Platinums vs Iridium spark plugs, I dont get it
- Thread starter Carnoobie
- Start date
- Status
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
+1
Platinum is really only good from a durability standpoint but iridium allows for a much finer electrode tip which gives a more consistent spark and creates a smaller "shadow" as the flame front propogates away from the spark.
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
+1
Platinum is really only good from a durability standpoint but iridium allows for a much finer electrode tip which gives a more consistent spark and creates a smaller "shadow" as the flame front propogates away from the spark.
Originally Posted By: Carnoobie
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Platinum isn't as good as a conductor as iridium.
So it goes
Performace:
1. Copper
2. Iridium
3. Platinum
Longevity:
1. Iridium
2. Platinum
3. Copper
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Durability mostly, and iridium costs more. That and the tip of the center electrode can be made very small because of the durability of iridium, which supposedly enhances spark quality.
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Platinum isn't as good as a conductor as iridium.
So it goes
Performace:
1. Copper
2. Iridium
3. Platinum
Longevity:
1. Iridium
2. Platinum
3. Copper
Originally Posted By: Carnoobie
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Be cautious about 'blanket' recommendations. Modern cars have very sophisticated ignition systems designed for a SPECIFIC type of plug.
Some cars are not very tolerant of changes in this area. I recommend you run the exact OEM plug that shipped with your car when new.
Then how does Iridiums compare to double platinums? I was told single plats will last 50k and double 100k to match Iridiums
Be cautious about 'blanket' recommendations. Modern cars have very sophisticated ignition systems designed for a SPECIFIC type of plug.
Some cars are not very tolerant of changes in this area. I recommend you run the exact OEM plug that shipped with your car when new.
You're shopping in the wrong place:
NGK Part # 6441 {#ZFR6FIX11} Iridium IX $6.12
DENSO Part # 5358 Iridium Power $7.53
DENSO Part # 3247 {#PKJ20CRL11} Double Platinum Plug - 5.14
NGK Part # 6441 {#ZFR6FIX11} Iridium IX $6.12
DENSO Part # 5358 Iridium Power $7.53
DENSO Part # 3247 {#PKJ20CRL11} Double Platinum Plug - 5.14
Canadian's get ripped off for just about everything.
Grab your plugs from rock auto or autopartsway, forget Canadian Tire and Part Source.
Grab your plugs from rock auto or autopartsway, forget Canadian Tire and Part Source.
I have read some of the marketing that the fine wire iridium plugs are easier on ignition components......wich would not matter in a car as much as an aging string trimmer or old atv or motorcycle. I have not the knowledge or the inclination to know if there is any merit to this. I run them in some dinosaur ATVs at the farm.The relatively weak coils and stators in these, and their difficulty in finding replacements, I spent a few extra $. I have noticed no difference in performance or fouling.
More years ago than I would admit, I had a old 2 cycle motorcycle that we removed the oil pump from and thereafter ran gas that had the oil mixed with it. That bike would foul a plug in about one or two days of riding until I put an iridium plug in it. That plug never fouled. It was driven several years with that plug and it never fouled, and when I sold it that plug was still in it.
For what its worth even single platinum plugs will last immensely long. If you really are bothered by changing plugs and don't want copper, I say just go platinum, as a lot of cars have them anyhow.
Double platinum just puts platinum on the ground electrode. That is great, but the plain ground electrode is so huge compared to the active electrode its enormously unlikely to burn out to any measurable amount.
The rest is well, marketing. I think iridium plugs are sort of insane, *UNLESS* you have some car with an absolutely tedious and god [censored] ridiculous spark plug changing procedure...some cars require you to almost remove the engine to change plugs. I'd use iridiums there in a heartbeat just in the hope they last long enough that I basically never would have to mess with them.
But in your regular car, use copper, or regular platinum...the rest are kinda the grey area where you get played a bit for nothing really measurable.
Double platinum just puts platinum on the ground electrode. That is great, but the plain ground electrode is so huge compared to the active electrode its enormously unlikely to burn out to any measurable amount.
The rest is well, marketing. I think iridium plugs are sort of insane, *UNLESS* you have some car with an absolutely tedious and god [censored] ridiculous spark plug changing procedure...some cars require you to almost remove the engine to change plugs. I'd use iridiums there in a heartbeat just in the hope they last long enough that I basically never would have to mess with them.
But in your regular car, use copper, or regular platinum...the rest are kinda the grey area where you get played a bit for nothing really measurable.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: AVB
Why are you asking about spark plugs in the ATF section?
I was wondering the same thing.......
Why are you asking about spark plugs in the ATF section?
I was wondering the same thing.......
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: AVB
Why are you asking about spark plugs in the ATF section?
I was wondering the same thing.......
Because it would have been less of a troll if it was correctly placed.
Originally Posted By: AVB
Why are you asking about spark plugs in the ATF section?
I was wondering the same thing.......
Because it would have been less of a troll if it was correctly placed.
I use whatever the owner's manual says.
The spark plugs I used for my Buick (Every 100,000 miles): http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail...5&ppt=C0334
The spark plugs I used for my Chrysler (Every 30,000 miles): http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail...5&ppt=C0334
The spark plugs I used for my Buick (Every 100,000 miles): http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail...5&ppt=C0334
The spark plugs I used for my Chrysler (Every 30,000 miles): http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail...5&ppt=C0334
Interesting. I used to install platinum plugs in my 89 Accord so I could use them for twice as long. I know a number of vehicles use them to extend the maintenance intervals. The Mazda "Skyactiv" engine requires iridium plugs with platinum on the ground electrode presumably due to the higher than average compression ratio (12:1). Iridium is a rare element that exists on this planet due to asteroid collisions. I would venture to say that if your car does not require iridium plugs they are a waste of money. Platinum plugs may not be because they do last about twice as long as conventional plugs. Other than that, I can only speak from my own experience which seems to say that any plug that ignites the mixture in your cylinders consistently is fine. This is what is known as anecdotal evidence. That term describes the majority of what you will read in ANY forum.
funny thing....I've only ever used Platinum plugs for a long time.
This last time, however, I put a set of iridium plugs in 2 separate vehicles; both vehicles had previously ran NGK platinums and were switched to NGK iridiums.....and all I can say is...WOW!
It is not a marketing scam for higher price results; I for one truly see the results. Much smoother idling, take-off power, mpg, engines are quieter...just overall an improvement worth it IMHO.
Both vehicles previous plugs were only 25-30k miles respectively; one vehicle is a 97 3.2L Isuzu (does not burn/use oil), the other vehicle is an 04 3.4L tacoma
This last time, however, I put a set of iridium plugs in 2 separate vehicles; both vehicles had previously ran NGK platinums and were switched to NGK iridiums.....and all I can say is...WOW!
It is not a marketing scam for higher price results; I for one truly see the results. Much smoother idling, take-off power, mpg, engines are quieter...just overall an improvement worth it IMHO.
Both vehicles previous plugs were only 25-30k miles respectively; one vehicle is a 97 3.2L Isuzu (does not burn/use oil), the other vehicle is an 04 3.4L tacoma
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
For what its worth even single platinum plugs will last immensely long. If you really are bothered by changing plugs and don't want copper, I say just go platinum, as a lot of cars have them anyhow.
Double platinum just puts platinum on the ground electrode. That is great, but the plain ground electrode is so huge compared to the active electrode its enormously unlikely to burn out to any measurable amount.
The rest is well, marketing. I think iridium plugs are sort of insane, *UNLESS* you have some car with an absolutely tedious and god [censored] ridiculous spark plug changing procedure...some cars require you to almost remove the engine to change plugs. I'd use iridiums there in a heartbeat just in the hope they last long enough that I basically never would have to mess with them.
But in your regular car, use copper, or regular platinum...the rest are kinda the grey area where you get played a bit for nothing really measurable.
Cars that use waste-spark ignition, or other applications where the spark goes the opposite way of usual can benefit from double-platinum plugs.
For what its worth even single platinum plugs will last immensely long. If you really are bothered by changing plugs and don't want copper, I say just go platinum, as a lot of cars have them anyhow.
Double platinum just puts platinum on the ground electrode. That is great, but the plain ground electrode is so huge compared to the active electrode its enormously unlikely to burn out to any measurable amount.
The rest is well, marketing. I think iridium plugs are sort of insane, *UNLESS* you have some car with an absolutely tedious and god [censored] ridiculous spark plug changing procedure...some cars require you to almost remove the engine to change plugs. I'd use iridiums there in a heartbeat just in the hope they last long enough that I basically never would have to mess with them.
But in your regular car, use copper, or regular platinum...the rest are kinda the grey area where you get played a bit for nothing really measurable.
Cars that use waste-spark ignition, or other applications where the spark goes the opposite way of usual can benefit from double-platinum plugs.
First, note that ALL PLUGS are copper core. The only part changing is the electrodes.
Second, iridium/platinum hybrids are not just for Mazda or for high compression engines. They shipped stock in my car manufactured in July 05! They are easier to fire and last longer.
Choose your plug by how often you want to play with them, just be careful as modern cars are a bit quirky sometimes, so no advice is 'blanket'.
Second, iridium/platinum hybrids are not just for Mazda or for high compression engines. They shipped stock in my car manufactured in July 05! They are easier to fire and last longer.
Choose your plug by how often you want to play with them, just be careful as modern cars are a bit quirky sometimes, so no advice is 'blanket'.
- Status
