B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
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HT White Ops
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Arizona Uplands
B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
After trying different brands of sparkplugs in my DD CiViCs, I settled on Champion Copper Plus #318 (RC12MC4) years ago.
I don't know about you guys, but I use an aggressive gap (.48-.50) and Copper Plus plugs get the job done!
Don't ask me why (guess I was in a whimsical mood), but last time I changed them out, I went with NGK BKR6EGP plugs.
Here's the result, after about 25k miles (platinums are supposed to last longer)...
Does this look like 'normal' wear to you (B16A2 with approx 100k on the motor)?
Tips and grounds are okay, but the ceramic looks a little shitty to me!
I'm NOT a fan of platinum plugs, but I can glass bead them and keep 'em around... I guess.
I replaced them with Champion #318s this morning.
I don't know about you guys, but I use an aggressive gap (.48-.50) and Copper Plus plugs get the job done!
Don't ask me why (guess I was in a whimsical mood), but last time I changed them out, I went with NGK BKR6EGP plugs.
Here's the result, after about 25k miles (platinums are supposed to last longer)...
Tips and grounds are okay, but the ceramic looks a little shitty to me!
I'm NOT a fan of platinum plugs, but I can glass bead them and keep 'em around... I guess.
I replaced them with Champion #318s this morning.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 169
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From: Mesa, Arizona, Usa
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
They look like any other plugs from my,or my friends B16a2's ( shrugs) I had odd missfiring issues using the plugs you haI though.Turned out two of them were actually cracked in half after a couple track days,so back to NGK iIwent( I use coppers though)
Thread Starter
HT White Ops
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,813
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From: Arizona Uplands
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
1. Installing spark plugs
Torque is one of the most critical aspects of spark plug installation. Torque directly affects the spark plugs' ability to transfer heat out of the combustion chamber. A spark plug that is under-torqued will not be fully seated on the cylinder head, hence heat transfer will be slowed. This will tend to elevate combustion chamber temperatures to unsafe levels, and pre-ignition and detonation will usually follow. Serious engine damage is not far behind.
An over-torqued spark plug can suffer from severe stress to the Metal Shell which in turn can distort the spark plug's inner gas seals or even cause a hairline fracture to the spark plug's insulator...in either case, heat transfer can again be slowed and the above mentioned conditions can occur.
Torque is one of the most critical aspects of spark plug installation. Torque directly affects the spark plugs' ability to transfer heat out of the combustion chamber. A spark plug that is under-torqued will not be fully seated on the cylinder head, hence heat transfer will be slowed. This will tend to elevate combustion chamber temperatures to unsafe levels, and pre-ignition and detonation will usually follow. Serious engine damage is not far behind.
An over-torqued spark plug can suffer from severe stress to the Metal Shell which in turn can distort the spark plug's inner gas seals or even cause a hairline fracture to the spark plug's insulator...in either case, heat transfer can again be slowed and the above mentioned conditions can occur.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Mesa, Arizona, Usa
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
SOURCE: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinf...stallation.asp (NGK - Spark Plug Installation Instructions)
Thread Starter
HT White Ops
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,813
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From: Arizona Uplands
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
Definition of an Arizona mechanic: Strips the drain plug hole, but leaves the head loose! LoL!
I've been running Champion plugs for years. They ARE more fragile than other brands - no doubt about it.
Arizona Motto: **** happens!
Only ones I've busted though are ones I accidently dropped on the floor...
Do you use a torque wrench?
Flat seals are really hard to 'read', especially if your using anti-seize compound on the threads...
I've been running Champion plugs for years. They ARE more fragile than other brands - no doubt about it.
Arizona Motto: **** happens!
Only ones I've busted though are ones I accidently dropped on the floor...
Do you use a torque wrench?
Flat seals are really hard to 'read', especially if your using anti-seize compound on the threads...
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
I'm no plug expert, but they look normal to me. Pretty good for 25,000 miles.
In the pic, the one on the bottom right looks a little white though (I bet it came out of cylinder #1
).
The NGK Laser Platinums I used with my B16A and the V-Powers I always use otherwise with both cars I own end up with that same redish hue.
Honestly, I don't think the Platinum plugs are woth the extra money. The electrode may last a very long time, but the gap between it and the strap will still increase over time. I hate the idea of pulling the expensive plugs, re-gapping them and reusing them.
/.02¢
In the pic, the one on the bottom right looks a little white though (I bet it came out of cylinder #1
).The NGK Laser Platinums I used with my B16A and the V-Powers I always use otherwise with both cars I own end up with that same redish hue.
Honestly, I don't think the Platinum plugs are woth the extra money. The electrode may last a very long time, but the gap between it and the strap will still increase over time. I hate the idea of pulling the expensive plugs, re-gapping them and reusing them.
/.02¢
Thread Starter
HT White Ops
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 2
From: Arizona Uplands
Re: B16A2 Sparkplug Service (Pic inside)
Plats are okay, if (say) you got a V-6 minivan and have to remove the intake manifold to service the rear plugs - or whatever.
Generally speaking, I don't care for platinum-tipped plugs, but they do take a beating!
Silver plugs are the best IMHO... but like you said, I don't think they're worth the price ($15 each for Brisks).
Copper core plugs have always worked best for me, and they're cheap enough to replace at every oil change, if you want.
I paid 2 bucks each for the Champion #318s, but I've bought them for as little as 79 cents in the past. LoL!
Guess I'll stock up next time I see them on sale...
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