Whats wrong with NGK'S???

[Knockerjoe]

While researching another problem I have seen several claims that you should avoid NGK plugs on your OMC outboards? Even going so far as to say you can blow your motor. About 400 hours ago I switched over to NGK plugs and have to say that I get double the life plus the motor appears to idle and run strong on my 94' 200 Johnson.

 

[jy118lfd]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

They run hotter than the equivliant champion so they run cleaner but if you are on the edge of detonation this can put the motor over the top and that can damage it. The motor was designed around champions and thats why everyone runs them.

 

[monoshock]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

I like Autolite plugs, have used them for over 25 years with no problems. Just my 2 cents.

 

[itstippy]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

There are a handful of guys on this forum who have made lifetime careers rebuilding OMC motors. Collectively they have thousands of shop hours and rebuilt thousand of Johnson/Evinrude outboards. Not tuneups, but full teardowns and rebuilds. They all stress running Champion spark plugs. <br />As Jon Yahr says above, the OMC engineers design motors around the characteristics of Champion plugs. It's not that Champions are "better" spark plugs per se; it's that Champions are the plugs to use in OMC outboards.

 

[papasmurf]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

I was told by a OMC tech rep that the NGK's can interfere with the warning system alarms. I don't know how true that statement is but he insisted on Champion plugs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

Every spark plug manufacturer makes a spark plug that is "roughly" in the same heat range as all of their competitors. Note the term "roughly". If an engine manufacturer recommends a specific plug, its because the engine was designed to run best with that heat range. If the heat range is dead on, there should be no problem. However, if you are willing to run the risk of using a plug that has an "approximate" same heat range, go for it. Just beware of the risks.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Whats wrong with NGK'S???

Papasmurf has a good point about that. The Q series Champion plugs use inductors to prevent interference rather than resistors, like in R series Champion and R series NGKs. I don't think NGK makes inductor supressor plugs.