Best brand spark plugs

[sibbob]

I have a 1979 4hp seahorse twin. The recommended plugs are Champion QL86C / L86C.
My motor is currently fitted with NGKs but need a change.
Is one any better than the other ?
Thanks

 

[Burrich]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

From what I've been reading NGK > Champion. Like I said on another thread, an old timer says he runs Bosch platinums in his. I didn't want to seek out a specific brand because I need a swap (currently going through ignition problems). I'm a little curious if the new e3 plugs are viable for marine applications.

 

[dreamflyfishing]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

I bought NGK's because they were cheaper than the Champoin's specked out for my Evinrude 110. After trying them out and having sluggish results I went and sought out the more expensive Champion plugs. My experience may be isolated, but it is what it is.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

Put in in the plugs that your engine was designed for, or you could regret it. There are not any magic performance increases from changing plugs (contrary to what the marketers say), and there can be significant downsides to using the wrong plug, like your motor not running to melting a hole in the piston. Cross-reference charts would lead you to believe that certain plugs are equivalent to others, but that's not the case.

 

[72slickcraft]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

I really have not found a difference in plugs. Even in super high preformance motors.

 

[krogie]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

i have had the best results with the manufacturers plugs . i ran a set of high end plugs on my last change out and i felt that the engine ran more slugish and hesitated on the holeshot.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

Champions every time in my book.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

I'm with txwhaler on this one. It's not so much about performance as it is durability, reliability and the effect on your motor of running with a plug that's not just right for it.

NGK makes a fine plug, no doubt, but they aren't an exact match for heat range. I ran NGK's in my 'rude, the center electrode wore down I mean QUICK! Had to regap 'em after a couple months, replaced 'em after a few months service.

Have a set of champs been in there now for over two years (on average 2x monthly useage), still running strong.

Same token, Merc guys curse champions, because their motors foul 'em like crazy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

Johnson/Evinrudes were designed and built to use Champion Spark plugs. Other brands are known to cause misfire problems in these motors. NAPA autoparts even has a statement on there computer, when cross referencing plugs, it states, other brands are known to cause misfire. call you local NAPA dealer, and they will have the correct plugs for you tomorrow.

 

[mezsat2]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

After I blew the powerpack, my mechanic said the NGKs were "too hot" for my 115 Johnny and replaced them with Champions (he didn't say that had anything to do with the electrical problem). Seems to smoke more, but at least I know there's no lean condition.

 

[crxess]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

Proper plug spark is a product of physics, not manufacturer name.
There have been times when every manufacturer has had production issues. Some manufacturers shortcut quality for profit.<<<Not good if you out on the water and it fails.

After years of using various spark plugs in both auto and marine applications(40 year mechanic), I have found Champion and Autolite have a very close consistency in heat range and reliability.

Proper heat range for most consistent use is also very important. Running wide open all day or trolling around? Most motor manufacturers state what plug is recommended for General use, which may or may not work well for your application.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Best brand spark plugs

Champions! Been using them for yrs in all my vehicles, always seemed to boost the power in every engine I had, compared to the orig. equip. ones.
Just put a set of Champion gold truck plugs in my old 95' Chevy V6 S-10, never knew it had that much torque left in it These would make a great I/O boat plug, 20% bigger electrodes, copper core, heavy duty ceramics, a self cleaning extended tip, and some kinda gold plating?

I don't trust splitfires, or E3 plugs, they have so much metal around the electrode, they gotta hold the combustion heat, and run hot! (does the term glow plug ring a bell?) That's what I found with the splitfires in my old 88' Monte SS when they first came out, it was pinging on premium gas, never did that before or after on reg gas, they went right back, not good!