Spark Plugs

[Downwind]

How often do you change your plugs and is there a brand name that is better than the rest?

[fished-out]

Depends on your motor and preferred spark plug type. I've got an Optimax 225 that runs NGK iridium spark plugs. Other than after the initial break-in period, I don't think you have to change them unless they're damaged. For other plug types and motors, I just pulled them, inspected them, re-gapped them, and only replaced them if they were really fouled and I couldn't clean them.

[backtocrappie]

Depends on your motor and preferred spark plug type. I've got an Optimax 225 that runs NGK iridium spark plugs. Other than after the initial break-in period, I don't think you have to change them unless they're damaged. For other plug types and motors, I just pulled them, inspected them, re-gapped them, and only replaced them if they were really fouled and I couldn't clean them.
Reply With Quote

I just put those in my 04' Explorer at 70K, made a heck of difference in my gas mileage!The problem is the gapping. Specs are done in metrics and you have to dig around online to find the conversion for our SAE 100ths of an inch gapping tools.

[Downwind]

Depends on your motor and preferred spark plug type. I've got an Optimax 225 that runs NGK iridium spark plugs. Other than after the initial break-in period, I don't think you have to change them unless they're damaged. For other plug types and motors, I just pulled them, inspected them, re-gapped them, and only replaced them if they were really fouled and I couldn't clean them.

I'm running a 98 merc 90 hp. and also have NGK plugs. Reason I'm asking is, the motor sounded like it might be missing after making a long run.
Runs good, starts good. Only after coming to an idle speed after the run does it miss a beat.

[fished-out]

Downwind, doesn't sound like a plug to me. With a plug, you usually have trouble starting and it'll miss consistently. Sounds more like a carb or other fuel intake type problem. But I'm not a mechanic, I just mess around....

[fished-out]

I just put those in my 04' Explorer at 70K, made a heck of difference in my gas mileage!The problem is the gapping. Specs are done in metrics and you have to dig around online to find the conversion for our SAE 100ths of an inch gapping tools.

I'm pretty sure you can get a metric gapper cheap at the local NAPA store. I've got one that's metric on one side and SAE on the other.

[Barnacle Bill]

I change mine in my outboard once a year. Its cheap insurance plus they can give me a heads up of any problem that may be developing.

[Downwind]

Thanks for the replies! I've read about a product called Sea Foam on the board. Think running some of this through might help? Surly couldn't hurt anything I suppose. Any other products out there that might be recommended?

[fished-out]

The one thing I do consistently on my Optimax 225 that both the dealer and the manual suggested is to run Quickleen in the gas. One oz treats 6 gallons of gas. I put it in every other fill-up.

[jaycee]

where you get that Quickleen?