NGK plugs

[Philthyphil]

Hi I'm new to this forum, have been reading alot of posts and getting a feel. Have a real boat for first time since 1962, early 80's Doral Colt with a Evinrude 90hp vro. Can I use NGK plugs instead of champions? I have never liked champions and use NGKs in my on and off road bikes, my snowmobiles ,and my cars? NGK reccomends BR7HIX or BR7HS. 7s are fairly hot, I use 5 or 6 in my trials bikes, 8 or 9 in enduro bikes and 9 in my sleds. Just a question if anyone has tried them.....cheers

 

[Dhadley]

Re: NGK plugs

Your motor was designed to use Champion plugs. The fuel curve and timing advance were designed around Champions. Yes, you can use other brands but just make sure you check the jetting. You may have to richen up the motor, especially in the mid range.

Just for kicks check out powerhead prices here at iboats.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: NGK plugs

I grew up in Pass-a-Grille, just up the road. And I did'nt like champions then, used Autolites in my 427. But that was 1967 and it was a Ford FE motor. Manufactors buy parts from suppliers, does not matter, car, boat, bike, sled, or the space shuttle. They buy from the lowest priced supplier. Kinda makes ya wonder sometimes. Turns out what, when I was a kid ,was OMC is now owned by BRP. A fine Canadian company that made my 600 SDI REV Ski-Doo sled....which uses NGK plugs.....LOL....is champion still in business? One reason that I asked is that I never even see them for sale anywhere, while NGK is available everywhere. I even use them in my 67 Tiger and thats another Ford motor, along with my 72 OSSA and my other old bikes and my modern bikes as well and my other sleds and cars.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: NGK plugs

I will use nothing but champion in my motor. I didn't like them either, but others have caused the motor to run bad, and champion has never let me down. just my $.02

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: NGK plugs

Well I'll have a look for them then..

 

[darrklim2]

Re: NGK plugs

I never liked champions either. I also run NGK in everything else including my sled. But in my boat motor I too run champions, I don't know why but they have never failed me in my boat motor like they always did in everything else I have used them in.

 

[MikDee]

Re: NGK plugs

I've been using Champions for years in all my vehicles, I happen to like them, I always noticed a slight boost of extra torque compared to all other brands.

 

[Bindernut]

Re: NGK plugs

OMCs sem to run well with Champion plugs. I stick with them in my outboard because that's what the previous owner used and they work great in it.

The brand used is usually tied to the maker for a reason (probably known only to the maker). All of the MoPars I've owned had a preference for Champion plugs too...they just work. I've had a few GMs and almost every one of them would work better with ACs than Champions or NGKs. Autolite and AC seem to be interchangeable from my experience.

One theory that I've heard about Champs is that the chrome plating resists fouling better in engines that burn a little oil (or two-cycles) compared to Autolites or ACs.

Getting into NGKs...I've had good luck with them in two-cycles too, but I usually stick with Champs in my old sled engines since my local NAPA store has a better selection of them that NGKs. The two newer sleds I have are early/mid-80s (well into the "NGK-era") so they get NGKs instead of Champions.

 

[jtexas]

Re: NGK plugs

I have no doubt that NGK makes great spark plugs, lot of outboards recommend them, but.............previous owner (my Dad) of my '79 rude put brand new NGK's in it just before he gave it to me - center electrodes wore down I mean fast - had to replace 'em after less than a year, say 50 hours run time. Champs last 3 times as long. that's just my experience.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: NGK plugs

OMC used Champions so the fuel delivery and spark advance was based on their burn characteristics. Just like Yamaha and Merc calibrated their motors around NGK.

Nothing says you can't use one for the other but it may not work as well as what it was designed for without making some changes. We've been known to use NGK's in our OMC race motors. But we dump tremendous amounts of fuel too.

With stock motors with stock fuel delivery and stock timing, you'll be better off to run what the motor was designed for. Once you make changes in the basic design parameters, then that's different.

 

[JB]

Re: NGK plugs

I guess I have owned and used about 20 different OMC outboards. I tried NGK plugs once, AC plugs once and was dissatisfied with overall performance of both. Champions never let me down.

DHadley explained to me several years ago why. Take his advice to the bank.

 

[offshore100]

Re: NGK plugs

I've seen in old OMC training vids that OMC/ Champion engineers worked in tandem to produce compatible, complimentary products. Was waiting for some of you to wade in before I gave my $00.02.

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: NGK plugs

This is all I run in my Johnson V8; Mr Dhadley will not steer you wrong!
Mine are getting a bit difficult to lacate I had to order 24 from sparkplugs.com today. They would not let me order just 8.

They had two types to choose from; the marine model had a stainless "jacket". I like changing mine out once a year so they do not have time to rust anyway. I just got the regular plugs of the same number and kept the extra 2.00 per plug.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: NGK plugs

Turns out the PO has a new set of champions he is going to give me. And I have a set of NGKs......so I'll try both. Week with one, then the other. Not real scientific but something to putter with......cheers

 

[Jeb1971]

Re: NGK plugs

Phil. You have good taste in motors especially your old 427. Was it a cammer by chance? JK
Those fe's make great boat motors too..

I run a 428cj with some 427 parts.. But better keep with the forum rules..

Cheers, John