Iridium spark plugs, good or bad?

[Kestas]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Maybe the back 3 spark plugs require intake manifold removal or something else that makes it a real challenge.
But they need to be changed. There's not a lot of choice in this situation.

 

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: ziggy
I did find out, platinums are not recommneded for neons, becasue our engines are based on a waste spark system, coppers should only beused.


You can run platinum plugs in a waste spark system. But you must stay with the more expensive double-tipped variety, which excludes most Bosches. Otherwise, the electrode splatter can cause problems. Been through this on some GM engines.

 

[Patman]

My Corvette idles a slight bit smoother with iridiums than it did with platinums, but the MPG did not change at all.

 

[sprintman]

Have NGK Iridium IX in Mazda turbo and Outback. Much smoother idle and acceleration in both particularly Mazda.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

I'll continue to use the Iridiums in the four wheeler as they most likely will last longer.

 

[dorkiedoode]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: dorkiedoode
i changed 3 out of 6 in my accord and didn't notice anything. i guess you can say it starts up during the cold better but nothing to whine about.

Why did you only change out 3 of the 6 plugs?

i don't have the equipment to change out the back for the V6. i think you need an flexible head wrench?

 

[ewetho]

Not sure of using iridium in blown apps. Had one at school the teach hopped up a lightning and installed iridium and after several colder steps they still detonated. Got back to standard CopperCore plugs and all was well finally.

They are awesome for standard normally aspirated engines and last a long time and self clean well for great performance the whole time.

Might not notice much on a regularly scheduled tune up with iridium (Which is the point) but that does not mean they are not worn out.

 

[hi-miler]

The self cleaning function is a reality with these plugs. I have a motorcycle with these in it and pull them on a regular basis for one reason or another. They always come out clean, no matter the season, the interval, or the riding style for that matter.

 

[Mamala Bay]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Eddie
I agree that iridiums are long lived plugs. Most beneficial where plugs are very difficult to change and or in certain engines prone to be hard on plugs due to swirl charecteristics in the combustion chamber. Do not expect any smoother running, increased fuel mileage and power unless you are presently driving with worn out plugs. Ed

Not all Iridiums are long life plugs.

Denso makes the "Iridium Power" series plugs that last about 30,000 miles, but they also have a long life line of Iridiums that can last up to 120,000 miles. NGK has the Iridium IX plugs as well, and those are tuned for performance more so than longevity.


Just pulled out the NGK Iridium IX installed 5 years ago for 65,000 miles. Plugs were wasted shear down. SO much for longevity. Just installed some newer NGK Iridium IX and do feel a smoother and responsive engine. Less gas pedal also. Don't know if there are made different but never did feel any difference from the first install.

 

[BuickGN]

My TL calls for a 100,000+ mile interval on the stock irridiums. I changed them at 50K and noticed a better idle especially when cold. The engine might run at 100,000 miles on the stockers but it will be far from it's best.

 

[gtx510]

100k iridiums are usually iridium/platinum plugs. NGK calls their's "Iridium Tough".
Platinum has more electrons to lose so it doesn't erode as quickly.

http://www.sparkplugs.com/faqmain.asp

 

[gtx510]

oops
Denso makes the Iridium tough plugs and the NGK equivalent is "IFR"?

 

[pair of Blazers]

I run NGK's in both Blazers w/no problems. I can't speak to the MPG improvement though. my 01 has been getting around 19-20 lately. I haven't had the 91 out at all over the winter but last road trip it did 21 over 3K miles.

 

[televascular]

Honda recommends 100,000mi spark plug changes on the stock iridiums. The service manual specifies both a Denso and NGK replacement as acceptable, citing part numbers, but makes no mention of different "long life" or "high-performance" iridiums.

I was under the impression that all iridium plugs are considered "long life".

 

[gtx510]

What are the part numbers listed?
If you goto http://www.sparkplugs.com you can enter in the p/n and get a description.