NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

sony2001

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 17, 2001
Messages
607
The common plug for many Force engines is the BUHX but after a season+ with Champion L76V I'm impressed. To do further testing I would like to know which one (both have a fixed gap) would give the same engine a higher WOT. For the brave heart run two of each in a 125 (XOXO) to see which one fares the best overall. :cool:
 

dmessy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
505
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Have to agree the Champions are the way to go. Plug type won't make any difference in WOT.
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Just bought some NKG BUHX, for my 85Hp Force. Have been told by Force owners,the NKG Plug will run MUCH better and longer. The BUHX plug is equivalent to Champion UL18V which came with the Motor (both are surface Gap).<br /> <br />The NON surface gap Equivalent is L77V and I believe similar to the L76V (ALSO non Surface)<br /><br />Will let you know if the BUHX are BETTER
 

BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

My Mariner came new with NGK plugs and two of them went bad (one at a time) at about 50-75 hrs. No signs of heat, fouling or anything else...they just stopped firing. I replaced them again and the same thing happened...different cyls. I changed to Champions and the problem has not come back after triple the hrs on NGKs. <br /><br />The Mariner dealer I bought the engine from said this was no surprise with NGKs...
 

dmessy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
505
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Ditto....My exact problem I've had with NGK's.
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Thanks for the info. <br />Bill & Dmessy - Did you change to the surface gap (UL18V) or Reg Type?
 

dennis smith

Cadet
Joined
Jan 15, 2002
Messages
25
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

nhra and nascar run champion plugs exclusive no matter who they endorse take a look at 1 and you will see
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

sony, although the BUHX and the BUHW look the same, the buhx is a booster gap plug, and requires a higher voltage to fire than a buhw..a voltage that a lot of force ignitions are borderline on giving...I always use buhw in these motors [were a surface gap is called for] with good results.
 

sony2001

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 17, 2001
Messages
607
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

In my case the Champ's electrode does protrude higher than the neighbouring surface but overall both surfaces are at equal height. Thanks ODD1 I've put BUHW down as a good alternative. :cool:
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Thanks ODDD1, I will also keep BUHW mind. In case it's of interest, there is a slight heat range change as well.<br /><br />BUHX replaces UL77V <br /><br />BUHW replaces L76V<br /><br />The Voltage issue might be the reason why some motors don't do well with BUHX?
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

Jango, I have been in boats[force outboards] with ignition systems that meet factory spec that will fall off on WOT power after a shut down and heat soak when using the BUHX...and the BUHW will cure it...verifiable too...even a fresh set of BUHX will do it. That is the main reason I shy away from them.....
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

ODDD1, Took your advice and swapped out the BUHX (still unused) for some NGK, BUHW. Had CHAMPION UL18V.<br />This morning, I ran the boat first with the CHAMP PLUGS (almost new) then with the BUHW Plugs.<br /> <br />WOW, What a difference - much smoother running especially at idle and 200-250 more RPM'S.<br /> <br />Who sez "ALL Plugs will give the same RPM"<br />Now turning right at 5300RPM instead of 5050-5070. <br /> :) Thanks a bunch for sharing your Expierence.
 

BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

The Mariner came with regular NGK plugs so I only changed brands. There was zero difference in max rpms between NGK and Champion.<br /><br />I had surface gaps in a Johnson 140 and immediate changed to regular plugs. There was no real difference in running but a big difference in price.
 

bravogolf

Cadet
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
14
Re: NKG BUHX vs. CHAMPION L76V

ODDD1, WOW, What a difference - much smoother running especially at idle and 200-250 more RPM'S. Who sez "ALL Plugs will give the same RPM" Now turning right at 5300RPM instead of 5050-5070. Thanks a bunch for sharing your Expierence.

You said what a difference...however, it isn't clear which model plug was better, you never said which one. But I am assuming you were stating BUHW were better in your opinion/experience versus both the BUHX and UL18V's ?? Please clarify for me.

I have done a lot of "tinkering" and adjusting for my idle speed and it keeps dying and am very interested in trying a cheap adjustment. Thank you for clarifying.
 
Top