another question re platinum plugs

[pingber]

OK ... just got back from the dealer for an oil change (does them for free) ...I asked him how much to install double plat plugs (I supplied them) and he said about $75 (ridiculous), BUT he said he does not recommend them, that they (the dealership) has had all sorts of problems with them ... I asked what kind of problems and he wouldn't elaborate ....

Have any of you had any problems or is he just blowin' smoke?


[xx(]

[CREWZIN]

I put the Champion Double Platinum plugs in at 20,000 miles. I now have 50,000 and the only problem I had was with the power steering pump...if your dealer can come up with a connection between the plugs and pump, then yes...there's a problem.

[Gear_Head]

I am using the champion single platinums, and have had NO issues with them. Longevity and performance seems to be fine. [8D]

Alan

[dgc333]

I have been using platinum tipped plugs since the mid 80's and have never had a problem, an I have used them in my turbo mopars too (first one purchased in 85). The only real advantage to them is longevity, they do not alter the spark in anyway. Many cars come from the factory with them now so they can advertise the long tune-up intevals. My 97 Avenger came from the facotry with them.

[GLH_TC 16V]

The problem with the platinum plugs is that the platinum retains the heat from combustion. This retained heat in the electrode can cause the engine to detonate (especially in turbo cars where the combustion chamber temps are higher). I don't see this as a problem with naturally aspirated cars, but turbo owners should beware. This goes back to the my turbo Dodge days where lots of people were having problems with the platinum, although I never had a problem with them myself.

[dgc333]

Well I have had 3 turbo 2.2 (and still have an 89 Shelby Daytona) and they all used Autolite Platinum plugs. I never had a problem either. All the people that I have heard that had problems had modified engines that were in my opinion pushing them to the edge anyway.

[pingber]

[8)]Hey guys and thank you all ... I put the Champion double platinum in this morning AND what a difference ... the motor is VERY smooth, no rough idle at all. In my own head, I think pick-up is a bit better, but that's not why I put them in.

BTW, the ceramic nosepiece on the plug is a bit longer than the OEM plug, placing the electrode a little further in the combustion chamber. Champion claims that this gives a better flame front. I'll leave that to the engineers on this site. How bout it, MX-5, any truth to this????

-Pingber

[MX-5]

Yes.

You can read more about the Champion double platinum's 'projected core nose' if you see the spark plug replacement guide at www.ptdoityourself.net