Spark plugs

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

what2do
Registered user
Posts: 2824
Joined: 05 Oct 2012, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 11974
Location: Salisbury

Spark plugs

Post by what2do »

Been supplied with some Bosch WR 78 plugs for nowt, they're not what I normally use and I was wondering if they'll be ok. I can exchange them if necessary but that would involve returning to Eurocarpartsparts on the other side of town and I can't be arsed.......

Thoughts please. Thanks, Mitch.
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

Ralf85
Registered user
Posts: 4447
Joined: 13 Jan 2010, 12:42
80-90 Mem No: 4418
Location: West London - 1985 westie pop top, LHD, 1900 DF engine

Re: Spark plugs

Post by Ralf85 »

Check the wiki above. It explains all.
:)

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Spark plugs

Post by itchyfeet »

A quick google says they will fit at least one post on here where somebody fitted them

Some lpg experts claim multi electrodes are bad some say they are ok

who knows what to believe, I don't use them as I was advised not to

http://wiki.club8090.co.uk/index.php/Al ... park_plugs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

what2do
Registered user
Posts: 2824
Joined: 05 Oct 2012, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 11974
Location: Salisbury

Re: Spark plugs

Post by what2do »

Fair enough, I'll get them changed. Not going to cost me anything.
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

User avatar
SamsBus2012
Registered user
Posts: 561
Joined: 15 Aug 2012, 10:24
80-90 Mem No: 11455
Location: Devon

Re: Spark plugs

Post by SamsBus2012 »

First time I serviced my van i discovered I had multi terminal plugs fitted. Used Bosch +1s ever since. No issues either way from my point of view as the van seemed to be running fine with either type. I dont have LPG though.
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

California Dreamin
Registered user
Posts: 2673
Joined: 03 Apr 2007, 12:54
80-90 Mem No: 8386
Location: Nottingham

Re: Spark plugs

Post by California Dreamin »

I had a look to see if they crossed referenced to the Triple electrode W7TDC but couldn't seem to make a direct link. If these are indeed 'super fours' and the same heat range (that's the 7 bit) then they will likely be fine...but...the uncertainty is enough that I would advise the swap to something you definitely know fits.

If you're on gas, single electrode does seem to be the way to go. However, there are lots on here use multi electrode plugs with good results.
I guess it all depends on what ECP stock.

Safe bet: Bosch WR7DC single electrode.

Martin
1989 California 2.1MV

Ceirion
Registered user
Posts: 35
Joined: 07 Aug 2014, 12:10
80-90 Mem No: 0

Re: Spark plugs

Post by Ceirion »

I have just put them in my van seem great so far, makes sense to have multi electrodes to me, again not log though.
Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'
Robin Williams

1983 T25 Super Viking

what2do
Registered user
Posts: 2824
Joined: 05 Oct 2012, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 11974
Location: Salisbury

Re: Spark plugs

Post by what2do »

Things are never straight forward with van ownership - are they??? I envy the ignoramus that just drives their van without the knowledge gleaned from forum membership!
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

California Dreamin
Registered user
Posts: 2673
Joined: 03 Apr 2007, 12:54
80-90 Mem No: 8386
Location: Nottingham

Re: Spark plugs

Post by California Dreamin »

I pretty sure that 'historically' when VAG group started extending their service intervals (mid to late 80's with the advent of synthetic oils) they began using 'extended life' stark plugs. In the case of the T25 wasserboxer engines, this meant migrating from Bosch W7DC's (non resistor single electrode plugs at that time) to W7TDC's (triple electrode plugs) which lasted much longer.
The 'Super Four' and I'm guessing this incarnation of the Super Four, are just evolution's of that triple electrode plug.

My only concern with using these (and I have used the triple electrode ones before with good results) is the inability to adjust the spark plug gap, which is pre-set and not adjustable.
As the advised gap for LPG is 0.6mm (from Steve at Gasure) the fixed gap of somewhere 0.8 or 0.9 (from memory) maybe too much of an air gap for these to run optimally on gas.


For those on GAS (LPG) ..Bosch have designed a platinum/iridium tipped plug that they say is particularly suitable for LPG and gives enhanced performance on standard petrol engines as well.
The Bosch WR7DP, which is the same heat range and physical dimensions as a standard plug, (also has the ability to adjust the gap) BUT with tapered earthing electrode and Platinum long life center electrode....several times the life compared to the standard WR7DC.
These are a bit more expensive but LONG LIFE so cheaper in the long run...and admitedly not on the 'list' of recommended plugs because of there expense. However, my recommendation because of there superior start capabilities (always an issue on gas particularly)
http://rb-aa.bosch.com/aa-uk/en/sparkpl ... atinum.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Martin
Last edited by California Dreamin on 19 Dec 2014, 10:43, edited 7 times in total.
1989 California 2.1MV

what2do
Registered user
Posts: 2824
Joined: 05 Oct 2012, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 11974
Location: Salisbury

Re: Spark plugs

Post by what2do »

That's it. The inability to adjust the electrode gap is the deal breaker, I'm going to return them as I am running LPG. Like I said, it's no biggy as they were free from Eurocarparts anyway.

Now, I'm off to bury my head in the sand as I believe it's the better method to ensure 'trouble free motoring'.........
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8409
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Spark plugs

Post by CovKid »

Resurrected thread. Mine had the multi-electrode plugs, was getting lumpy. Old plugs. From what I can glean those plugs are a fiver a shot. Went to single electrode WR7DC+ (marked Russia?) this time. About £7 for all four. Started on the button anyway. :D

Personally I don't mind swapping them out more regularly if thats the routine. Nothing like a fresh set of plugs for livening up starting.
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16342
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Spark plugs

Post by silverbullet »

I detest those multiple electrode plugs. The longer they are fitted and undisturbed, the more likely they are to sieze in any engine.
I have LPG specific (tiny tiny centre electrode) NGK's in the SA iirc. Not cheap when buying 5, but its never fouled a plug on either fuel and its been on petrol only for a while now. Starts on the button every time.

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8409
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Spark plugs

Post by CovKid »

Aye. Despite the hype I've never found them to last longer OR run any better than single electrode. The question you have to ask is:

"If it needs FOUR electrodes - whats the matter with the plug???" :rofl
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Spark plugs

Post by itchyfeet »

I can't help thinking modern plugs are good for 20, 30, 40,000 miles, can't remember ever having a plug fail.
Don't bother changing mine too much in the van or cars.
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16342
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Spark plugs

Post by silverbullet »

Apparently the logic is that the spark will always jump the easiest/smallest gap, so manufacturing tolerances will always favour one until it burns backnor becomes sufficiently contaminated, then the spark will find the next easiest route to earth.
The downside is that (as I understand it) the messy plug design rather impedes the initial flame front that initiates combustion.
Somewhat self defeating.

Post Reply