Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs
Just wondered at whether spark plugs are still changed by most at regular intervals or whether they are left until identified as a problem?
What interval or what problem prompts you to change a set?
What interval or what problem prompts you to change a set?
1991 BX19GTi Auto
- docchevron
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Mine's got Iridium ones in which apparently last 20k miles or so. They've been in there since 2004 and it's covered about 18k miles since then so they're probably due to be fair.
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That, sir, is ridiculous!docchevron1472 wrote:I bin mine every 3000 miles, without fail.
I know what you're like with your cars, but we don't even change the sparkly plugs in 400hp Jaguar racing engines that often! Caps and rotor-arms need more frequent changing than the plugs.
Plugs will easily last 30k these days. Electrodes are much harder than they used to be, and the old measurement of "A thou gap gained per thousand miles" is codswallop now. Plus, modern electronic ignition can cope with much bigger plug gaps than points-and-condenser ever could. The biggest concern these days is the plug corroding in to the head, rather than it failing. (Copper-grease on the threads fixes this problem)
If you want to be anal about it... I'd say once a year, in the autumn - ready for winter, change the plugs and cap & rotor arm (if you have distributor ignition) and clean the plug leads a bit (if they look dirty)
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Not sure if I can actually reply with the three options?
Back in the UK I used to replace without fail after 12,000 miles or 12 months which ever was sooner. Like some have said technology has improved and the quality of plufs have also improved.
One noticable thing I have found on how long a spark plug lasts is the weather I dunno if its crazy or not and if the salt on european roads in winter has a factor in it.
The Pontiac in 4 years we have owned it has done 60,000km and has just had its thrird set of plugs installed. Which I guess goes with the 12,000 miles efos? Every 6 months the pugs get checked or browning sure signs of needing replacement.
Trouble is if you dont change them then your fuel efficancy suffers.
Back in the UK I used to replace without fail after 12,000 miles or 12 months which ever was sooner. Like some have said technology has improved and the quality of plufs have also improved.
One noticable thing I have found on how long a spark plug lasts is the weather I dunno if its crazy or not and if the salt on european roads in winter has a factor in it.
The Pontiac in 4 years we have owned it has done 60,000km and has just had its thrird set of plugs installed. Which I guess goes with the 12,000 miles efos? Every 6 months the pugs get checked or browning sure signs of needing replacement.
Trouble is if you dont change them then your fuel efficancy suffers.
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I know I know! But I do, and the cap, and rotor.DavidRutherford wrote:That, sir, is ridiculous!docchevron1472 wrote:I bin mine every 3000 miles, without fail.
I always keep the removed bits as spares in the boot (just in case), but thats how I am. I use semi-synthetic oil and ditch it every 3k miles, along with every filter on the car. Always been the same, total overkill, but I wont change.
And not one of my cars has ever failed to get me home, and they do get used, hard.
All I need to do now is wash them as often as I change the oil!!
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Far too many BX's, a bus, an ambulance a few trucks, not enough time and never enough cash...