Spark Plugs & Leads
Discussion
Hi,
I'm having trouble with the HC reading on my 450SE.
Starting from basics, I want to change the plugs and leads first. I'm using NGK B7ECS at the moment but wanted to check if there is any updated plug that's recommended.
I also want to fit new leads, so does anyone have recommendations for a make/set number etc that can replace the ones I have fitted. These seem to have a thin core with I'm guessing, carbon impregnated in it.
The car is mainly used for enjoyable sunny days so is not really pushed hard.
Les
I'm having trouble with the HC reading on my 450SE.
Starting from basics, I want to change the plugs and leads first. I'm using NGK B7ECS at the moment but wanted to check if there is any updated plug that's recommended.
I also want to fit new leads, so does anyone have recommendations for a make/set number etc that can replace the ones I have fitted. These seem to have a thin core with I'm guessing, carbon impregnated in it.
The car is mainly used for enjoyable sunny days so is not really pushed hard.
Les
Bosch HT leads, sensible price and good quality
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183997394731?epid=24877...
NGK BPR6ES was always a recommended plug in the Chimaera section.
Some chose to use the iridium equivalent too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Some chose to use the iridium equivalent too.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I didn't think about looking at a grade change. A hotter plug may also help the HC reading. Thanks for that, now I need to brush up on plugs. I havant done that since my motorcycle days.
The car is only used on sunny leisurely drives so may not need grade 7 as fitted from new.
I checked 4 of the 8 plugs yesterday, 3 of the 4 were reading 0 ohms. The 4th showed about 300 ohms, not much difference, but a difference.
The plugs are non resistor plugs so need resistor leads, an I right or wrong?
The car is only used on sunny leisurely drives so may not need grade 7 as fitted from new.
I checked 4 of the 8 plugs yesterday, 3 of the 4 were reading 0 ohms. The 4th showed about 300 ohms, not much difference, but a difference.
The plugs are non resistor plugs so need resistor leads, an I right or wrong?
NGK B7ECS are the recommended plug for the 450SE. I had these in my 400SE and they were constantly getting fouled or the engine would flood. Then I changed to NGK BPR6ES and I've had no trouble since. I think the B7ECS is the wrong plug unless you drive the car hard all the time to stop the plugs fouling.
Just fitted new plugs, leads, rotor arm and distributor cap. Luckily it fired up first turn.
The plugs may be where the problem lies as at least three of the plugs showed higher resistance readings than the others. One was in the 2k range. The distributor caps aluminium posts also had some corrosion.
Not sure if this trick is known, but number 8 plug is a pain to fit as the clutch master cylinder gets in the way. After pondering on it for a while, I cut a short length of small bore PVC fuel line (similar to brake bleed hose) and pushed it over the end of the plug. It makes a great plug insertion tool and also stops the plug dropping to the floor and damaging the electrode. A 3/8 inch plug socket will also fit over it if required. The grip it gave on the plug was enough to allow it to be fully wound in ready for the final tightening. I used it on all the plugs and it worked like a dream.
Next question it about getting the HT leads to fully push home on the plugs. Is it best to get a special tool, if there is one, or just push as hard as I can?
Les
The plugs may be where the problem lies as at least three of the plugs showed higher resistance readings than the others. One was in the 2k range. The distributor caps aluminium posts also had some corrosion.
Not sure if this trick is known, but number 8 plug is a pain to fit as the clutch master cylinder gets in the way. After pondering on it for a while, I cut a short length of small bore PVC fuel line (similar to brake bleed hose) and pushed it over the end of the plug. It makes a great plug insertion tool and also stops the plug dropping to the floor and damaging the electrode. A 3/8 inch plug socket will also fit over it if required. The grip it gave on the plug was enough to allow it to be fully wound in ready for the final tightening. I used it on all the plugs and it worked like a dream.
Next question it about getting the HT leads to fully push home on the plugs. Is it best to get a special tool, if there is one, or just push as hard as I can?
Les
common rule:
maximum 1 component in the ignition system should have a resistance. (and this is only for noise-depression)
as all modern HTLeads are restistance-types, the plug MUST be without.
so fitting modern leads AND R-type plugs is already the first mistake you can do.
Speaking for Chimaera´s there was another mistake possible:
the orignal plug-extenders where R-Type....so with the HT-Leads used on those cars AND R-Type plugs you had 3 resistances in the ignition-circuit: Leads, Extenders and Plugs...totally wrong!!!
Chim Plugs were therefore never R-Type!!
maximum 1 component in the ignition system should have a resistance. (and this is only for noise-depression)
as all modern HTLeads are restistance-types, the plug MUST be without.
so fitting modern leads AND R-type plugs is already the first mistake you can do.
Speaking for Chimaera´s there was another mistake possible:
the orignal plug-extenders where R-Type....so with the HT-Leads used on those cars AND R-Type plugs you had 3 resistances in the ignition-circuit: Leads, Extenders and Plugs...totally wrong!!!
Chim Plugs were therefore never R-Type!!
Hi LLantrisant
Thanks for your comment, and I will try and remember it for further reference, but if you check my opening post it shows that the plugs removed were the same as fitted originally so do not have resistors. The leads are also the original set fitted by TVR when the car was new. The 450SE as far as I know never has extenders fitted, well not to my car anyway.
Les
Thanks for your comment, and I will try and remember it for further reference, but if you check my opening post it shows that the plugs removed were the same as fitted originally so do not have resistors. The leads are also the original set fitted by TVR when the car was new. The 450SE as far as I know never has extenders fitted, well not to my car anyway.
Les
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