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Finewire vs massive electrode
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:39 am
by hsjrev
Has anybody been using fine wire sparkplugs in their c145/O300? I'm due for plugs and was wondering if there are any benefits. The local A&P's that I've talked to give me opposing viewpoints. One says they are the best thing since sliced bread and will make the engine run smoother, use less gas, make women dig me, etc. The other says that these engines are better off with massives and the fine wires will foul out and I'll wind up crash landing in the Mississippi River. Champion sure does like them as it takes $50 to get one away from them.
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2002 3:50 pm
by Roesbery
If your engine is a bit tired, and you have a problem with oil fouling the plugs, putting platinium plugs in the bottom holes will help a lot. Otherwise not worth the expense.
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:29 pm
by GAHorn
Fine wire (also called platinum) plugs will outlast massives by about 3-times. They will not "foul" out, in fact that's their strongest point. They are frequently used in oil-burners to avoid fouling. They actually stay cleaner than massives. Many commercial operators use them because they last longer. But I doubt if a private operator will enjoy their longevity benefit. Few of us actually keep an engine from "Zero"-time to TBO, which is for what the fine wires are intended.
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2002 7:09 pm
by Tom Downey
I believe that you folks have your terms mixed up. the fine wire plugs are called "Iredium "
not "platinium"
Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2002 10:24 pm
by GAHorn
Actually, "Iridium" is Champion's terminology. Platinum is the term used by some other mfrs. Champion claims that Iridium is even longer lasting than platinum. Fine wire is the non-specific name that covers the various alloys in that type. (From the Champion spark plug catalog)
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2002 2:31 am
by BloomerJohn
Put fine wire plugs in my lower holes to help fouling (Problem was acutually a weak coil that later began failing intermittantly). They sure fire nice under hugh presure in the plug tester/cleaner. (You all do use one to test plugs after cleaning and gapping, don't you?)
John
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2002 2:41 am
by N3243A
BloomerJohn wrote:Put fine wire plugs in my lower holes to help fouling (Problem was acutually a weak coil that later began failing intermittantly). They sure fire nice under hugh presure in the plug tester/cleaner. (You all do use one to test plugs after cleaning and gapping, don't you?)
John
Yeah, we all have the $900 Champion CT-475 plug testers on our bench. I bought two just in case one breaks when I need it.
