Push mower spark plug comparison test

[97prizm]

Hello all,

The other day I purchased a few spark plugs for the push mower and Bolens weed trimmer. I've read that on most small push mowers that spark plugs almost never wear out and design doesn't make much difference. I was considering doing a comparison test between 3 or 4 spark plug brands (6.5 quantum B&S Yard machines mower) comparing, fuel usage, and differences if any in smoothness. Would anybody be up for that?

 

[justinf89]

Well I'd really like to see it, but I really don't think you'll see a difference. If your up to the task, I'll read the results.

 

[Spazdog]

I think I've been doing that for a long time

I just haven't documented my findings.

It might be an interesting experiment with some more scientific methods!

For the record, I could not tell the difference between a Champion CJ8, Autolite 255, and Bosch WS8E. Again this is just based on my opinion. Not a legitimate controlled condition experiment.

Those Chinese E3 spark plugs do not do anything that a regular Champion does not except cost more. Couldn't tell the difference except at the register.

For some reason, most suppliers will only carry the Champions. A few will have Bosches and Autolites but seldom carry the proper ND or NGK. I would pay a buck or so extra to try a NGK or ND.

 

[The_Jeff]

I like it! My own mower's crude gas cap and tank evaporate so much gas between mow jobs I'd never be able to tell if the spark plug had any positive effect.

 

[97prizm]

At least in my mower when I used the E3 Plugs I filled the gas to the same spot and ran the mower exactly the same and the gas tank had more fuel in it than when I used the original plug.

 

[UncleS2]

After several bad experiences, I avoid Bosch plugs for any outdoor power equipment. IMO skip Bosch and any gimmick plugs, stick with Champion or NGK.

 

[justinf89]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
I like it! My own mower's crude gas cap and tank evaporate so much gas between mow jobs I'd never be able to tell if the spark plug had any positive effect.



Stick a plastic bag on top of the cap next time to see exactly how much

 

[boraticus]

If all of the plugs being compare work, I doubt very much that you'll see any difference in fuel consumption or performance.

From my experience, it's a matter of avoidance of complete or intermittent spark plug failure that causes me to stick to my preferred brand (NGK). ND would be my next choice if they were as available as NGK.

 

[JHZR2]

it would be good, but you do have to be careful to protect against losses.

 

[The motor guy]

I use NGK. Champion spark plugs don't last very long.

 

[wapacz]

I can't say I have ever really seen difference between the plugs I use in my mowers. Though all I pretty much use is nkg and champion plugs. Then replace them every year or so. Not becuase they are warn out, but those aren't the cleanest burning engines and a plug can get carboned up making it harder to start than it needs to be.

 

[boraticus]

"but those aren't the cleanest burning engines and a plug can get carboned up making it harder to start than it needs to be."

Spark plugs will work properly for decades if properly cleaned. I don't change plugs, I clean them and put them back in. A wire brush, a piece of sand paper or suitable file, feeler gauge and a bit of compressed air is all that's needed. I've got machines that are 30 years old running the original plug.

Can't see the logic of throwing out a perfectly working spark plug when all it needs is a cleaning.

 

[dwendt44]

If they carbon up, get a 'hotter' plug.
If the carb is adjusted correctly/cleaned or the fuel/oil mix is proper,
the spark plug should run just like an auto plug would.
Brown/tan after a hot shut down.

 

[greenaccord02]

Originally Posted By: dwendt44
If they carbon up, get a 'hotter' plug.
If the carb is adjusted correctly/cleaned or the fuel/oil mix is proper,
the spark plug should run just like an auto plug would.
Brown/tan after a hot shut down.


Absolutely right. If they're getting dirty, something's out of whack.

 

[Nick R]

I like NGK plugs in my mower now. Never been a champion fan, and the Autolite I tried was terrible. It barely started, it missed constantly, and smoked. (Black smoke, so fuel, not oil). I swapped an NGK in, and it was perfect. Tried E3 plugs for a while, and they did the job, nothing really worth the extra cost.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: 97prizm

At least in my mower when I used the E3 Plugs I filled the gas to the same spot and ran the mower exactly the same and the gas tank had more fuel in it than when I used the original plug.



That's because the old plug was worn. The E3 was new, so it would be better on gas...but it doesn't prove an E3 is a better plug. I don't like them. They cost more for old technology...they aren't even platinum!

 

[fdcg27]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I use NGK. Champion spark plugs don't last very long.


I had the OEM Champ in one of my mowers ($70.00 on clearance from Target) for ten years without replacement.
It should have lasted longer?

 

[steve20]

agreed-plugs should last the life of the motor-unless the ceramic cracks or some other mishap-they generally do not wear out
I just clean and reinstall every couple of years. The Echo 2 cycle blower I've had for 3 years-just pulled the plug over the weekend, looked real good so just re-installed without cleaning

 

[Mr_Accord]

I have the same engine (6.5 B&S Quantum) on my mower and I have been using Champion plugs every season except this year. I decided to try out the NGK plug for my mower because the champs never seem to last very long, and surprisingly the NGK plugs were a bit cheaper out where I live, so I just need the grass to grow. Can't wait to see the results of your comparison.