Finewire vs massive electrode

hsjrev · Post by **hsjrev** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:39 am

Has anybody been using fine wire sparkplugs in their c145/O300? I'm due for plugs and was wondering if there are any benefits. The local A&P's that I've talked to give me opposing viewpoints. One says they are the best thing since sliced bread and will make the engine run smoother, use less gas, make women dig me, etc. The other says that these engines are better off with massives and the fine wires will foul out and I'll wind up crash landing in the Mississippi River. Champion sure does like them as it takes $50 to get one away from them.

Roesbery · Post by **Roesbery** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 3:50 pm

If your engine is a bit tired, and you have a problem with oil fouling the plugs, putting platinium plugs in the bottom holes will help a lot. Otherwise not worth the expense.

Post by **GAHorn** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:29 pm

Fine wire (also called platinum) plugs will outlast massives by about 3-times. They will not "foul" out, in fact that's their strongest point. They are frequently used in oil-burners to avoid fouling. They actually stay cleaner than massives. Many commercial operators use them because they last longer. But I doubt if a private operator will enjoy their longevity benefit. Few of us actually keep an engine from "Zero"-time to TBO, which is for what the fine wires are intended.

Tom Downey · Post by **Tom Downey** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 7:09 pm

I believe that you folks have your terms mixed up. the fine wire plugs are called "Iredium "

not "platinium"

Post by **GAHorn** » Thu Jul 25, 2002 10:24 pm

Actually, "Iridium" is Champion's terminology. Platinum is the term used by some other mfrs. Champion claims that Iridium is even longer lasting than platinum. Fine wire is the non-specific name that covers the various alloys in that type. (From the Champion spark plug catalog)

BloomerJohn · Post by **BloomerJohn** » Fri Aug 16, 2002 2:31 am

Put fine wire plugs in my lower holes to help fouling (Problem was acutually a weak coil that later began failing intermittantly). They sure fire nice under hugh presure in the plug tester/cleaner. (You all do use one to test plugs after cleaning and gapping, don't you?)
John

N3243A · Post by **N3243A** » Fri Aug 16, 2002 2:41 am

BloomerJohn wrote:Put fine wire plugs in my lower holes to help fouling (Problem was acutually a weak coil that later began failing intermittantly). They sure fire nice under hugh presure in the plug tester/cleaner. (You all do use one to test plugs after cleaning and gapping, don't you?)
John

Yeah, we all have the $900 Champion CT-475 plug testers on our bench. I bought two just in case one breaks when I need it.