what plugs should I use

[starrider1946]

Stock, dual port, 1600cc with 34ict's, dvda distributor. What plugs are yall running? Which plugs and what reach? Just wondering.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I like NGK

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I still like NGK plugs

 

[Fowler]

Stock heads NGK B5HS (short threads)
Heads with longer threads NGK B5ES



since you brought up the subject of spark plugs I thought I would add this.

 

[stinger608]

Excellent Post Fowler!!!!!

 

[starrider1946]

what plugs should i use

Good post but what I am wondering is should I use short or long plugs or does it make any difference. This is what I was wondering. I have been using the short reach Bosch plugs. Thanks

Excellent Post Fowler!!!!!

 

[Fowler]

Good post but what I am wondering is should I use short or long plugs or does it make any difference. This is what I was wondering. I have been using the short reach Bosch plugs. Thanks

That depends on the thread depth.
If you have stock heads then it should be 1/2 if you have aftermarket heads it could be 1/2 or 3/4

Maybe your heads have some marking on them you can look up?

I have never tried it but I guess you could rig up something to measure the thread length.
There may even be a tool for that. I don't know

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Excellent Post Fowler!!!!!

I cant rely take credit for the post. Its a combo of several other posts I read

 

[starrider1946]

what plug should i use

I don't know if they are aftermarket heads or not. Very well could be. I wonder how you could tell? I may try and get in touch with the guy I bought the trike from an see if he knows. I think he went completely through it. He was fixing it up for his wife. I'd just like to know. Also what octane gas do yall use in your motors?

That depends on the thread depth.
If you have stock heads then it should be 1/2 if you have aftermarket heads it could be 1/2 or 3/4

Maybe your heads have some marking on them you can look up?

I have never tried it but I guess you could rig up something to measure the thread length.
There may even be a tool for that. I don't know

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I cant rely take credit for the post. Its a combo of several other posts I read

 

[Fowler]

Make a simple tool to measure the depth of the spark plug threads in the head. You just need a small stiff wire (paper clip) with the last 1/4" at one end bent at 90-deg. This is where we will measure from.
Bend a loop in the other end 1" in diameter (you are trying to bend the other end of the wire so it CANNOT fall through the spark plug hole... no matter what -- tie a string to it if you are worried)

The point to understand is that when the spark plug is the correct length, none of the threads will be exposed INSIDE the combustion chamber.


You insert the the small end of the tool and try to hook the inside surface of the combustion chamber (chamber edge of the spark plug threads). This is the bottom of the spark plug threads in the head.
Make a mark using a marker on the tool. A good spot is where the tool meets the spark plug hole in the head tin.
Now pull the tool out so the small bent end is lined up with the upper end of the threaded spark plug hole.

Make another mark on the tool where it meets the tin hole. Take your ruler and measure the difference in the two marks. This is the depth of the spark plug threaded hole.

Stock VW heads used 1/2" deep spark plug holes.
Newer heads use a long reach 3/4" deep plug hole.
Which is closer to the length of your two marks? That is the proper length spark plugs for your heads.

(got this from a post on another site)

 

[rodekyll]

Stock 1600 air cooled is a short reach plug. Short or long depends on head thickness, as the others have pointed out. There is no advantage to a long reach, and long plugs could get contacted by a piston or valve.

The easy way to determine length is to pull known good plug and measure it.

Two permissible heat ranges -- W8 for normal running/cold temps and w7 for mayo problems/performance heat/tropical weather. Numbering may have changed; heat range has not. CAVEAT: going outside recommended heat ranges can cause severe running issues and catastrophic damage to engines. Be careful.

 

[stinger608]

Pull the valve covers and look at the casting numbers on the heads.

I'm guessing, though, from your posts and using short reach plugs, that the heads are stock VW type heads and just use the short reach plugs.

Are they the larger threaded plugs? IE, 14mm thread diameter?

Most of the aftermarket heads that do in fact use the long reach plugs, will use the smaller diameter 12mm plugs. These are commonly referred to as "peanut" plugs.

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

If it is stock then run the stock plug.

My favorite for stock head and aftermarket coil.

Ngk bp6ht
Or
Bosch w7btc

Finding them might be difficult.

If caint find, then normal bosch copper plus in a 7 range.

 

[starrider1946]

what plug should i use

I measured the thread depth and I should be running the 3/4 reach plugs so I put in the bosch 7904. I believe they are a heat range 8. Think that
is what was in it when I got it. I guess it has aftermarket heads. Tried to call the guy I bought it from but couldn't get in touch with him to ask about the heads.Thanks for the suggestions.

If it is stock then run the stock plug.

My favorite for stock head and aftermarket coil.

Ngk bp6ht
Or
Bosch w7btc

Finding them might be difficult.

If caint find, then normal bosch copper plus in a 7 range.

 

[Kebamo]

My plugs

I am using Pulstar be1h10 plugs in my 1600 5mw spark 9 ft lbs extra torck 7 miles more to the gal these plugs produce 1 mil watts of spark compared to the regular 50 watts of regular plugs also burns super clean checkout pulstar.com

 

[Loner]

What more can be said? Extra torque, 7 mpg increase! My quick calculations tell me that about 10 tanks of gas would recoup the extra cost for a set of four of the new plugs, and the savings are gravy beyond that. Pick up one of the 300 mpg carburetors that are locked away, switch to hydrogen-based fuel and you'd be set for some long, inexpensive rides.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. ThumbUp

 

[peteg59]

...I guess if it sounds too good to be true...:Shrug: