New plug compromise question.

[cnoe]

Okay, I've read all the recent "plug" threads, but would like just a bit more input.

 

My current Tempest massives have worked well for me but have some noticeable center electrode wear approaching 500 hours in service.

 

I could simply clean and re-gap them but I'm giving consideration to replacing them at the upcoming annual. I'd like to replace them all with Tempest Fine Wires but am having a hard time justifying the $614 cost while my current plugs go 50+ degrees LOP with no problems.

 

As a compromise I'm thinking I'll buy 4 Massives for the tops and 4 Fine Wires for the bottoms (where fouling seems more common) and calling it a day.

 

How many of you are mixing plugs like this, and does anybody see a problem with it?

 

Thanks.

 

Cnoe

[Tommy]

I did (top 4 massive and bottom 4 fine wire) and it worked brilliantly. No fouling and Runs smoothly even 100F LOP!

You won't regret it.

[larryb]

One downside is not being able to rotate the plugs anymore.

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[cnoe]

Good point larryb but if I understand the polarity issues correctly we should be able to swap odd and even numbered plugs to reduce electrode wear while still keeping them segregated top and bottom.

I'm not keen on wasting money but more importantly I don't want to get stuck un-cowling the plane on a hot Texas ramp to replace an unforgivingly fouled plug while my wife and dog wait patiently under the nearest shade tree. Running Tommy's system might help me avoid that scenario.

I may just reuse (clean and re-gap) the four best massives while adding four new fine wires on bottom (leaving me with four spares).

Anybody else want to chime in?

Chuck

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[cliffy]

I've got 800 hrs on Tempest massives with no issues. Annual next week and if no problem with the resistances is noted I will regap and reuse if center electrode is not worn too far. I'm a C so I don't go LOP.

[stevesm20b]

You might want to try the 37BY plugs. They are extended tip plugs. I switched to them from massive plugs when I had plug fouling problems. They are a lot cheaper than the fine wires and stopped my fouling problems.

[cnoe]

I was interested in the 37BYs 'til I discovered they weren't certified for the IO360-A3B6D.

800 hours on the Tempest massives is a good testament to their durability cliffy! I imagine if I show up for the annual with new plugs in hand my AI will razz me. Still I sure like the idea of FW plugs on bottom having picked out a few lead balls from the massives at oil change time.

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[kmyfm20s]

Hedge your bet. Pick the 4 best of your current plugs for the top and buy 4 new fine wires for the bottom. Keep the other 4 for spares or use them to replace you other massive latter since your fine wires will last longer.

[Ratherbflying]

Tempest Fine wires on the bottom fixed our plug fouling issues. I did exactly what kmyfm20s said.

[rbridges]

You guys with the fouling problems, are you leaning aggressively during taxi? Knock on wood, I've never had a fouling issue. I can count on one hand how many times I've had any issue during mag checks and I use the old champion massives.

[cujet]

You might want to try the 37BY plugs. They are extended tip plugs. I switched to them from massive plugs when I had plug fouling problems. They are a lot cheaper than the fine wires and stopped my fouling problems.

There are many who use these with great results. The extended tip is said to increase HP by one or two also. One slight advantage to extended tip plugs is the ability to more reliably light off a low pressure mix. Such as when chopping power at high altitudes or on final with power pulled back. What this means is fewer misfires under such conditions and therefore fewer fouled plugs. 

 

In addition, the Lycoming TCDS lists "TEXTRON Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1042" as the source for approved spark plugs. The 37BY is on the list for a number of applications. 

[orionflt]

most plugs last around 500 hours, with proper rotation and maintenance they will last longer, as previously said, test them and check to ensure they do not exceed erosion limits if everything is good keep using them. as for the fine wire plugs you will be very happy with them, I replaced all of my plugs last annual and could see aqn immediate difference in the temps and smoothness of my C model. 

 

Brian

[Andy95W]

Hedge your bet. Pick the 4 best of your current plugs for the top and buy 4 new fine wires for the bottom. Keep the other 4 for spares or use them to replace you other massive latter since your fine wires will last longer.

+1