Spark plugs?

[Yamerhaw]

What kind of spark plugs do you run in your bike? I just use whatever came in the bike, but is there something better that will make a noticeable improvement?, getting ready to change them, and thought i might try something else, i've heard real good things about E3 plugs?

[askmrjesus]

Tons of bullshit spark plug claims out there, most are just that, bullshit.

Stock works just fine, unless you've changed something.

If you've added a complete exhaust system, you may want to drop a couple of heat ranges to keep head temp down, but other than that- it's a spark plug- as long as a spark comes out one end, you're good.

I have indexed plugs on two strokes, (adding washers to get the plug gap to face the intake ports) but I wouldn't recommended it on an I4, unless you have a dyno, and shit loads of time of your hands. Even then, you'd be lucky to get 1HP for every 100HP you started with.

JC

[marko138]

I use Harley-Davidson 10R12A. Those probly won't work for you. :lol:

[TommyHotWheel]

Brisk or NGK Iridium...and I index all of my plugs, its an OCD type thing.

[Amber Lamps]

Brisk or NGK Iridium...and I index all of my plugs, its an OCD type thing.


I thought about Brisk but for the money,I ended up with NGK Iridium.

[racedoll]

I use NGK.

[BobTheBiker]

I run Bosch or NGK. they're the only plugs I'll trust. anything I see with champion plugs, I'm visiting autozone instantly for NGKs. only thing on earth I trust champions in is a lawn mower, and even then I dont.

[101lifts2]

...If you've added a complete exhaust system, you may want to drop a couple of heat ranges to keep head temp down, but other than that- it's a spark plug- as long as a spark comes out one end, you're good....

Spark plug heat ranges have almost no effect on the actual combustion temperatures unless the plug causes preignition or incomplete combustion.

You should use whatever plug is recommended by the OEM since fuel injected engines can control the A/F ratio in a much narrower range than a carb.

[askmrjesus]

I index all of my plugs, its an OCD type thing.

Yes, but which way do you point them?

"Conventional Wisdom" dictates that you point the gap toward the intake (so the ground strap doesn't block the air/fuel mixture) but some engine configurations seem to work better with the gap facing the outlet valves. :shrug:

JC

[Rangerscott]

I put in NGK iridium cause I dont feel like hassling with them for awhile.


A spark plug is only as good as the ignitions source. You can put in the world's most expensive plugs but they will only spark with what can be delivered to them from the coil packs/distributer.

Upgrade your whole ignition system and you will see an improvement.

[askmrjesus]

Spark plug heat ranges have almost no effect on the actual combustion temperatures unless the plug causes preignition or incomplete combustion.

I think that's what I said. A plug that's too hot will cause pre-ignition, which will translate to higher engine temps.


You should use whatever plug is recommended for fuel injected engines.

My KTM disagrees. :lol:

You should use whatever plug is spec'd for your bike. I'm not aware of any "fuel injection only" spark plugs.

JC

[101lifts2]

Yes, but which way do you point them?

"Conventional Wisdom" dictates that you point the gap toward the intake (so the ground strap doesn't block the air/fuel mixture) but some engine configurations seem to work better with the gap facing the outlet valves. :shrug:

JC

If the thread starting position in the head is the same then in theory the plugs will all be at the same position. It shouldn't matter which way the plug points if the air/fuel charge has swirled enough to make the mixture homogenous.

[askmrjesus]

If the thread starting position in the head is the same then in theory the plugs will all be at the same position. It shouldn't matter which way the plug points if the air/fuel charge has swirled enough to make the mixture homogenous.

Those are nice theories.

Unfortunately it doesn't work that way in the real world.

For one thing, even if the heads of mass produced bikes had all their threads in exactly the same sync (which they don't) the spark plugs would still not be. The ones I'm holding in my hand aren't, and they weren't exactly cheap, so, so much for theory #1.

As for theory #2, whether or not the fuel/air mix swirls perfectly, depends on many variables, including variables caused by after-market mods like air filters, so, so much for theory #2.

The question isn't whether or not the bike will run, it's, can you make it run better?

JC

[ZUKIMON]

NGK FTW. If that's not available and I have to have something right then.......ND will usually suffice.

As for Bosch, I have removed more of those plugs from car engines for causing misfires than any other plug. I have actually removed Bosch Platinum plus 4's that were only 30 miles old cause they were causing more issues than they were stopping. I don't like 'em and will never use them again. I also only like a Champion in a lawn mower or chainsaw. :idk:

[marko138]

I think I've got a Champion in my mower. Suckers gotta be 10 years old at least, runs like an animal.

[BobTheBiker]

I also only like a Champion in a lawn mower or chainsaw. :idk:

MY chainsaw only likes NGK plugs. those champion pieces of shit just anger my old McCulloch 10-10 auto, as well as the Jonsered 670 I used to have, and all my previous Stihls. That said, NGK is king for plugs of quality.

[marko138]

MY chainsaw only likes NGK plugs. those champion pieces of shit just anger my old McCulloch 10-10 auto, as well as the Jonsered 670 I used to have, and all my previous Stihls. That said, NGK is king for plugs of quality.
Gotta keep the saw happy. No one likes an angry chain saw. They bite.

[Yamerhaw]

well the old ones looked perfect, but since i had already went to the trouble of taking them out, i just put new ones in anyway, just went back with the NGK

[Yamerhaw]

NGK FTW. If that's not available and I have to have something right then.......ND will usually suffice.

As for Bosch, I have removed more of those plugs from car engines for causing misfires than any other plug. I have actually removed Bosch Platinum plus 4's that were only 30 miles old cause they were causing more issues than they were stopping. I don't like 'em and will never use them again. I also only like a Champion in a lawn mower or chainsaw. :idk:



i agree about the Bosch, we've replaced SEVERAL at my work too

[tached1000rr]

well the old ones looked perfect, but since i had already went to the trouble of taking them out, i just put new ones in anyway, just went back with the NGK

How many miles on your bike?

[Gas Man]

Ran NGK double plats in the 9R till the Iridiums came out then those.
Ran champs in the chop
Got HD's in the HD's... DUH

[marko138]

Ran NGK double plats in the 9R till the Iridiums came out then those.
Ran champs in the chop
Got HD's in the HD's... DUH
I gotta tell you about calling the non-Buell HD dealer to get plugs for my bike. It was funny.

[101lifts2]

Those are nice theories.

Unfortunately it doesn't work that way in the real world.

For one thing, even if the heads of mass produced bikes had all their threads in exactly the same sync (which they don't) the spark plugs would still not be. The ones I'm holding in my hand aren't, and they weren't exactly cheap, so, so much for theory #1......JC

I think there are many more variables that you can control (fuel quality, a/f ratio control, vehicle weight etc.) that will do more than attempting to position the spark plugs in the same position. Besides, there are alot of plugs these days that have 1 center electrode and 4 side electrodes making its position almost negligible.

Those are nice theories......
As for theory #2, whether or not the fuel/air mix swirls perfectly, depends on many variables, including variables caused by after-market mods like air filters, so, so much for theory #2.

The question isn't whether or not the bike will run, it's, can you make it run better?

JC

Agreed...but the mods will make more of a difference than spark plug electrode position.

[Rangerscott]

Champion FTL on ninja 250's. They are the wrong heat (wrong cross reference on champions part) and will crack, electrode melts, and/or might break apart into the engine.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Changing_the_spark_plugs_&_brands_to_avoid


I've only used NGK on my bikes.

[Gas Man]

I gotta tell you about calling the non-Buell HD dealer to get plugs for my bike. It was funny.
What like... tell me on the phone? Speak it!

[marko138]

What like... tell me on the phone? Speak it!
Alright...so my nearest Buell dealer is an hour away. The manual calls for Harley plugs. I figure I'll try the nearest HD dealer (15 minutes away).

Me: Looking for spark plugs. 10R12A.

Him: What the hell bike is that out of?!?!?!

Me: A Buell.

Him: Oh boy. (long pause) Let me go look.

Him: HEY! I found some!

Me: SWEET! Put them aside, I'll be there in 15 minutes.

[Gas Man]

"oh boy"

:lol:

That is some funny shit! I do feel bad for you Buell guys. Having to put up with that shit all the time at the HD dealer.

[askmrjesus]

I think there are many more variables that you can control (fuel quality, a/f ratio control, vehicle weight etc.) that will do more than attempting to position the spark plugs in the same position. Besides, there are alot of plugs these days that have 1 center electrode and 4 side electrodes making its position almost negligible.

Agreed...but the mods will make more of a difference than spark plug electrode position.

Where have I heard that before...:scratch:


I have indexed plugs on two strokes, (adding washers to get the plug gap to face the intake ports) but I wouldn't recommended it on an I4, unless you have a dyno, and shit loads of time of your hands. Even then, you'd be lucky to get 1HP for every 100HP you started with.

JC

Oh yeah, now I remember....:lol:

JC

[Particle Man]

brutal JC :lol: Someone rose from the dead on the wrong side of the crypt this Easter Sunday :lol: :lol:

For the record I use stock plugs. Never had an issue.

[101lifts2]

Where have I heard that before...:scratch:




Oh yeah, now I remember....:lol:

JC

Dude be nice to me...punk. :drool:

[Cutty72]

"oh boy"

:lol:

That is some funny shit! I do feel bad for you Buell guys. Having to put up with that shit all the time at the HD dealer.

Yeah, there is a HD dealer in Fargo... Closest Buell dealer is 90 miles one way. The ONLY thing I have ever, or will ever buy at the local dealer is oil (cause they have awesome sales on oil sometimes).
Hell, most of the HARLEY guys don't even go to the local dealership, opting instead to drive for service etc.

Yes... the HD/Buell dealer is that good. At least customer service wise. Still not totally "up" on Buells, but they try.
Granted, the highest mileage 1125 from that dealership (other than mine) only has 2000 miles :panic:

[askmrjesus]

Dude be nice to me...punk. :drool:

I was being nice.

I even used a larger font to help you out. :lol:

Ingrate.

JC

[z06boy]

It's pretty much time for me to change the plugs on my R1 and won't be too long for the R6. I'll either go with stock or the NGK Iridiums.

[marko138]

"oh boy"

:lol:

That is some funny shit! I do feel bad for you Buell guys. Having to put up with that shit all the time at the HD dealer.
It can be tough. They are good guys though.

[Gas Man]

If u hv a good hd dealer, their customer service will be beyond great. i know my dealership is uber awesome for cs.

[marko138]

If u hv a good hd dealer, their customer service will be beyond great. i know my dealership is uber awesome for cs.
Were I got my plugs...the guy was cool...even though I was buying stuff for my Buell. Up until about 5 years ago they were a Buell dealer. He said Harley took Buell away from them.


And my actual Buell dealer, who is an hour away, is awesome. One of the better Buell dealers. They have hooked me up with free service too. Really good guys. And they just built a dedicated Buell room. I gotta get out there to see it.

[Cutty72]

If u hv a good hd dealer, their customer service will be beyond great. i know my dealership is uber awesome for cs.

The customer service at my Buell/HD dealership is excellent. I can't complain a bit there, they definalty go above and beyond to help there. Just their general knowledge of Buell is lacking. In both sales and service. That is actually why my sales guy wants to get me into a service position. To help the Buell aspect of it.

[Gas Man]

Do it

[marko138]

The customer service at my Buell/HD dealership is excellent. I can't complain a bit there, they definalty go above and beyond to help there. Just their general knowledge of Buell is lacking. In both sales and service. That is actually why my sales guy wants to get me into a service position. To help the Buell aspect of it.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/markgraves138/th8934492_l.gif

[Cutty72]

Do it

90 mile commute one way... no thanks.
and all that just to have to work longer hours and weekends.

[marko138]

90 mile commute one way... no thanks.
and all that just to have to work longer hours and weekends.
You'll be working on Buells, asshole.

[Cutty72]

You'll be working on Buells, asshole.

Actually, I'd be the service advisor. And over 90% of their business is HD... Not a lot of Buells around.

And after working in the industry (well, auto industry) I prefer the guard hours.
I did inquire. It would make less money, with worse bennifits, and longer hours. SOOOO not worth it.

If it were closer, and the pay was comparable, I could probalby handle the hours and benifit loss to be working with stuff I enjoy all day, but given the situation... I just can't justify it.

[Amber Lamps]

Actually, I'd be the service advisor. And over 90% of their business is HD... Not a lot of Buells around.

And after working in the industry (well, auto industry) I prefer the guard hours.
I did inquire. It would make less money, with worse bennifits, and longer hours. SOOOO not worth it.

If it were closer, and the pay was comparable, I could probalby handle the hours and benifit loss to be working with stuff I enjoy all day, but given the situation... I just can't justify it.


And wifey said NO!!! :lol:

[marko138]

Actually, I'd be the service advisor. And over 90% of their business is HD... Not a lot of Buells around.

And after working in the industry (well, auto industry) I prefer the guard hours.
I did inquire. It would make less money, with worse bennifits, and longer hours. SOOOO not worth it.

If it were closer, and the pay was comparable, I could probalby handle the hours and benifit loss to be working with stuff I enjoy all day, but given the situation... I just can't justify it.
I hear ya on that.

[Cutty72]

And wifey said NO!!! :lol:

actually, she'd rather I didn't have a guard job. :idk: