Spark plugs?? - Harley Forum

jmk713 · #1 07-06-2008, 02:15 PM

I've run HD spark plugs for the most part; with a couple experiences with Splitfires. Had good luck with both; but curious as to what everyone else has tried and what results were obtained.

Chris L · #2 07-06-2008, 02:59 PM

Ive used the standard HD, Screamin' Eagles/splitfires, now using HD Platinum, all seem ok.

lowrider01 · #3 07-07-2008, 07:48 AM

i like using the screaming eagle triple platinum plugs........all they are is platinum split fires....still like them...i have two sets that i rotate out

GrayRider · #4 07-07-2008, 08:00 AM

AutoLite 4164. Couple of bucks a piece. I change 'em when I do an oil change.

evoKENevo · #5 07-07-2008, 08:47 AM

I've used regular/resistor Champion plugs in EVERYTHING around here (perf-bikes & cars to the weed-whacker) for like EVER now. I change them out when they're burned-out OR should I say starting to show signs of it...after a LONG time and/or LOTS & LOTS of hours/miles on them.

If you're finding yourself HAVING-TO replace your plugs more often there's something ELSE wrong...fix THAT instead...noting that spark-plugs are JUST spark-plugs,for the MOST part...nothing MAGIC with ANY of them...just make sure they're the RIGHT ones (heat range etc.) for WHATEVER you're putting them in...and avoid the generic/noname brands,of course.

milindh · #6 07-07-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evoKENevo

I've used regular/resistor Champion plugs in EVERYTHING around here (perf-bikes & cars to the weed-whacker) for like EVER now. I change them out when they're burned-out OR should I say starting to show signs of it...after a LONG time and/or LOTS & LOTS of hours/miles on them.

If you're finding yourself HAVING-TO replace your plugs more often there's something ELSE wrong...fix THAT instead...noting that spark-plugs are JUST spark-plugs,for the MOST part...nothing MAGIC with ANY of them...just make sure they're the RIGHT ones (heat range etc.) for WHATEVER you're putting them in...and avoid the generic/noname brands,of course.

Right and tight EvoKenEvo. I'll add this; if your engine is getting a little old and is burning a bit of oil your plugs are going to foul sooner than on a new and fresh engine. I used to think I could clean them out with solvents and lacquer thinner but ended up with mixed results. Now I just change 'em and immediately throw the old ones away to remove my tendency to hoard old stuff "just in case". Fresh ordinary plugs are better than funky super plugs in my opinion.

I'm running SE EX12p plugs(at $12 a pop) in my pumped FXR right now because that's what the guy who built the engine said to run in it. I think they're in the heat range for a Sportster. Now I have cross referenced them to equivalent Champions, NGK, and Bosch (both platinum and iridium) and I'm going to try some of these on the next tune-up. The main reason is not because of the cost of the SE plugs, after all these days a good loaf of bread cost $3.50 in my neck of the woods, but the fact that you have to get them at a Harley dealer. I'd like to just be able to go down to an auto parts store and get a good replacement if I'm out somewhere where Harley isn't spoken.

JCourneyaP · #7 07-08-2008, 12:53 AM

I have run all sorts of plugs through the years in my cage and bike. I cant tell the difference in performance or gas milage. Just make sure you have em gapped correctly. Some will last longer before they need to be changed. Is it worth the extra coin?

milindh · #8 08-18-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milindh

Right and tight EvoKenEvo. I'll add this; if your engine is getting a little old and is burning a bit of oil your plugs are going to foul sooner than on a new and fresh engine. I used to think I could clean them out with solvents and lacquer thinner but ended up with mixed results. Now I just change 'em and immediately throw the old ones away to remove my tendency to hoard old stuff "just in case". Fresh ordinary plugs are better than funky super plugs in my opinion.

I'm running SE EX12p plugs(at $12 a pop) in my pumped FXR right now because that's what the guy who built the engine said to run in it. I think they're in the heat range for a Sportster. Now I have cross referenced them to equivalent Champions, NGK, and Bosch (both platinum and iridium) and I'm going to try some of these on the next tune-up. The main reason is not because of the cost of the SE plugs, after all these days a good loaf of bread cost $3.50 in my neck of the woods, but the fact that you have to get them at a Harley dealer. I'd like to just be able to go down to an auto parts store and get a good replacement if I'm out somewhere where Harley isn't spoken.

OK, I'm changing my allegience to those SE EX12P's . After only a little over 1500 miles the porcelean insulator on the front plug broke and was sliding up and down on that expensive little tiny electrode. The bike had started missing again at low throttle settings so I pulled the plugs to see if they were either loaded up or the wrong color. Rear looked fine. Front looked fine....until I turned it upside down when I noticed the insulator was all the way down to the electrode and would slide up and down around it. Whut the hey....? I've never seen anything like it! That's it for those $12 plugs. I replaced 'em with $1.79 Champions. Runs great. I just hope there's not something weird going on with the engine. If it happens again with the Champs I'll post it.