Spark plugs......

[Manipulator]

I was wondering what everyone thought about spark plugs. I'm going to change mine and was wondering if there are any advantages to maybe going Platinum or maybe Iridium. What about Bosch Platinum two or fours or perhaps Split fires? I thought I read a review years ago that set basic Champions up against a lot of the performance plugs and really there wasn't much of a difference in performance. What do you think? I really do not have any problems with fouling or anything like that. Looks like the cost of Platinum plugs have come down quite a bit. I was thinking about giving them a try.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Spark plugs......

AC MR43TS is All the Sparkplug you Need,.......<br /><br />Anymore is a Waste of Your money,...........<br /><br />Try Any 1s You Like..............

 

[skiriver]

Re: Spark plugs......

I recently updated my ignition system from points to electronic. I replaced everything from the point plate to the plugs. I installed the Autolite Double Platinum. Reasons: I can adjust the gap, the platinum is suppose to extend the life of the plug, and they do the job. I don't recall the price (less than $3 per), but at the time I thought them a good value.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Spark plugs......

Is there a place to cross reference spark plugs on the net? Those AC MR43TS are hard to find. The marina in town did not have them and gave me Champion RV15YC4 and they did seem to work fine but are pricey for your basic ole spark plug. Anyway, those guys charged me $3.65 a piece for them. What are the automobile equivalents? Actually, how about an NGK marine or Autolite or even Bosch marine equivalent?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Spark plugs......

Those AC MR43TS are hard to find.

They're on the shelf of Every NAPA store in the country.................

 

[wvit100]

Re: Spark plugs......

If the manufactures of the motors could get more horsepower out of an engine by installing 15 dollars worth of sparkplugs don't you think all engines would come with splitfire plugs? Don't waste your money. Go to NAPA and get the stock plugs.

 

[Don S]

Re: Spark plugs......

Use the AC, NGK, or Bosch plugs. BUT NEVER, NEVER, EVER use Champion plugs in a boat. They are pure JUNK and will cause you more problems than they are worth.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Spark plugs......

I use R43T's with zero problems. "M" must mean Marine, so they don't rust, but I have no problem....and the original owner used them too as far back as he can remember, and he bought it new in 1977. Still point ignition too.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Spark plugs......

Spot on Robby. The "R"s have a black threaded base and the "MR"s are silver(stainless?) Change em every year like your supposta and rust shouldn't be a factor.<br /><br />I tryed the Bosch platinums in a marine engine once. They worked as good as the regular plugs but still fouled before they wore out. No advantage, just more expensive.<br /><br />Tryed the Splitfires too. No better, no worse.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Spark plugs......

The AC MR43TS in my '95 350 have been in the engine for 3 years and haven't given me any problems. If the engine is running right and your not burning oil you shouldn't have to change them every year. I'll probably change them this spring after I burn off the fogging oil just for the heck of it. If your having issues fouling plugs I would guess that it's related to some other problem and not the spark plugs.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Spark plugs......

http://ngkaz.home.att.net/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html <br /><br />dwnload the cross reference matrix, a 2Mb excel file. That has everything. There are also some good articles there also worth reading.<br />One other good source of info is sparkplugs.com under their 411 link.

 

[skiriver]

Re: Spark plugs......

ron7000 is on the right track. There are several spark plug makers who have websites with all sorts of good info. This will give you a working knowledge of the plugs. You can then cross reference between marine and automotive. This will get you the same plug size and heat range in an automotive type equivalent. Most of these engines are, after all, car motors that have been put into boats. At the price of gasoline I believe it is worth getting a platinum plug you can gap. If you've got an electronic ignition, or gone to the expense of upgrading to the Pertronix ignition, good plugs a worth the investment. Most any NAPA, or other auto parts store, can tell you the recommended plugs for your application. If you chose to, get the best automotive equivalent. They will work fine. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went with automotive Autolite Double Platinums. I think they were about $2.50 each. They aren't necessarily the "it" plug. I just got strong recommendations for that plug from a friend who has been it the auto parts business for decades. He is into enhanced performance for all his automotive and marine applications. He also gave me a strong recommendation for the NGK plugs. Hope this helps!

 

[MRS]

Re: Spark plugs......

Will the AC-MR43TS work with the 120-Merc When ever I go to boat place here all they ever have are Champion plugs. Don not questioning but wondering what type of problems you are talking about with Champion plugs because it might be something that is affecting my motor Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Spark plugs......

If your 120hp uses 14mm plugs,....5/8ths' Socket size,.... Yes,.......<br /><br />The Real Old 1 used an 18mm plug base,....13/16ths" Socket size,.........

 

[MRS]

Re: Spark plugs......

Bondo thanks for reply I have the older bigger plugs when I was much younger I raced moto-x and most motorcycles came with Champion plugs. First think we would change why because they would load up right away thats why I was wondering if they are still the same plus I have always been a G.M. man at heart I love A.C. parts. Even though I do drive a Dodge C.D.T. now so no need to change plugs in truck any more. Thanks again.........