????? about spark plugs

[BoomerCPO]

I am running stock NGK plugs in my 06 Venture.

 

Would performance improve with a different brand of plug? How about plugs that run hotter?

 

Comments and suggestions welcomed!

 

Regards...........Boomer

[GeorgeS]

Most folks agree that NGK, are just fine.

 

I installed a set of the NGK, ( Iridium ) type. Just as a test.

 

The 89 does seem to Start Better when engine is cold.

 

However, I admit this is a very subjective observation.

And they do have a considerable higher price tag.

[flb_78]

changing the spark plugs will not increase your horsepower. just use the standard NGK plug and all will be fine. Ive seen photos of the Iridiums melting the tips out of em on another Yamaha forum.

[V7Goose]

I am running stock NGK plugs in my 06 Venture.

 

Would performance improve with a different brand of plug? How about plugs that run hotter?

Regards...........Boomer

No.

 

If you don't think this big V4 is "performing," you are riding it like a long stroke V twin. If you have never hit the rev limiter, you do not have any idea what this engine can really do. Grab a fist full of throttle in first or second and hold on! Don't do it in third unless you got lots of clear road ahead, cause the rev limiter won't hit until you are around 97 MPH in 3rd. This engine does not hit the power curve until it gets above 3.500 RPM, and most people shift by that point.

Goose

[boominup]

I just finished tuning my 03 and finished by Colortuning and a carb sync. The problem I was having was a backlash kinda noise in the drivetrain when idling. The motor must have been running so rough that it was causing backlash in the tranny gears and I thought something major was starting to happen. I replaced the plugs with the stock units and the old ones looked good still. The Colortune was pretty close but all were a bit on the lean side. But the sync was all over the place. Brought them in really close and what a difference!! Went for a "test run" and I got attacked by a rider sporting a newer RoadKing while I was cruising about 70 MPH. Saw him coming up on the left and I downshifted into 3rd, twisted the handle, and I didn't let off till I was doing around 100 (Dyna ignition). This all happened in a matter of seconds. That guy never got more than a half a bike length ahead of me and he quickly gave up when he realized what was what! This RSV of mine never felt this much alive, especially at the top of the rev band. I'm now truly convinced of the advantages of properly tuned carbs. BTW, no more strange noises! She's so smooth at idle, what a difference. Brian

[BradT]

Just replaced mine with the proper plugs and the ones that came out were a hotter plug. Thought it was not running as smooth, but finally got a good ride in and it seems better.

 

Ran it pretty hard for about 170 miles coming home from GaryN's and it seemed much better today. So not sure which way to go next time.

 

BRad

[dragerman]

I once had a small utility engine that totally lost compression. When I opened it up to see what the matter was it was quite obvious... there was a hole about the size of a dime through the top center of the piston. When I showed it to a friend (who is a mechanic) the first thing he said is that the plug is too hot. I checked the specs and sure enough the plug in the engine was much hotter then what was recommended.

 

My experience is that the color of a well used plug will tell you how well your engine is burning fuel. If you check most mechanical books under sparkplugs they usually have pictures and descriptions of various sparkplug conditions. It’s always good to know how to read a plug. Accordingly, when you remove plugs keep track of where each plug came from in case the color is off on one. I’m currently running iridium plugs but will switch back to platinum next change, I think they’re a great plug and certainly a better bang for my buck$

[skidrow]

Unless You Want To Relace Head Gaskets Stay Away From Splitfire Brand Plugs.

[V7Goose]

Unless You Want To Relace Head Gaskets Stay Away From Splitfire Brand Plugs.

I don't understand this - I agree that you should stay away from Spitfire plugs, they are just a total waste of money, as are any other plug with multiple ground electrodes. But if they are in the right heat range and thread size, they cannot damage anything.

 

Here is a fact about spark plugs - the spark is gonna jump ONCE between the center electrode and the ground electrode (assuming it is not fouled, in which case it won't jump at all). It does not matter how many different prongs the plug has, the spark will jump over the path of least resistance, meaning the shortest path. If there are two ground electrodes that are absolutely equal in resistance, then the one chosen will simply be random. In general, the center electrode will erode some over time, especially if you don't have platinum, iridium, or some other overly expensive type, but that erosion on the center electrode will never be enough to cause any issues if the bike is running right and the plugs are changed in less than 30,000 miles. If you ever wear out the ground electrode, you got bigger problems!

Goose

[skidrow]

Met The Inventor In 91, One Of His Stories Was About Putting Them In A Car And It Failed Smog Test. Two Weeks Later They Replaced Head Gskt And Took It Back And It Passed With Flying Colors. Got Two Sets Of 8 Plugs For Free To Test. Put The Same Plug In Three Differenet Cars( 4cyl, Inline Six Cyl, And V6) Over 6 Month Period All Three Blew Head Gasket(s) Within 2k Miles. Coincidence? And Yes The Plugs Were The Correct Type For The Cars As At The Time I Worked In A Parts House That Was The First To Sell Them.

[V7Goose]

Met The Inventor In 91, One Of His Stories Was About Putting Them In A Car And It Failed Smog Test. Two Weeks Later They Replaced Head Gskt And Took It Back And It Passed With Flying Colors. Got Two Sets Of 8 Plugs For Free To Test. Put The Same Plug In Three Differenet Cars( 4cyl, Inline Six Cyl, And V6) Over 6 Month Period All Three Blew Head Gasket(s) Within 2k Miles. Coincidence? And Yes The Plugs Were The Correct Type For The Cars As At The Time I Worked In A Parts House That Was The First To Sell Them.

skidrow, I am not doubting that you experienced what you say, nor can I even hazard a guess as to the cause, but IMHO, it was not the plugs unless the heat range was incorrect. All I can say is that if this was a universal problem with SplitFire plugs, or even just 40% of them, the internet would be FILLED with warnings and complaints. It is not. No, I do not believe everything I see on the internet, but sometimes the shear volume of posts about a product can actually indicate a problem. In this case, there just aren't many.

Goose

[TEW47]

I gained 3 mpg when I went to iridiums plugs on my '97 rstd. Just put them in my '07 Venture will let you know how it does.

 

tew47