iridium Spark Plugs

[Ghengiz]

Just wondering if anyone is using the NGK (4085) BPR6HIX Iridium IX Spark Plug? Advantage/disadvantage?

[GHGoodwin]

Search in "Hammerin". I believe this has been discussed.

[lendrinkard]

I have been running those for 7 years. They last forever. I have a set for spares but have not needed them.

[Ghengiz]

What gap do you use, stock out of the box or Ural spec?

[RC20]

Always use the mfg spec. Plugs fit a variety of engines - rarely is it right for yours.

[Mr Wazzock]

Fancy tipped plugs are only for cars so they can have 10,000 mile service intervals. 'Normal' plugs are fine.

[sKiZo]

Love iridium ... better spread for improved fuel scavenging and less detonation due to unburned fuel in the pipes. Used to be a big problem on a couple of my bikes, especially on hard decel like coming off a short ramp. 100k expected service life is a major plus too.

Word of caution if you intend to go with other than the factory gap ... the iridium tip is extremely fragile. The plugs will last forever in normal use, but even the slightest knock on the tip can f'up the plug big time. Best to use a tool that avoids any contact with the electrode.

[RC20]

Good to know, never had them. Thanks

[GHGoodwin]

NGR BPR7HIX. I've run them for years. Gap .8mm.

[scottmastrocinque]

Whatever floats your boat I guess. I say good for you if it makes you happy.

For myself, I have worked on and restored from the block up, so many VW flat 4 air cooled engines, I couldn’t even begin to count.

Not once did I ever use a fancy super race synthetic oil like Mobil 1 or an iridium spark plug, or special ignition wires or gold plated electric contacts or any such stuff. Just your Plain Jane - run of the mill - general purpose supplies. Like what it came with from the factory.

Luckily for me, I never gave it a second thought and I never got stranded by the side of the road because of not using them.

Of course, it’s your money and YMMV!

I cannot help but wonder though if that stuff is really the Bees Knees, why the manufacturers don’t use it from the get go to really make their equipment shine.

Oh well... Different strokes for different folks, right?

Good luck and happy motoring!

[Michal]

Iridium plugs are for cars where manufacturer specifies spark plug replacement interval 100,000 miles.
I use regular plugs for around 20,000km in my Ural, never had a problem with plug. Surprisingly, road salt seems to kill plug caps sooner than plugs.

[windmill]

I cannot help but wonder though if that stuff is really the Bees Knees, why the manufacturers don’t use it from the get go to really make their equipment shine.

Some do, not unusual at all. They cost 4X more than a standard plugs which can certainly cause a manufacturer pause, but they have some advantages in low performance, high stress applications.

It is rather amusing the puppies and rainbow claims some make, but there is also some hard science and empirical proof to that they do offer some advantages in low maintenance, high fuel economy applications. Its interesting that they're NOT recommended for high performance, and racing applications.

Primarily its their durability as they will last significantly longer. They also run a little hotter for a given heat range so they're less prone to deposits, and the shape of the electrodes have some advantages in less than ideal conditions where the fuel/air mix is compromised, such as when starting or short trips in the cold, certain throttle positions, and high altitudes. Being more conductive they produce a stronger spark for weaker ignition systems.

[kc0yef]

I just switched

[scottmastrocinque]

I cannot help but wonder though if that stuff is really the Bees Knees, why the manufacturers don’t use it from the get go to really make their equipment shine.

Some do, not unusual at all. They cost 4X more than a standard plugs which can certainly cause a manufacturer pause, but they have some advantages in low performance, high stress applications.

It is rather amusing the puppies and rainbow claims some make, but there is also some hard science and empirical proof to that they do offer some advantages in low maintenance, high fuel economy applications. Its interesting that they're NOT recommended for high performance, and racing applications.

Primarily its their durability as they will last significantly longer. They also run a little hotter for a given heat range so they're less prone to deposits, and the shape of the electrodes have some advantages in less than ideal conditions where the fuel/air mix is compromised, such as when starting or short trips in the cold, certain throttle positions, and high altitudes. Being more conductive they produce a stronger spark for weaker ignition systems.

Good information to know. Thank you!

[chaos2]

. Surprisingly, road salt seems to kill plug caps sooner than plugs

Ditto. Don't remember my other bikes or cars having rusty plugs like the Ural. But then I always put away my other bikes before the salt flew.