Spark plugs

[blackstag]

Hi Folks I bought a set of NGK BP5ES spark plugs recently and was assured that they were the equivalent of Champion N9Y The first thing I noticed was that the electrodes on the old N9Y are a lot longer that the BP3ESand although the overall length is the same the electrodes are a lot more exposed than the NGK . After 500 miles one of the BP5ES failed so I ordered a set of plugs from a well known supplier inChester and a set of Bosch arrived and guess what The electrodes on those are short as well . I have fitted the new plugs and all is well but the difference in electrode length still bugs me . My gut feeling says the longer electrodes on the N9Y would give better combustion what do you think? I would attach a pic of the two plugs if I knew howwould some computer literate readed tell me how

Cheers Tony

[DJT]

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Tony,

I have used the NGK ones succesfully, but Stag guru Tony Hart won't use anything but Champion. He is currently selling N12YCC.

Dave

[Kevin Garrod]

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Ldparts sell BP5E plugs (NB not BP5ES)

I've been using them since last Winter with no problems.

[Gresley]

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Can't comment about NGK or Champion, but I currently have Autolite fitted and I'm not too impressed:X

Brian

[redstag]

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Therecommended Champion plugs are N11Y/N12Y (add some C's for copper core).

I too have been using the BP5E plugs for the last 8 years with no problems.

Pete

[rogerc]

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The length of the electrodes might have something to do with whether the plugs are 'hot' or 'cold'.

There was a brief article in the AugustPractical Classics (with the Stag on the cover) answering a readers letter that explained it. They refer to the length of the insulator nose as affecting the plug cooling - whether a short insulator would give a long electrode I don't know?

Anyone a little more knowledgeable on this?

Roger

[Marco Polo]

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I was recomended to use NGK BP4EY when I mentioned my "smutty" tail pipes to my local Triumph guru. I have used them for the past 4 years and the tail pipe now has a nice light grey colour to them after a decent run. Just like I used to get using leaded fuel.

You can "Google" NGK spark plug codes and there are a number of sites to help decode the NGK alphanumeric.

regards,

Raoul

[DJT]

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Marco Polo wrote:

I was recomended to use NGK BP4EY when I mentioned my "smutty" tail pipes to my local Triumph guru. I have used them for the past 4 years and the tail pipe now has a nice light grey colour to them after a decent run. Just like I used to get using leaded fuel.

You can "Google" NGK spark plug codes and there are a number of sites to help decode the NGK alphanumeric.

regards,

Raoul

I have found information on NGK heat ratings. The '4' indicates it is 'hotter' than the '5'. (NGK rate their plugs on a scale from 1 to 10. Where 1 is hottest, 10 is coldest).

Does anyone know how the Champion numbers work? Is an '11' 'hotter' or 'colder' than a '12'?

Dave

[Andy Rundell]

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I run with NGK BP5E (the ones with the V groove) never had a problem yet - about 9 months ago i was going to change to a 4, but the next change revealed a very good combustion colour all round so i have stuck with the 5's.

I'm not sure of the logic in the Champion numbers, i always thought that the higher numbers were hotter in the Champion range, but then found some anomalies in the following comparison table :?

http://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/pages/te...on860-n288.htm

[GDPR]

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11 is colder than a 12 on Champions. Tip length comparisons are irrelevant between manufacturers as the thermal conductivity of the tip and insulator are different.

Personally would only run mine on N12Y after extensive experience with Dolomites (1850), and Stags in a workshop environment. N11s would be OK in a hot climate or the engine is being caned on a very regular basis, but you really need the hotter plug (12) in the UK to prevent fouling and deposit build-upunless you are constantly revving hard.

I've only found Champion, Densoand NGKs to be of any use in a Triumph OHC engine - the Bosch, Motorcraftand Autoliteplugs are just cheap and cheerful and have the highest profit for the local motor factor hence are widely stocked.

My threepennyworth

Russ:dude:

[Malcolm C]

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http://stagownersclub.mywowbb.com/forum1/2014.html

I fitted NGKs in the Stag and it never ran very well.

Changed to Champion and it transformed the car.

Malcolm

[DJT]

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kryten wrote:

11 is colder than a 12 on Champions. Tip length comparisons are irrelevant between manufacturers as the thermal conductivity of the tip and insulator are different.

Personally would only run mine on N12Y after extensive experience with Dolomites (1850), and Stags in a workshop environment. N11s would be OK in a hot climate or the engine is being caned on a very regular basis, but you really need the hotter plug (12) in the UK to prevent fouling and deposit build-upunless you are constantly revving hard.

I've only found Champion, Densoand NGKs to be of any use in a Triumph OHC engine - the Bosch, Motorcraftand Autoliteplugs are just cheap and cheerful and have the highest profit for the local motor factor hence are widely stocked.

My threepennyworth

Russ:dude:

Russ,

Thanks for the response. Much as I thought, but there is little info on Champion heat ranges, and what is seems to conflict as per Andy's reply.

I have N12YC in my current Stag (had NGK in my last one), but broke one today. The top connector thingy was loose. Tried tightening it up as I have always done using a pair of pliers and it snapped off! Never had that happen before.

I have fitted a Bosch, from my 'used-but-good' stock,in its place for now until I can get some new Champions.

Dave