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Iridium Spark Plugs and Cold Start - User Beware

Started by supperduc, December 28, 2011, 04:39:00 PM

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koko64

#30
June 24, 2012, 05:19:45 PM
What gap do you run, the .024 (0.6) or the .036 (0.9)?
2015 Scrambler 800

metroplex

#31
June 24, 2012, 05:30:34 PM
I'm running Denso IXU24 at 0.035" gap on my 2009 696. It felt like my throttle was a bit more responsive, but it did not impact cold/hot starts at all.
These aren't the droids you're looking for

ducpainter

#32
June 25, 2012, 02:44:08 AM
Quote from: koko64 on June 24, 2012, 05:19:45 PM
What gap do you run, the .024 (0.6) or the .036 (0.9)?
Me?

.024
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


koko64

#33
June 25, 2012, 05:29:24 AM Last Edit: June 25, 2012, 05:32:47 AM by koko64
Quote from: ducpainter on June 25, 2012, 02:44:08 AM
Me?

.024

Yep.  :)

The NGK plug commonly used here has a larger gap as supplied compared to the oem Champion. It's the same large gap as the iridium plug. Does the plug you use come pre gapped at .024 or do you gap it to the oem Champion spec?
I'm curious as to the different plug gaps.
2015 Scrambler 800

ducpainter

#34
June 25, 2012, 08:28:18 AM
Quote from: koko64 on June 25, 2012, 05:29:24 AM
Yep.  :)

The NGK plug commonly used here has a larger gap as supplied compared to the oem Champion. It's the same large gap as the iridium plug. Does the plug you use come pre gapped at .024 or do you gap it to the oem Champion spec?
I'm curious as to the different plug gaps.
I check them, but IIRC they are close to .024.

To be honest, the plugs last so long I don't really remember.

I've never fouled one
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


koko64

#35
June 25, 2012, 05:24:34 PM
Quote from: metroplex on June 24, 2012, 05:30:34 PM
I'm running Denso IXU24 at 0.035" gap on my 2009 696. It felt like my throttle was a bit more responsive, but it did not impact cold/hot starts at all.

Sounds consistent with the claims made about iridium plugs and gap sizes.

I suppose some stock ignition systems, particularly on older carbed bikes, may not be up to handling the larger plug gaps required by the iridium plugs.

So effecient, high output coils and leads are probably required to support the large plug gaps, no surprise, but it might catch some people out and explain some peoples issues.
2015 Scrambler 800

ducpainter

#36
June 25, 2012, 05:27:37 PM
Quote from: koko64 on June 25, 2012, 05:24:34 PM
Sounds consistent with the claims made about iridium plugs and gap sizes.

I suppose some stock ignition systems, particularly on older carbed bikes, may not be up to handling the larger plug gaps required by the iridium plugs.

So effecient, high output coils and leads are probably required to support the large plug gaps, no surprise, but it might catch some people out and explain some peoples issues.

Exactly.

High output coils have always been necessary for larger plug gaps.

It does make a performance difference too.

My old 2 smokers stopped fouling plugs with better coils and Champion Gold Palladium plugs.
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


koko64

#37
June 25, 2012, 05:28:33 PM
So DP and metroplex, what ignition set ups you guys running?
2015 Scrambler 800

ducpainter

#38
June 25, 2012, 05:31:55 PM
Quote from: koko64 on June 25, 2012, 05:28:33 PM
So DP and metroplex, what ignition set ups you guys running?
My engine is stock except for cans...slip ons, and jetting.

I put my money into suspension. ;)
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


BerettaMato

#39
June 25, 2012, 05:36:16 PM
I bought a set before I viewed this thread always thought they were better in some way. Shows how much I don't know. I decided to try them anyway since I was having hesitating when starting. I gapped them to .036 as suggested in this tread. I also used some boot grease. She started perfectly. After a short drive felt like a little more responsive maybe. I will up date on the cold starts come fall. I did order some OEM ones just in case.
Beretta Giarratano
Boulder, Colorado

2002 Ducati 620 Monster (Currant)
2001 Honda 1800 VTX 400 miles ridden (Hated it) Sold
2002 Honda VTR1000 20,000 miles ridden (Loved it) Sold
1988 Honda NT650 62,000 miles ridden (Soul Mate) Sold Sad
1987 Yamaha YSR50 500 miles ridden (FUN) Sold

metroplex

#40
June 25, 2012, 05:42:58 PM
koko64: I'm running the stock ignition coils. I tested the IXU24 Iridium plugs using the stock wires, and then with the Magnecor wires. I didn't detect a difference with the Magnecor wires.

My 696 came from the dealer with the Race ECU, Termi slip-ons, and Race air filter.

After doing a lot of trial and error during the winter when it got into the single digits, I found that the quantity of engine oil and weight of engine oil had the most impact on cold starts w/ my 696. The plugs and wires had zero effect. Too much oil apparently causes a hard start condition. Too thick of an oil makes cold starts difficult as well. Filling my motor to the bottom sight mark line with Rotella T6 made for very easy cold starts. However, the T6 would cause the clutch to slip badly during WOT speed shifts. Running M1 V-Twin 20W-50 makes cold starts/cold idling very cumbersome, but the engine performs more smoothly.
These aren't the droids you're looking for

koko64

#41
June 25, 2012, 05:46:39 PM Last Edit: June 25, 2012, 06:04:23 PM by koko64
DP. Well stock plugs and smaller oem gaps make perfect sense.
Metro. It seems its all about a better burn and improved response. I like a lighter oil in winter also.

I'm running Igniteck ignitor, high output coils and fancy leads and either type of plug seems to work well with the larger gap. Only issue I've had is plugs compromised by carb flooding (and one particular brand of fuel), so losing ten bucks is better then fifty. I reckon the iridiums bounce back a little better, but if they fail I'm cursin'.

The plug color of the iridiums (on my bike) supports the theory of a bigger flame kernel and more complete combustion at least at lower revs, when compared to the regular plugs. Thats the only test I've done. I dont ever plan to dyno test it for a street bike.
2015 Scrambler 800

ducpainter

#42
June 25, 2012, 06:10:05 PM
I think the science regarding low rpm running, high performance ignition, and plug gap is proven.

I just ride it. ;D
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


BerettaMato

#43
June 25, 2012, 06:13:21 PM
Well put.   [thumbsup]
Beretta Giarratano
Boulder, Colorado

2002 Ducati 620 Monster (Currant)
2001 Honda 1800 VTX 400 miles ridden (Hated it) Sold
2002 Honda VTR1000 20,000 miles ridden (Loved it) Sold
1988 Honda NT650 62,000 miles ridden (Soul Mate) Sold Sad
1987 Yamaha YSR50 500 miles ridden (FUN) Sold

koko64

#44
June 25, 2012, 08:43:06 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on June 25, 2012, 06:10:05 PM
I think the science regarding low rpm running, high performance ignition, and plug gap is proven.

I just ride it. ;D

That's pretty much it. ;)
2015 Scrambler 800
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