Different type of spark plug

[scooterollie]

If you like to try different things, take a look at this type of plug:
www.nology.com/silver.html
If your scoot uses NGK DPR7EA-9 or DPR7EIX-9, select the Silver Core "B2S' plug. They are non-resistor plugs that give the best thermal conductivity, best electrical conductivity, and longevity of Platinum/Iridium plugs. I have used a set in one of my cars for the last two years and am very pleased with them. Originally developed in partnership with Mercedes for high performance engines, they are now used extensively in racing engines and are made by one of the German O.E.M. companies - Beru, I think. Not for everyone and a little pricey but fall in the mid-range of Iridium plugs.

[Jacine]

Same as platinum.

[scooterollie]

jacine;
Don't understand "same as platinum? The B2S replaces all types - steel, copper, platinum, and iridium, resistor as well as non-resistor. I don't see the value of a resistor plug in a scoot (without sound sys.) anyway. These plugs delivered a smoother idle in my car - no joke, switched back and forth between regular new and silvers. They are also designed to deliver better spark at higher revs.

[Jacine]

They are better than regular plugs, but silver is a soft metal. How do they wear? The only improvement so far with the iridium is a smoother idle and accel. No other advantage yet, except I don't have to gap the plug. The Hyundai (autos) are using plugs that shoot the spark off near the jet so the fireball doesn't travel up the well. Racing bikes will align the plug with the jet. Some racers notch the plug. Some will increase the gap for a larger spark. Many variations. Also since a car is FI, computerized, plugs will work differently than in the old pump and blow bikes.

[scooterollie]

jacine;
Thanks, I understand now what you meant. According to Nology, the center electrode is very durable and resists erosion, making it unnecessary to re-gap during the life of the plug. When I was researching these plugs a couple of years ago, I spoke with the head tech at Nology. We had an interesting conversation about ignition systems, plugs and ignition wires. I am usually very suspicious of claims for such products but have seen not only a smoother idle but better performance at higher RPMs in my car.

I am not that familiar with the ignition systems on these scoots as compared with modern cars. I do know that a CDI offers better performance but don't know if these systems are considered "high energy". If they are not, thin wire center electrodes made of platinum or iridium are not good choices for our engines. The only advantage to platinum and iridium is longevity - very little erosion of gap over a long period of time, which keeps emissions under better control. With a high energy ignition system, the higher resistance of platinum/iridium center electrodes for everyday auto use is not a problem.

I am aware of new design technology in spark plugs but not about modifications by racers - that's interesting! Our RX8 uses NGK plugs of special design and, they have undergone one or two design changes since the RX8 came out. Of course you are correct about changes in fuel delivery and combustion chamber design. I guess that is what is driving changes in spark plug technology. I ordered one of the Silver Core plugs for my scoot. It will be interesting to see. I found no difference between the standard steel electrode NGK that came with my scoot and the Iridium I installed last month. Actually went back to the O.E. plug.

[Jacine]

I'm keeping the iridium just for smoothness, and I'll install an iridium in the 50 i'm upgrading. I don't think any of these bikes can be considered high energy ignition's. I'm not sure that the casings are built well enough to hold together, and at the most we have 2, and on the rare occasion 4 valves per cylinder. Some of the high ignition cars have a lot more valves per cylinder for power boosts, which would allow these plugs to work better.

[scooterollie]

Don't even need 4 valves/cyl. to benefit from an H.E.I. system. These newer systems deliver anywhere from 50%-100% more volts than the older systems. Adding a CDI allows the system to build up an intense spark which is stored in a capacitor. An SCR dumps the charge into the primary coil winding at just the right time, resulting in a short, intense spark with a fast rise time. This does a better job of more thoroughly igniting the gas/fuel mixture resulting in more power and less pollution. Also better at high RPM and, since our scoot engines run at higher RPMs than most car engines, CDI is good for us.

I believe spark is intensified in an iridium plug only because of the thinner electrode. They are often marketed as having less resistance than standard plugs but, as you can see from the chart on Nology's website, this is not true. At any rate, it's interesting.

[medman1952]

I'm sitting here scratching my head with this one.

Fireball going up the well?? When the spark occurs the only place it can go is down the cylinder, all the valves are closed otherwise there would be no compression and no power generated.

High energy ignitions have nothing to do with the number of valves per cylinder, valves improve flow of fuel and air. In comparison to the old points and condenser ignition, electronic ignitions tend to be high energy.

[Admin]

Yeah.....what he said! ;D

[tankcommander]

To everyone who is always doing plug-checks. Do any of you use a little anti-seize compound on your plug threads? I have always used it on snowmachines and my old Honda mini-bikes and have never lost any threads from aluminum heads.

[jackthefuzz]

nickel based never sieze. everytime!

[scooterollie]

tankcommander;
Good point! I am certain that many of us use an anti-seize but we need to stress the use for folks new to wrenching. Another warning is to very carefully hand insert the plug to initially catch the threads. Easy to cross thread a plug in the aluminum head right from the start!

[somecallmetim]

And use that anti-seize stuff very sparingly. Any that gets on the center insulator is going to conduct your spark energy down the side of it to ground very effectively.

[scooterollie]

Best application advice is to put the anti-seize on the first few threads but keep it away from the unthreaded area, tip, and electrodes. As the plug is screwed in, the anti-seize will spread along the threads.