| Author | Message | ||
     Terry Christmas (Cornfed3) New Member Username: Cornfed3 Post Number: 9 Registered: 06-2003 |
I recently purchased a 2000 DII. The "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I took it to Autozone, found out the plugs were fouled. They have some Bosch Platinum +4 for $5.99 each. They also had regular Bosch Platinums for $1.99. What is the difference and is it worth the money? | ||
| Jim H. (Victor_mature) Member Username: Victor_mature Post Number: 112 Registered: 02-2003 |
Terry, don't tell me, let me guess: Your truck has about 52,000 miles on it right? The Service Engine light comes on as an emmission systems check reminder every 52K miles. Go to the tech section for instructions on how to reset this yourself. As far as plugs, there's a difference between 'worn' and 'fouled'. Consult the standard spark plug chart in any automotive book (or online) and see what you've got. If they're just worn out, I'd say disregard the hype and buy the standard plugs that your manual calls for, should be less than $2 each and will be fine. Jim | ||
| Robbie Donaldson (Robbie) Senior Member Username: Robbie Post Number: 394 Registered: 02-2002 |
on DII's the service engine light plays the same role as the check engine on a DI - so there was a fault, not just emissions. i don't think there is any advantage to more expensive plugs, and i have actually heard bad things about the bosch +4's on Rovers (all hearsay, no actual experience). i use NGK's on my 95 DI. | ||
| nobody (Hywy61) New Member Username: Hywy61 Post Number: 22 Registered: 02-2003 |
the tech section on resetting the light is for a DI - anyone has the procedure for a DII? The dealer wants $300 to do it - for what I don't know Mine is coming up on 52K and that is when I was told the light would come on - something about the emissions. | ||
| Porter Mann (Porter) New Member Username: Porter Post Number: 22 Registered: 05-2003 |
I don't believe in the splitfire 2 prong, 3-prong, or 4-prong spark plugs. From a physics standpoint I don't see the benifit. The way I see it, The spark travels from the probe to the arm - and it will go to the arm with least resistance (i.e. closer distance) which means micrometers make the difference. If one arm is even a molecule closer, the spark will consistently go there and not to the other arms, which makes the other arms useless. If a plug fouls, it fouls the entire thing, not a single arm which doesn't help here either. I like bosh plugs though. I use their basic platinum plugs and have had no problems with them for the past 3 years. When I replace them annually, I've found that they look almost perfect and could probably go for another few years. | ||
| June H. Han (Junehhan) New Member Username: Junehhan Post Number: 27 Registered: 04-2003 |
From what I understand, the neck on the Bosch +4's are in general not as thick as teh OEM plugs and could potentially cause issues with the plug wires potentially coming loose, or even worse allowing moisture to build up in there. However, you'll want to check for yourself because those plugs were a big no-no with some of my previous vehicles particularly because of the thinner ceramic neck. Avoid splitfire plugs at all costs..............those things are junk and have been proven to fail in horrible ways like the ceramic neck cracking and coming apart. This is fact. | ||
| Terry Christmas (Cornfed3) New Member Username: Cornfed3 Post Number: 10 Registered: 06-2003 |
After doing a little google research today, I found some good info. As I understand it, typical plugs(single prong)are the most effective/efficient. Gap setting and insulation content affect overall performance more than the # of prongs. Vehicles such as Discos have low RPM's in turn creating low heat in the chamber. If "Well" insulated plugs are put into LR's, the plug doesn't reach optimum temp. to burn off the carbon which causes fouling. Less Insulated plugs burn hotter (550 to 850 degrees) which provides better arch throw and carbon burn off. This is only my understanding and would recommend you doing your own research to verify. Bosch Platinum ( single prong) for sled. | ||
| Matt Williams (Ltmatt007) Member Username: Ltmatt007 Post Number: 52 Registered: 02-2003 |
My 99 DII has 65000 miles on it and my service engine light has never come on. I change my plugs every 30K miles and use Bosch platinum single prong plugs. They come out as clean as they went in. I have had no problems.--Matt | ||
| Luis Constantin (Luisc) Member Username: Luisc Post Number: 52 Registered: 02-2003 |
If AC Delco made Rapid Fire plugs for Discos, that's what I would go with. But I have been researching cross reference numbers and been coming up with no clues. I use them in everything else and love them. When my Harley D was fouling out plugs, even the Bosch, I tried the Rapid Fires and they would go 10K before needing replacement. The great thing about them is both electrodes are tapered, which exposes more of the spark kernel to the fuel vapors. If anyone finds a cross reference or has tried them without any adverse effects on their D1, let me know. I've just been apprehensive about experimentation. | ||
| ANTONIO DAVIS (Acacia1) New Member Username: Acacia1 Post Number: 29 Registered: 02-2003 |
Went with the Bosch Platinum + 4 and have no problems on my 98 Disco. Although I can't recommend nor condemn them. I haven't noticed much of a difference than the originals I had in. Got caught up in the hype and spent way too much for some spark plugs. | ||
| John Lombos (Rover4us) Member Username: Rover4us Post Number: 42 Registered: 02-2003 |
I'm an NGK plug fan myself. I've used it in all my sport compacts- naturally aspirated and boosted cars. For the D2, I went with Bosch. I've used the regular platinums and had no problems with it. I just did a tune up @47K and installed Magnecore wires and Bosch +4. No problems so far. I think plug selection should be matched with vehicle set up and what you are doing with it ie. stress, climate, engine mods etc. But if you drive more on the street and just want a good plug, I think the Platinums are a good choice. If you go with copper, I would just change them at greater intervals. Here are some places for info. http://www.ngk.com/glossary.asp?kw=Multi-ground http://www.ngk.com/glossary.asp?kw=Multi-ground |
