Spark plugs?

[mrnickleye]

Besides that, I had problems with bosch breaking down. In fact, I was talking to some other lifelong mechanics (at a different shop) today about misfires in engines. We all seemed to have our stories about bosch plugs being a problem.

I started using Autolite plugs about 20 years ago, and have never had a plug problem. These other guys said about the same thing. We also all agreed that NGK and Nippon-Denso plugs were trouble free.

(But when I read the "HYPE" of bosch plugs, I almost get sucked in.)

[Isphius]

My bosch plat +4 plugs failed after about 1000 miles. My motor started missing when i gave it more than 1/4 throttle untill it was running warm. Then it still totally didnt go away. And it got worse and worse every day. I was at the point of ordering new fuel injectors, But id figured id rule the plugs out. I got cheap 2$ pulgs from pep boys and it ran fine. Theve been good for bout 3k miles now. So i not to fond of the +4s. But ive had them in my monte carlo for 3 years and it still runs beautiful. So who knows? i would def trust the NGKs tho. Why would a plug make the gasoline burn hotter? Unless other plugs dont burn the gas all the way...I figure the plug cant change the combustion reaction too much, It just ignites the gas. Im just asking someone to clarify this if they know why.

[h8z2luze]

is there a huge diffrent in the iridiums and the regular ngk's?

[theWeezL]

huge difference how? In terms of performance? I doubt it.
In terms of construction? Same basic design (two electrodes) different alloys. In terms of lifespan, I would bet on it. Irridium is a harder alloy and should not decay as fast.

However, spark plugs are like toothbrushes, wait a few months and a newer more "revolutionary" one will come out.

[h8z2luze]

Cool, again thanks for the advice.

[Isphius]

Id say just get the ones that last longest. And fyi, Iridium its own metal its not an alloy. Alloy is a mixture of 2 metals to get desirable properties, Like stainless steel is 10% chromium and the rest steel. And silver would idealy be the best spark plug, Because it is the best conductor. But im guessing it wouldnt last too long inside a motor.

[theWeezL]

Im well aware of the fact that Iridium itself is an element not an alloy, but I was under the impression the NGK Iridiums were not pure elemental iridium in the electrode. My understanding of Iridium is that it is very dense, and hard but its also extremely brittle, therefore NGK uses Iridium in an alloy to reduce brittleness and make the electrodes easier to manufacture.

but I guess when I wrote that sentence, I should have just said "metal" instead of "alloy", but I didnt know the resident fact checker would call me out on it.