platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

[StriperChaser]

Are there any platinum plugs available for outboards like a Johnson 112 SP ? Has anyone had any experience with the split fire plugs ? A dealer told me they burn too hot for outboards.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

Can't see why they'd burn hotter. Heat range adjusts for temp...<br />The whole benefit behind platinum plugs is longevity. Because of the nature of deposits in a 2-stroke, you'd be better off changing them more often, than trying to reap the benefits of a platinum.<br />A down fall with platinum plugs is that they do last longer, and when left in an engine(especially aluminum head) for a long interval, tend to take threads out with them because of the long marriage with the metals. <br />Plugs like V-groove and I believe split fire, get their claim to fame by providing a large sharp area for the arc to travel from. As time goes on, the sharp areas errode, requiring more voltage to jump the gap, so these plugs supposedly last longer. Again, your plugs should be changed long before this takes place. <br />Most of the snake oil plugs out there are for marketing purposes.<br /><br />In my opinion, for what its worth, change plugs often(keeping deposits low and threads happy), use OEM recommended plugs in most cases and don't waste money....<br /><br />my .01 cents worth good luck!

 

[DP]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

NGK doesn't show a platinum plug for that engine.<br />I would stick with the correct NGK plug for the engine. Why pay 5 times more for a plug that probably won't last 5 times as long?<br />****

 

[nickster]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

StriperChaser<br /><br /> Take my word on this . I work at a marine and I have seen 3 engines come in this year where the splitfire plugs was used, and when we tore the engines down there was serious problems with all 3 engines. In either of the 3 cases there was either a melted piston or holes burnt in the pistons. All results from the splitfire plugs.<br /> I DO NOT RECCOMEND THESE PLUGS<br /><br />Good luck!<br />Nick

 

[StriperChaser]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

Thanks for the replies, I'll stick with the regular plugs. Good point about the threads in the aluminum. I guess "never sieze" wouldn't be a bad idea. Plugs are cheap and easy to change, better that than the other possible problems. Any thoughts on Autolite plugs vs Champion brands.

 

[harrison20002]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

Hey Striper Chaser; You can take Schematic's advice to the bank. I learned this hard lesson a couple of years ago, left them in too long and it cost me $14.00 for a spark plug helicoil kit. It's stock plugs for me from now on. Happy Boating, Hal

 

[Trent]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

As said above..Dont waist your money on the "snakeoil" sparkplugs..YOu should change them every year. USE ANTISEIZE on your plugs when installing and Torque them to specs.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

Hi gents:<br /><br />As far as brands go, StriperChaser, everyone has heard of good and bad things about the many different brands out there.(most of it is wives tales)In most cases, go with the OEM recommended plug and be safe. When you substitute brands, there is always a change that the heat ranges are not identical. Thats where these wives tales come in. This brand is bad and that brand is bad(bull) If different brands were as bad as some say, they'd be out of business. Its the heat ranges that may not cross over exactly. This of course causes a variety of problems. If the heat range does not line up identically, the cross ref. will likely default to the colder plug = fowling = wives tales.<br />Stay with OEM. Sure you can go a heat range or two higher or lower to tailor your application, but atleast the OEM plug will give you a correct starting point.<br /><br />One last piece of cheap advice. The odds of pulling threads out an aluminum head while removing plugs is greatly increased when removing from a hot engine. So change plugs when engine cold. If you're going to do a compression test, and you want to remove plugs to do so after warming up engine, simply crack them loose when engine cold, then snug them back up. Now the long term bond has been broken when engine cold, and it'll be safe to remove them when engine hot.<br /><br />Good luck guys!!

 

[Backlash]

Re: platinum spark plugs for outboards ?

Sage (not cheap) advice from Schematic. <br />Backlash