Autolite platinum spark plugs

ed cougar · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 07:37 PM

I inspected my plugs today and found the tips and poceline cones looking almost completely white! (lean) now I read somewhere that platinum spark plugs don't read like normal ones, anyone useing platinums? I would be interested to know what they look like. I'm paranoid that something is causing a lean mixture because of how the plugs look, but she runs well with no knock ping or rattle throughout any range. Shouldn't the plugs be sort of tan like a perfectly roased marshmellow? I tried to run a rich idle 1 full turn out from optimum on each air screw and I increased the primary jetting from 66 to 69 ran about 20 miles and checked plugs still white, just cant seem to get her to run rich, most guys have the oposite problem too rich. But back to my question about the platinums maybe I'm goose chasin'?

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 08:06 AM

Ed,

Do you run any kind of electronic ignition in your car ? Jacobs, MSD, etc. If so, I would recommend getting rid of the platinum plugs. I tried them with my Jacobs pro street and they don't work worth a darn. I called Jacobs and they told me to use the regular type plugs but never platinum as it throws off the resistance readings and will cause all kinds of problems. I changed about 5 years ago to Autolight and have never had a problem since and the car runs much better.

Ron

ed cougar · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the reply Ron, and yes I am running electronic pertronix module and coil, Are the autolite plugs your using what they refer to as the copper core? the ones I have now are the ap32 I think the p stands for platinum, and I sure am going to switch over thanks to your input. This has been the most informative no bull---- forum I've found yet thanks again.

rdorman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 02:42 PM

Reading air/fuel on plugs with today cleaner burning fuels is very difficult. It can not be done effectively with the naked eye and it may take some time to even get them colored and then that will be over the whole RPM range so you still don't know! Gone are the days of warm her up, put in a new plug, blast down the quarter and read it.

The only way you will know for sure is chassis dyno, or a portable analyser. You can still tune a carb with out these but it always seems to take a month of sundays.

Multi spark discharge units generally do not like the platinum plugs. Go get the cheapy autolites and save some bucks!

Rick

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 03:14 PM

Ed,

Rick is correct about reading the plugs with the new gas but I run NASCAR Racing gas in both of my Cobras. I looked at the big block plug box and it just said Autolite NASCAR 45 plugs, copper core. They aren't expensive at all and are a lot cheaper than the platinum ones are. Using an analizer as Rick said is the easiest way to tune the car if you are running regular pump gas. Unless you have access to a dyno which we don't have around this area.

Ron

REDSC400 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 08:13 PM

Hi Ed:
I am running Autolite 45 Nascar plugs gapped at .035" in my 428FE. This engine has the MSD 6AL ignition box with a Unilite Distributor. I changed my plugs about 200 miles ago and took out #1 last evening to check condition. Nearly perfectly white and dry. The 200 miles was primarily in town driving. I have a Holley 850 double pumper that gets me about 10-12 M/Gall in the city so running "lean" is really not an option (heh).

ed cougar · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 02:44 PM

Thanks REDSC that helps, I still switched from the platinum to the regular autolite 45's. I pulled one out and it's still white looking I guess the only way to know for sure is to analyze the exhaust for A/F ratio. I know a lean burn can destroy a motor, no detonation or deiseling happens so I guess for now I'm ok. And you say your plugs also look white rather than tan, and one reply to my post suggested the methods of reading plugs are long gone with todays fuel. thanks again.

REDSC400 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 06:07 AM

Yah, you are right. Here in Conn. I have available to me two pretty high octane gasolines. The one I use most is Sunoco 94 octane. The other is AMOCO Premium 94 octane. Both of them have the methelene additive in them.

This 428FE has always burned clean with no fouling. The older plugs I took out were discolored brownish but dry. The previous owner of the car confirmed a clean burn as well.

Cheers.

wtcobra · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 09:11 AM

Platinum, Split Fire, etc. All of the expensive plugs are no better than inexpensive plugs. Their claim to fame is that they last longer. If you have an application where you need plugs that are going to last years and a hundred thousand miles, you might want to consider them. Otherwise buy the regular plugs which work just as well if not better.

wt

TerribleTed13 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 09:37 AM

Platinum plugs take longer to warm up to operating temp, longer to burnoff and carbon build up. I recomend regular plugs on carbed engines. Platinum on engines that are fuel injected and a real pain to change. Ron is right, save the $ for something else.
Copper core plug should be good for 30k miles. {like anyone of us could go that far without tinkering}.

Jack21 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 04:41 PM

Have to agree here. Plain old Autolites in the Cobra. MSD, for one, discourages platinum plugs because they claim the energy output of the MSD ignition could make the platinum tip come off.

Although I use platinums in my grocery getters, they don't get changed religiously as the Cobra.

The non platinum split-fire may warrant some merit.



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