which the manufacturer call for. In your case that would be what you ran for 182,000 miles, which is absolutely amazing to me. Not uncommon for the newer engines, but no less amazing.
Carl

I totally agree with "Run the plugs which the manufacturer call for".
Thanks