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Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 9:18 am
by apole
Hi,

Could I ask your thoughts on a sensible change interval.

The official interval on mine is 60k.

I was ghinking I need to reduce that on lpg and if that is sensible do you thjnk 40k would be about right?

Done 33k since last change and all good so far.

Just don't want to leave it too long and get an issue, expecially at an inconvenient time!

Cheers guys

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:10 pm
by LPGC
Would depend on engine model and which spark plugs you fitted.

After 33K I would remove a few for inspection at least.

Simon

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 6:03 pm
by Tubbs
What motor is it ?

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 7:41 pm
by apole
Thanks Simon,

It's a 2005 3.2 fsi with prins lpg. Plugs will be Audi supplied ad they changed last.

I have Denso Iridium IK22 to replace.

Good idea to take one out and have a look.

Thanks again.

Andy

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 7:42 pm
by apole
Hey Tubbs,

Hope you are keeping well.

AUK engine code.

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:06 pm
by apole
Quick update.

Took a plug out today, looked pretty okay but figured as I had time and weather so nice I may as well change them.

Audi NGK ones were in there: PFR7W, I put in Denso IK22.

Condition looked OK to me so figure 40k in future would be sensible changing point.

Pics here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fpl7mjqm99yk ... DtIfoCnpLa

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

All the best.

Andy

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 3:49 pm
by apole
Forgot to mention the colour reproduction in the pics isn't that good.

Tips are a light brown/grey colour.

In the old days (I remember SU carbs and those colourtune things :D ) that was a good sign, presuming that is still !

Car did have a short 1 mile journey from cold before I changed them.

I notice the old NGK plugs had 2 extra electrodes on the side, Denso's only have the one.

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:20 pm
by Tubbs
It's worth having a look at the plug as a whole rather than just the electrode end. Look for any blow by on the white stem. Any track marks etc.

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:48 pm
by apole
Thanks Tubbs,

Well compared with new one the tip of the iridium part seems a bit flatter, the ceramic jacket below is a tad brown in places, and the lower part of the plug is much darker with carbon, including the extra 2 tips.

Other than that all good. Plugs are quite deep into the head, each hole was clean, no dust or moisture etc. The coils looked good too and sealed tightly.

Can you tell from the pics if the plugs looked worn or not, I'm no expert at all.

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:05 pm
by andy evans autogas
If the ones you took out where platinum plugs then I would recommend fitting like - for - like. At very least fit what are recommended for your car. If the IK22 are recommended then fit them if not then fit what's recommended.

Re: Opions on spark plug change intervals

Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:22 am
by TNT
Spark plugs are always worth an inspection in my opinion. it's one of the easiest ways even seasoned mechanics can tell something isn't right in the combustion chambers. The last thing you want is for the bastards to get seize up in there which could easily happen if like tubbs said there is some blow by.

Spark plugs are a pain to fit to my car so if I do take them out I fit new ones always. if they are are dead easy to get at on your car you have no excuses to not be checking them regularly depending on the amount you drive.