Evening all,
As you may note from my thread on Carb problems I am currently suffering an annoying problem on the front cylinder of my twin, as yet unidentified but looks like it is either carb problem (running rich) or oiling problem to the front cylinder - too much of it in the bit that burns the fuel!!
Anyway - I have gone back to a Champion N5C from the NGK B7 that I was using.
I wondered what the "weapon of choice" is for the Twin these days - I found this information below on Iridium Plugs and wondered if these are something that VOC members have tried?
Look forward to comments and recommendations.
Cheers
Stuart
"Iridium spark plug specifications and benefits
Relatively recent advances in fabrication techniques have enabled the use of Iridium - an incredibly hard precious metal, for the construction of spark plug electrodes. Laser technology is used to weld the Iridium tip to spark plugs manufactured by both Denso and NGK. It's worth noting that spark plugs can't increase the potential power that an engine can generate but a more efficient spark will provide more efficient combustion and associated performance and economy benefits. A poor spark from a worn or low grade spark plug will reduce efficiency. An Iridium plug will produce a more efficient spark. Notable properties of Iridium are its melting point - approximately 2450 degrees C, considerably higher than Platinum, and it's strength - approximately 8 times that of platinum. The table below compares the characteristics of Iridium with those of other precious/semi-precious metals commonly used in the construction of spark plugs.
There are currently two main manufacturers of Iridium spark plugs for automotive use available in the UK. NGK produce a product range known as Iridium IX and Denso produce Iridium Power spark plugs. Both are very high quality products using laser welding technology and manufacturing techniques perfected over a very long history of spark plug design and manufacture. Both manufacturers also manufacture OEM Iridium plugs, installed in some vehicles at the factory and usually having Iridium centre electrode and platinum chipped ground. Where an OEM Iridium plug is specified there is little to be gained by changing to an Iridium IX or Iridium Power plug. Champion have manufactured Iridium plugs for use in large industrial engines for quite some time but have not yet put any automotive parts into production.
Advantages of Iridium spark plug types
Due to the properties of Iridium, the spark plugs centre electrode can be made with a much smaller diameter than with platinum, Gold or gold palladium and copper/nickel types without sacrificing service life. The spark plugs potential difference is more concentrated at the tiny Iridium tip and hence less 'spark jump' voltage is required - this can be as much as 5,000 volts less than with standard plug types. Ignition is improved and less strain is placed on the ignition system. Benefits of improved ignition/combustion include better fuel economy, increased power/acceleration and especially better throttle response."
As you may note from my thread on Carb problems I am currently suffering an annoying problem on the front cylinder of my twin, as yet unidentified but looks like it is either carb problem (running rich) or oiling problem to the front cylinder - too much of it in the bit that burns the fuel!!
Anyway - I have gone back to a Champion N5C from the NGK B7 that I was using.
I wondered what the "weapon of choice" is for the Twin these days - I found this information below on Iridium Plugs and wondered if these are something that VOC members have tried?
Look forward to comments and recommendations.
Cheers
Stuart
"Iridium spark plug specifications and benefits
Relatively recent advances in fabrication techniques have enabled the use of Iridium - an incredibly hard precious metal, for the construction of spark plug electrodes. Laser technology is used to weld the Iridium tip to spark plugs manufactured by both Denso and NGK. It's worth noting that spark plugs can't increase the potential power that an engine can generate but a more efficient spark will provide more efficient combustion and associated performance and economy benefits. A poor spark from a worn or low grade spark plug will reduce efficiency. An Iridium plug will produce a more efficient spark. Notable properties of Iridium are its melting point - approximately 2450 degrees C, considerably higher than Platinum, and it's strength - approximately 8 times that of platinum. The table below compares the characteristics of Iridium with those of other precious/semi-precious metals commonly used in the construction of spark plugs.
There are currently two main manufacturers of Iridium spark plugs for automotive use available in the UK. NGK produce a product range known as Iridium IX and Denso produce Iridium Power spark plugs. Both are very high quality products using laser welding technology and manufacturing techniques perfected over a very long history of spark plug design and manufacture. Both manufacturers also manufacture OEM Iridium plugs, installed in some vehicles at the factory and usually having Iridium centre electrode and platinum chipped ground. Where an OEM Iridium plug is specified there is little to be gained by changing to an Iridium IX or Iridium Power plug. Champion have manufactured Iridium plugs for use in large industrial engines for quite some time but have not yet put any automotive parts into production.
Advantages of Iridium spark plug types
Due to the properties of Iridium, the spark plugs centre electrode can be made with a much smaller diameter than with platinum, Gold or gold palladium and copper/nickel types without sacrificing service life. The spark plugs potential difference is more concentrated at the tiny Iridium tip and hence less 'spark jump' voltage is required - this can be as much as 5,000 volts less than with standard plug types. Ignition is improved and less strain is placed on the ignition system. Benefits of improved ignition/combustion include better fuel economy, increased power/acceleration and especially better throttle response."