Platinum Plug Differences?
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Senior User
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From: Yelm,Washington
Platinum Plug Differences?
At a department store, I bought a set of Autolite platinum sparkplugs for the wifes '97 astro van thinking all platinum plugs are pretty much the same... I paid about $12 for six of em.The guy at NAPA, who is pretty knowledgable, says I should only use the AC platinum plugs otherwise I may burn up the coil?????? Thats fine and all except AC plugs are $6 apiece and I all ready have the autolites...Any thoughts or ideas appreciated.Thanks,Mark.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2005
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Opinions on spark plugs are like politics and religion discussions. With that said, here is my view. Just about any name brand manufactuer of Platinum spark plugs makes a good one. So long as you are using what actualluy cross references to you vehicle, you should have no problems. Main thing to be carefull is when gapping a platinum, is to do it easy with your gap tool and not flake any plating off the prong end and to not crack or break the center electrode insulator material. 90% of what you hear bad about plats is mainly due to installation error or wrong type used for application. The two or four post ones mainly are for taking you money versus actual performance gain. I have used mainly BOSH plats over the years in about 15 vehicles with no problems but have used Autolite plats from time to time with no problems also.
Hootbro
Hootbro
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
> says I should only use the AC platinum plugs otherwise I may burn up the coil
I do not know about that, I do know from working at a Chevy dealer in the 80s, up to the present day doing a Chevy every once in a while, many emissions driveability problems went away once I took the aftermarket plugs out and put the correct app. Delco/AC plugs in.
Maybe I just gap them better :-)
I doubt you could burn up a HEI coil in a Chevy, it is pretty much bullet proof.
I do not know about that, I do know from working at a Chevy dealer in the 80s, up to the present day doing a Chevy every once in a while, many emissions driveability problems went away once I took the aftermarket plugs out and put the correct app. Delco/AC plugs in.
Maybe I just gap them better :-)
I doubt you could burn up a HEI coil in a Chevy, it is pretty much bullet proof.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Missouri
The only time plug selection matters is in hopped up high horsepower (especially nitrous and supercharged) motors. Some plugs get hotter than others. I think platinum plugs get hotter than iridium plugs, and it becomes a factor in detonation. I think he was just tryin to sell you a set of plugs, I really doubt it matters.
Fleet Owner
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From: Brentwood,CA
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
The only problem with the cheap Autolite platinums is that they do not last any longer than standard AC's. This was my experience with a 1994 4.3 GM V-6. Check them at about 30,000 miles and they will be worn out. Other than that, no big deal. They are not going to damage anything as long as the heat range is correct.
If your engine has no distributor, just coil packs, you need the more expensive double-platinum plugs if you expect them to last a long time. That is because the polarity of the spark alternates and the ground electrodes may burn away early. With a distributor ignition, the center electrode gets most of the wear.
Jim
If your engine has no distributor, just coil packs, you need the more expensive double-platinum plugs if you expect them to last a long time. That is because the polarity of the spark alternates and the ground electrodes may burn away early. With a distributor ignition, the center electrode gets most of the wear.
Jim
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From: Connecticut
Ford no longer recommends the DP (double platinum) series for its DIS/EDIS waste spark systems, instead the newer Motorcraft FM (fine wire platinum) series plugs are now specified as the OEM replacements. I don't think Motorcraft even has a line of DP plugs anymore, although some of the larger parts houses may still have some in stock. Autolite still has a DP line of plugs, I believe.
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