Spark Plugs

[2003GT]

I pulled mine the other day to take a look and noticed that they looked pretty bad. What did they come stock with I was planning on getting Iridium ones because I can get them for cheap. Thanks BOB

[04 elantra cvvt]

They come with Champions from the factory. I am running the Denso Iridiums, and a lot of people like the NGK iridiums. Both are great plugs.

[2003GT]

Thanks for the help. BOB

[quickfingerz]

I suggest getting long service-life plugs. They typically have a life of 100K miles. My plugs on the Civic are at 83K miles and still not misfiring. Still getting about 38mpg highway too.

NGK Laser Iridium
Denso Iridium Though/Plus
Autolite Extreme Performance - my favorite due to it being $4.88 at rockauto

[only1db]

the NGK R's platinum which were in your car should have made it to the 60k mark...they are warranteed till then.

i have been using ngk v-power copper plugs...i have to change them ever 12-15k but they are only 6 bucks.

[RotaMan99]

Usually a good cleaning of the original plugs and regapping will make them function like brand new again. Use some sand paper to get the electrodes.

[2003GT]

I looked at them again and I have the iridium plugs so they cant be cleaned or re gapped. The book says they should last 10yrs or 100,000. I think they looked burnt out but my dad says otherwise. I will just keep them till I notice a loss in power. BOB

[Cypher]

why? they are cheap and easy to do. I think its worth the 10 minutes to change for the gas mileage, power and peace of mind but thats just me.

[only1db]

^ agreed

[2003GT]

I know what your saying maybe next year at school I will do them. UTI BABY. BOB

[quickfingerz]

100K mile service plugs have a platinum piece welded to the ground electrode eliminating gap erosion. So there's really no need to service them. These plugs have eliminated the original thinking of regapping at specified intervals.

[Poopsicle]

My sister's car came with NGK Platinums out of the factory. The owners manual said that you should change them at 60,000 miles.

[KeWLKaT]

Usually a good cleaning of the original plugs and regapping will make them function like brand new again. Use some sand paper to get the electrodes.

So by your logic you should never need to replace a spark plug on your car? :abovelol:

[bmxdad]

So by your logic you should never need to replace a spark plug on your car? :abovelol:

On some cars ...yes. I have a 97 GMC Jimmy, and the same factory plugs are in it. 160,000 miles. My mechanic, took them out, checked the gap then put them back in ... looked just like new ones ... truck has the 4.3L Vortec engine and as long as you don't beat it they'll run for ever :D

... but I'm sure you'll disagree ... :tongue:

[KeWLKaT]

Well then spank me and call me Mickey, this means that auto parts should stop carrying spark plugs since you never need to change them!

[Cypher]

Just because you can get away with it, doesn't mean you should.

[TheKoreanSaab]

I would say change your wires and plugs. I rock the NGK Iridiums there a great purchase and they are suppose to last 100,000 miles.

[bmxdad]

Well then spank me and call me Mickey, this means that auto parts should stop carrying spark plugs since you never need to change them!

:abovelol: your funny mickey, always a smart remark. :tongue:


Not saying you should never change them, but on some vehicles that may be true ...

[SilverElantra]

Well then spank me and call me Mickey, this means that auto parts should stop carrying spark plugs since you never need to change them!

:bondage:
:hammer:
:kick:
:owned1:
MICKEY

[RotaMan99]

So by your logic you should never need to replace a spark plug on your car?

Technically....yes.

Think about this one. What is the difference between a brand new plug that you "should" gap and a used one that has been cleaned and gapped? Nothing.

The myth about chaning plugs is huge when infact you could clean them and gap them as needed. The electrode will sometimes ware down to a point where you need to change the plugs.

Just because you can get away with it, doesn't mean you should.

Are you trying to say that replacing used, clean gapped plugs with brand new ones will give you better performance? This is another myth.

[KeWLKaT]

Well you might get away with cleaning them (sanding down the electrode and ground strap) once or twice, but there will always be the point, like you said, where you will need to change them since there will not be much material left.

But for the price that new plugs go for, I don't think it's worth the hassle.

[RotaMan99]

Unless you are grinding the electrodes down to clean them, the electrodes will be there for a very long time, as in, YEARS.

BTW, where is the hassel? So you spend the gas to go pick up new plugs and then spend the gas to get back to your house when you could have taken some light grade sand paper cleaned the plugs up. Do you NEED to gap them? No, most of the time you don't

So where is the hassel? Is it worth cleaning them with the money saved in fuel and plugs? Yes.

[KeWLKaT]

Well the electrode is usually what ''makes a spark plug fail''. The ground strap doesn't usually get that messed up. It's one of those peace of mind things. Sometimes plugs can do a lot of damage, and it might look fine from the outside but have some micro fractures in the material just waiting to burst on impact into your cylinder.

It's an extreme scenario, but, it's all about the peace of mind.

Where is the hassel?

Don't Hassel the Hoff

http://www.thehoff.us/images/hoff1.JPG

Sorry, I had to.

[RotaMan99]

Well the electrode is usually what ''makes a spark plug fail''.
Usually because they are dirty. Built up with carbon or even bridged. Clean surfaces will not allow the plug to fail.

The ground strap doesn't usually get that messed up. It's one of those peace of mind things. Sometimes plugs can do a lot of damage, and it might look fine from the outside but have some micro fractures in the material just waiting to burst on impact into your cylinder.

It's an extreme scenario, but, it's all about the peace of mind.


It seems you are now trying to bring more paranoia into the conversation to prove a point which does not exist.

I have not once seen spark plugs burst. Infact I have seen plugs where the electrode is IN the ceramic and its still firing fine. 130K miles were on those plugs. Out of all the forums I have been on, of all the numorus post and threads about spark plugs being used past 100K miles and not one post I have seen has ever said the plug has burst!

All about piece of mind. Translated, Paranoia!

BTW, the hassel picture is quite ..... gay. I must say. Just to think you actually had his picture on your computer.....

Although, looking at my spelling, I had the L and the E swapped for hassle.

[2003GT]

WOW I didnt mean to stir up so much controversy. BOB

[Cypher]

Basically, you're saying you're too cheap to spend the little bit of gas/time/money to put in new spark plugs.

[2003GT]

Me if so no. I get them threw school by the parts man. Schools Diesel, Parts places Gas, my plugs. BOB

[Cypher]

No, not you.

[2003GT]

Ok Sorry. BOB

[RotaMan99]

Basically, you're saying you're too cheap to spend the little bit of gas/time/money to put in new spark plugs.

Being cheap has nothing to do with it. Although, when you are on a budget and the nearest auto parts store is 30 minutes away. Fuel savings tends to come into play.

Why replace something when you don't have too? Do you buy new bed sheets everytime you mess them up?

[WytchDctr]

Do you buy new bed sheets everytime you mess them up?


you're not suppose to do that?! :confused:

[SilverElantra]

Being cheap has nothing to do with it. Although, when you are on a budget and the nearest auto parts store is 30 minutes away. Fuel savings tends to come into play.

Why replace something when you don't have too? Do you buy new bed sheets everytime you mess them up?

no but after sleeping on them for a week i do like to change them or wash the ones i have on my bed. thanks for comparing where i sleep to what i drive though.:abovelol::abovelol::abovelol::abovelol:

[bmxdad]

Basically, you're saying you're too cheap to spend the little bit of gas/time/money to put in new spark plugs.

naw ... he just know what he's doing ... ;)

[KeWLKaT]

Why replace something when you don't have too? Do you buy new bed sheets everytime you mess them up?

So... Why replace a timing belt if it hasn't failed yet? :rolleyes:

P.S. You suck at the internet, I just googled ''hassel'' and it came up in the images, I think you should learn how to spell before making assumptions (it's hassle btw, english isn't even my main spoken language for god's sakes, you people write like this every day?)

Let me give you an example:

http://www.stu-offroad.com/engine/tune/spark-5.jpg

Look at how WORN DOWN (not dirty, WORN DOWN) the electrode (even the ground strap) is. If you just regap it a couple of times, it will keep getting smaller and smaller, and the ground strap will become more and more curved. You think it will function the same way?

[bmxdad]

P.S. You suck at the internet, I just googled ''hassel'' and it came up in the images, I think you should learn how to spell before making assumptions (it's hassle btw, english isn't even my main spoken language for god's sakes, you people write like this every day?)

What does that have to do with plugs ... lets stay on track now ... and those are not the longer lasting platinum plugs ... just regular ones.

[KeWLKaT]

What does that have to do with plugs ... lets stay on track now ... and those are not the longer lasting platinum plugs ... just regular ones.

I had to clarify, I don't like it when people say ''you're gay'' bla bla bla for no reason.

Now you're talking about longer lasting plugs? No one said anything about that, we were talking about plugs in general. Irridium plugs are rated at 100k miles anyways, right? So a couple thousand more isn't really that big of a difference IMO. How often do you do 100k miles? Once every 5 years? A new set of plugs per 5 years is like buying one plug every 1.25 years. LOL That costs sooo much money... :rolleyes:

[2003GT]

Kewlkat I agree with you but technically if you keep moving the ground strap down closer to the electrode it will work the same until the strap wears down to the point were it breaks. BOB

[RotaMan99]

So... Why replace a timing belt if it hasn't failed yet?
This has no relation to what we are talking about. You can't clean or "repair" a timing belt.

P.S. You suck at the internet, I just googled ''hassel'' and it came up in the images, I think you should learn how to spell before making assumptions (it's hassle btw, english isn't even my main spoken language for god's sakes, you people write like this every day?)

Here we go. The young kids routine of trying to make fun of someone. BTW. You suck at it.

Let me give you an example:

Look at how WORN DOWN (not dirty, WORN DOWN) the electrode (even the ground strap) is. If you just regap it a couple of times, it will keep getting smaller and smaller, and the ground strap will become more and more curved. You think it will function the same way?

Look how warn down it is?...... ITS NOT THAT WARN DOWN AT ALL! Its more rounded. Also, look how blistered that plug is. Its obveously been running to lean which will cause premature plug fouling.

Remember when I said something along the line of gapping the plug? This is why I said that. Do I need to explain to you what gapping a plug means?. Regaurdless of how warn down the electrode is, as long as you can gap it correctly and clean it, it will function exactly the same as a new plug. You are obveously one that falls for the marketing myths.

Do you really think that the ground strap being bent has anything to do with how electricity flows through it? Not one bit! You need to learn about electricity! It seems many on this forum do.

Now you're talking about longer lasting plugs? No one said anything about that, we were talking about plugs in general. Irridium plugs are rated at 100k miles anyways, right? So a couple thousand more isn't really that big of a difference IMO. How often do you do 100k miles? Once every 5 years? A new set of plugs per 5 years is like buying one plug every 1.25 years. LOL That costs sooo much money...

I find you hilarious! Here you are defending what? What are YOU trying to defend? Please tell me. You are going on and on about how you should just change your plugs because WHY? I have not once said that you "shouldn't" change your plugs. I simply gave a suggestion of the truth and you took it apon yourself to think that its absolutly rediculous and worthless and are saying the plugs won't work as good as new ones. You jumped all over the first post of mine and THEN you got put in your place, backed off for a bit, and came right back with more BS.

Kewlkat I agree with you but technically if you keep moving the ground strap down closer to the electrode it will work the same until the strap wears down to the point were it breaks. BOB


YOu can grind the electrode down to the ceramic and bend the ground strap down and it will not break unless its seen abnormal combustion temps.

[KeWLKaT]

Resistance of a conductor has EVERYTHING to do with it's section area. Trust me, I know a lot more about electricity than you think.

Just so you know, the basic formula for the resistivity of a material is:

rho = R*A/L

If you maintain rho at a constant level, but change A (area) to a smaller surface, you see that R (Resistance measured in ohms) becomes proportionally higher to ''compensate''.

So this means that when the ground strap gets worn down diameter wise, the resistance of it becomes higher, which changes the proprieties of the spark itself. It might even come down to a point where you start noticing timing retard.

No one ''put me in my place''. We are here to argue about different points of view. You are always trying to contradict me with facts coming out of thin air and you think you ''win''. We are not children here. We are here to discuss in an intelligent manner, and people like you who ''compete'' to be right are what make me hate online boards at times.

BTW call that electrode ''rounded'', it's still worn down because there is less material on it than there was before.

[bmxdad]

...
It might even come down to a point where you start noticing timing retard.
...

lol ... your slipping Mickey ;)

and isn't this resistance : R = (length * resistance)/cross section

[quickfingerz]

In 100K plugs, the ground strap has a platinum disc welded to it. It doesn't wear down as much (if at all). Pair that with an iridium or platinum electrode and you've got a plug that can last the life of the car.

[RotaMan99]

Resistance of a conductor has EVERYTHING to do with it's section area. Trust me, I know a lot more about electricity than you think.

Just so you know, the basic formula for the resistivity of a material is:

rho = R*A/L

If you maintain rho at a constant level, but change A (area) to a smaller surface, you see that R (Resistance measured in ohms) becomes proportionally higher to ''compensate''.

So this means that when the ground strap gets worn down diameter wise, the resistance of it becomes higher, which changes the proprieties of the spark itself. It might even come down to a point where you start noticing timing retard.

So here we go again. Throwing crap in the air. In order for the timing to retard the spark timing has to change or the spark has to be so weak it ignites the AF late. You will have to have a very thin ground strap for this to happen to create that much resistance.

No one ''put me in my place''. We are here to argue about different points of view. You are always trying to contradict me with facts coming out of thin air and you think you ''win''.
Facts coming out of thin air? What facts would these be? There is more BS on this forum then any other forum I have been on. I can't believe of the BS I hear about intakes, exhaust and UDP.


We are not children here.
Sure seems like it.

We are here to discuss in an intelligent manner, and people like you who ''compete'' to be right are what make me hate online boards at times.

Im not competing to be right. In every thread I posted in I give a suggestion of the truth or factual information to help someone understand why such and such is not going to help. Its you and other thick headed members that don't want to stop thinking about the big bowl of rice on the market.

BTW call that electrode ''rounded'', it's still worn down because there is less material on it than there was before.

hahahaha. Your still going on about the warn plug? Wow. Do I REALLY need to explain what gapping a plug is? That amount of meterial gone won't effect your engines performance.

[KeWLKaT]

I understand what gapping a plug is, thanks captain obvious. Just pointing out the fact that the electrode and ground strap DO wear down, so there is always a limit to how much you can re-gap plugs. Even if you '' grind it down into the ceramic'' there is always that point where it's impossible to gap it properly anymore.

[slow 2K2GT]

I think that both methods are acceptable in certain applications. Sanding down and re-gapping a plug will suffice for a casual DD or unmodified car, maybe even slightly modified to some degree. I have re-used plugs after a sanding and re-gapping and had good results, ive never really paid attention to fuel mileage before and after though. Now that ive gone FI I normally only leave my plugs in for 15-20K and then change them again, but I use the NGK-v power copper ones, I find they work better and for $24 I dont mind changing them all.

[RotaMan99]

I understand what gapping a plug is, thanks captain obvious. Just pointing out the fact that the electrode and ground strap DO wear down, so there is always a limit to how much you can re-gap plugs.

Thats obvious. This is why I said in my first post, "Usually you can clean and gap the plugs." I also mentioned that you would need to replace them eventually.

For some reason, it seems you are arguing something we agree on.....

[2003GT]

Hey I re gap and clean the plugs I put in my mower and my sled. Not the ones in my car. If I had a plug sand blaster then maybe because it would really clean the plugs. Also if you hate this forum so much why don't you leave. BOB

[bmxdad]

Maybe he likes the entertainment ... lol ...:rolleyes:

[moonlite5hadow]

Being cheap has nothing to do with it. Although, when you are on a budget and the nearest auto parts store is 30 minutes away. Fuel savings tends to come into play.

30 minutes? thats it? wow.

[RotaMan99]

Maybe he likes the entertainment ... lol

Thats part of it :abovelol:

[KeWLKaT]

Put these mad plugz on ur car y0 http://www.elantraxd.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26908

[mlumz]

kewlkat, did the rep for the pulsar plugs ever send you a set to try?

[KeWLKaT]

Nope I wouldn't want to put that on my car, I already blew an engine, I don't want to blow another, lol.

[bmxdad]

FYI ... those Pulsar plugs are getting dynoed by some of the magazines, and are making power ... up to 15whp on a 350Z ...

Mickey, you blew an engine changing plugs :eek: , wow ....

[KeWLKaT]

Did I ever say I blew an engine changing plugs? LoL. You are odd, haha.

Keep the pulstar convos to that thread, I just put it in here to fire it back up and get the convo going, I love playing devils advocate :)

[agdaniels]

<offtopic>
Me if so no. I get them threw school by the parts man. Schools Diesel, Parts places Gas, my plugs. BOB

Did anybody else have any idea what was trying to be said here?

through, not threw. The third sentance is composed completely of nouns, which doesnt do much for comprehension.

</offtopic>

[2003GT]

Let me explain he was complaining of wasting gas. I take the Bus to school Diesel. Have the parts delivered gas for the delivery truck and I get my plugs. I waste Zero of my own gas. BOB

[RotaMan99]

Bravo... How much do you spend for the bus?

Nope I wouldn't want to put that on my car, I already blew an engine, I don't want to blow another, lol.

You need to stay away from engines if what you are affraid of is true.....

[2003GT]

ZIPPO. And its a Public school so Its somewhat free. BOB

[4mynikka]

I've had Denso Iridiums since the beginning and I'm ordering my second set now, Try www.clubplug.ca, it's where I got mine from.

[KeWLKaT]

You need to stay away from engines if what you are affraid of is true.....

Huh? I seriously don't get what you mean by that sentence. :confused:

[steev-o]

Guys,

i have 101k miles on my 02'. I have no problems with the engine at all, but i like to have good plugs and want to have a lil better g.m. and performance as well.

where can i get those iridium ones from NGK? prices? model?

[quickfingerz]

These plugs have: 1) Iridium Electrode 2) Platinum Disc on ground strap

NGK Laser Iridium
Denso Iridium Though/Plus
Autolite Extreme Performance

The Autolite XP can be had on Rockauto.com for $4.88 (-5% off coupon)

[2003GT]

Wow thanks for all the help. I will keep this in mind. What will new plugs do Maybe 1 MPG if that?? BOB