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Question - Why Not Platinum Plugs ???

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Well I just don't get it...A customer had me install a set in a 1972 MGB and the car did not get out of the gate.
Alan T

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Alfa and B are both conventional points-type iggy... that's why I said earlier it's VOODOO. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
I think the important thing to take/learn from this thread is that if you install a set of Pt plugs and your car doesn't feel "good", put a set of regular plugs back in and don't worry about it too much. Regardless of whether it's voodoo or the strength of your coil.

I also read twice about the 0.040" gap. WOW! That must be a heck of a coil you've got there! I typically set my regular plugs somewhere in the upper 0.020s, close to 0.030" With the W7DTCs... there is nothing to adjust.
 
"Discretion is the better part of valor" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Wise decision!
 
I know for sure that the Lucas Super coil will fire at .045 plug setting in a running engine. I tried it with the old plugs. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif .Of course, the new Champs are set at .035. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif PJ
 
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My conclusion is: It's ALL VOODOO!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

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You can't index platinum plugs......

Any fool knows that indexing is the real secret to power. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
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My conclusion is: It's ALL VOODOO!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

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You can't index platinum plugs......

Any fool knows that indexing is the real secret to power. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

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there's an "e" on the end of that: "Foole" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
That'll "deliver th' goods" just fine. Spark would need an aluminum ladder to cross that gap with a "conventional" points set-up tho. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
One thing I've noticed reading John Twist's stuff is that he takes a: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude...which is a positive...give the number of DPO things we've seen over the course of time.

I guess besides the fact that they won't work well in all cars, the question would be: why use them? In modern cars, they are often used to get 100,000 miles before a plug change is needed. Does anyone here think that their B will go that far without you having to go underhood? Why not use a standard plug. Even if you replace them more often, what's the big deal?
 
I can offer a few points, perhaps. The reason for platinum (or gold, or iridium) as an electrode is that it can be made much smaller without disintegrating. The thinking is that if there's adifference in the surface area between the ground and hot electrode, there'll be a better flame front. I'm not sure about that but I didn't sleep at a Holiday inn last night, either. That is also the motivation for multiple ground electrodes. Of course there's VERY good evidence that the spark can only go to one electrode at any moment. So then the reason for multiple grounds is that the spark will travel to the easiest until it gets eroded away and another becomes easiest (closest). This can go on for, say, 100,000 miles or so. I could go on.Like most voodoo, there is some basis in fact.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif PAUl 161

"Does anyone know why he would say this"? Yep, cuz he doesn't know what he is going on about.---Keoke
 
I never did belive the 2 or 3 contact area of a spark plug would give you a "Hotter" spark. If that was the case then why would the avaition industry spend millions in developing duel ignition systems for aircraft engines? Yes I know it's for safety, as it's pretty hard to pull over and change a plug in flight, but the engine performs a 100% better with both plugs firing in the cylinder. To the non avation wise, that's one of the tests that is preformed before take off. Testing the spark plugs and magnetos. To me, the multiple contact plug isn't worth the money. Question; What plug did the manufacture recommend for thier engine?? You know that it will be the proper heat range and that's very important. Oh Well, to each his own. As the old saying goes, "That's Why They Make Fords and Chevys" or, "MGs and Healeys"!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif PJ
 
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....during which time they weld themselves to the head! ;-)

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif PAUl 161

"Does anyone know why he would say this"? Yep, cuz he doesn't know what he is going on about.---Keoke

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Easy for a west coaster to say, but those of us in the midwest know that John Twist's knowledge about MGs is beyond question. What he says merits consideration.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif "like, totally, dood."
 
I put platinum plugs in the DeLo....

(You need a trained squirrel w/ big biceps to get to #6)

Never want to do that again! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif
 
Re: Multi contact plugs and aircraft ignition. Yes, all aircraft internal combustion engines used by military or commercial planes do use dual ignition, it is not for better combustion but for redundancy as aircraft don't like to fly if the engine doesn't run. Lots of experimental aircraft now use near stock auto engines and have no problems to speak of.

I have worked on aircraft engines for going on sixty yesrs and every one of them has used a multi-contact plug. Most have had four anodes but a few have had just three. In my opinion a multi-contact plug is going to foul more often than a single contact plug as you use a smaller gap - that is unless you have a really powerful ignition system. Could be wrong. Was, twice, but that was a long time ago! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
ok... to add to the mix and stir the bees up a little more... are those multi-spark ignition systems (e.g. Second Strike) worth the money? Is it more voodoo? Do they actually make a difference? Is it worth while for a street car? Could it possibly help with emissions testing?

just curious... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Dont know if its that much better in a carburated car but if its voodoo why do alot of new car manufacturers and aftermarket guys swear by them
 
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