[alfa] Re: Failed Bosch Plus4 non-platinum

[dmasters@xxxxxxxxxx]

Josh Responded to my misery about the failed Bosch plug......
>Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 09:25:36 -0400
>From: Alcon98340@domain.elided
>Subject: [alfa] Re: Failed Bosch Plus4 non-platinum

>David,
>I didn't think that Bosch offered the plus4's in anything but platinum,
but could be mistaken. It is possible that >they just don't offer them here
in North America (like much else). I can't say I'm vastly experienced, but
I have >never found a plug where the cap on the end doesn't screw off. If I
recall correctly from my motorcycle shop days, >some of them were on pretty
tight, and would actually require pliers or something similar to get them
to break >loose. Also, The IX suffix for the NGK plugs should refer to an
iridium-tipped spark plug. It's a fine wire >electrode, used often on Honda
(and probably other) motorcycles. I realize my response is probably
somewhat moot at >this point, but I am just catching up on digests.

>Regards,
>Josh
>'71 1750 Berlina (soon to be resurrected?)
>'72 2000 Berlina (Moxy, runnin' like a champ)
>'84 GTV6 (giving me a guilt trip)
>???      (TBD)

Your understanding is the same as mine (was).  I thought that all the adds
in magazines, etc, only referred to the Bosch "4" as being a long service,
platinum plug.  I was very surprised when the parts guy said the failed one
I handed him was just a "normal" plug.  Bosch have two types the "super 4"
and the "Platinum 4".  I was sold the super ones, not realising there were
non-platinum available.  After all, they had the 4 electrodes. I'll be more
careful next time.

The purchase of the NGK's just goes to show that technology changes.  I
wonder how many other new plugs will soon have non-removable ends. Your
comment about using pliers is exactly what I have done in the past. WARNING
to the list members - it is easy to rip the whole centre out of the plug.
This is not desirable considering the cost of platinum plugs.

I'm running on Golden Lodge at the moment, and the car is a blast (again).
They are quiet(!!) and smooth, and I am back to running on all 4 cylinders.
It is amazing how a slow decrease in performance can sneak up on you.  I
must have been losing compression for quite some time.

Cheers,
david
------
David Masters
1989 ALFA75 TS
2000 Alfa 156 TS
Newcastle Australia
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