Spark plugs!

[Sean McGillicuddy]

O.K. what is every one using?
Are there any " the best" us mortals don't know about?
Just wondering.
How often do you change them?
Thanks
Sean

 

[kopeck]

I like NGK, not a big Champion fan but that's mostly from tractor use not saws. I also had some issues in my outboard as well.

I needed a plug recently for my EZ Auto and grabbed an "E3" plug from Lowes, haven't used it enough to tell you how they hold up but the saw starts and cuts wood!

K

 

[BobUrban]

I run what came in the saw. Probably overpaying by buying from the local dealer but I have confidence in the RnD that went into the saw originally and until I learn otherwise I will continue this practice. Now if someone that is much more small engine intellegent than I posts better information later in this thread I will take their advice.

PS - it won't take a lot to be smarter than me when it comes to chainsaws and I am not above learning. Actually, learning is why I joined this site in the first place

 

[kopeck]

No manufacture makes it's own plugs.

It's just getting the plug that's speced for your engine. Any brand that is "right" will work, it more how long they last/don't foul out that separates the good from the bad in my book.

K

 

[HittinSteel]

I run what the manual calls for....in most instances, Champion RCJ7Y

 

[ScotO]

talked to several techs in the biz, and most of them use NGK or, believe it or not, Champion. I have mostly Bosch spark plugs in mine (hey they are German saws, that gotta have German sparkplugs!). But like others said, just make sure you are using the recommended plug for your machine.

 

[Boog]

....................................... I have mostly Bosch spark plugs in mine (hey they are German saws, that gotta have German sparkplugs!).....................................

Look at the Stamping on the metal nut, not just the printing on the ceramic insulator....................... those "German" Bosch plugs are not all made in Germany. The last few I picked up labeled R10 or R6 on the insulator were WSR6F, but the R6 were made in China, and the R10 in Brasil (yes, not Brazil the way us anglos spell it). Those sure aren't made in Germany, and may account for the problems some have discussed with Bosch plugs. Same may hold true for some of the other brands too. Take a look at a few of your's Scotty and see what they say!

 

[ScotO]

Look at the Stamping on the metal nut, not just the printing on the ceramic insulator....................... those "German" Bosch plugs are not all made in Germany. The last few I picked up labeled R10 or R6 on the insulator were WSR6F, but the R6 were made in China, and the R10 in Brasil (yes, not Brazil the way us anglos spell it). Those sure aren't made in Germany, and may account for the problems some have discussed with Bosch plugs. Same may hold true for some of the other brands too. Take a look at a few of your's Scotty and see what they say!

I hear ya, Boog. You'll probably laugh when I tell you this, but most of my Bosch plugs are the German ones because they are originals (and my saws are mostly VINTAGE Stihls) I media blast them (not with sand but micro ballotini) if and when they foul, I'll only pitch 'em when they burn up which I've not had happen yet. Those vintage originals kick azz!

 

[StihlHead]

I prefer to run NGK in my Stihls. I also use Bosch, but they are not as good. Both are OEM for Stihl. I buy them by the box of 10, and I change them rarely, usually with any type of porting or if I pull them for some reason (usually testing for the right H screw setting) and they look fouled. All my saws run the same plug except the 211.

 

[Boog]

...........................You'll probably laugh when I tell you this...........................I media blast them (not with sand but micro ballotini) ..............................I'll only pitch 'em when they burn up............................Those vintage originals kick azz!

Micro Ballotini, always loved that name, sounds like tiny pasta noodles or something! Vintage German ones huh, that's funny, I am chuckling here. Of all those saws I have there isn't a German one in the bunch! All those saws I recently CAD'd had Champion-RCJ6Y, NGK-BPMR7A, non-German Bosch-WSR6F, and even an Autolght-2984.

 

[MasterMech]

I've run E3, Bosch, NGK, and Champion. The only plug I've ever had trouble with is Champion, notably with RC12YC plugs (and some Chinese brands like Torch). I wouldn't pay extra for the E3, prefer the Bosch in my Stihls (just because ) and whole-heartedly recommend NGK plugs. I tend to replace with what was there orginally unless I have a reason to do otherwise or it's my machine and feel like experimenting.

Are there any " the best" us mortals don't know about?​

The best plugs are currently Iridium tipped fine-wire electrode type. Very common in newer cars but not always available for small engine applications. If they were, the plug would most likely out-live the engine. The relatively low compression ratios and crude fuel delivery systems typically found on small engines also do not justify the need for a high-dollar, high-tech plug.

Spark plugs are one of the most unnecessarily changed parts. Not because all of us in this industry (OPE repair) are out to steal your money but more so to pacify a customer that "knows what's what."

 

[kopeck]

Spark plugs are one of the most unnecessarily changed parts. Not because all of us in this industry (OPE repair) are out to steal your money but more so to pacify a customer that "knows what's what."

I have no doubt this is true. My push mower, weed eaters and saws go for ever on plugs, in almost all of them have the original plug in them. If I have a problem, 99% of the time is an air/fuel issue, ignition problems don't seem to be an issue at all.

That being said bigger 2-Strokes, like snowmobiles and outboards seem to like to have their plugs freshened up quite a bit more often. I can remember when I started riding I changed them out once a year, if you went longer they would start to give you problem. On outboards it's all about idling/low RPMS. Both have gotten much better recently.

K

 

[Highbeam]

I don't change plugs unless they fail, which they don't in my experience. I do admit to changing the factory ACDelco platinum plugs in the wife's yukon after 150,000 miles because I just felt guilty. Made no difference.

 

[Foragefarmer]

NGK in my saws and my two Toyota trucks.