| 8/9/2009 4:03:13 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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 what brand spark plugs are the best to go with? do i want either copper or the platinum? and does anyone know how important it is to change out a breather filter? i didnt even know i had one. i am female, so dont be mean, im trying to learn do my own mechanical work. all the guys i was dealing with wont help. i think they want me to rely on them. i dont want to of course. soo, im hoping yall here will help me get through the dumb ???'s so i can learn to fix my own mechanical issues.
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| 8/9/2009 7:27:25 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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malexand
Blanchester, OH
62, joined Nov. 2007
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My thoughts have always been to use Japanese plugs in a Japanese car and German plugs in a German car. I don't know about American cars because I have only owned a few.
Most of the time I have found that platinum plugs work well and last longer. That is not to say it will work everytime. What I have found is that the split electrode plugs that cost $4 or more are junk and don't waste your money.
Unless your motor has a lot of blow-by, I wouldn't worry about your breather filter. Maybe just clean or replace it if it looks dirty. Look on the inside also.
You're not asking dumb questions.
It's nice to see a woman doing this stuff. I know of only a few that would even try to do it.
Best wishes.
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| 8/9/2009 9:27:41 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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hmusn
Avenel, NJ
32, joined Aug. 2009
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The breather filter is cheap and very simple to put on.
The are under the hood and on one ( or both) of the valve covers.
What kind of car/truck do you have first off?
the plugs depend. Platinum plugs last a bit longer and cost more in general then copper.
Copper plugs give you a better spark and will not melt under sever heat conditions. ( like if you are racing or off roading) Basically the plats are better plugs, but they can and will melt if you push your motor a bunch all the time.
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| 8/10/2009 6:55:01 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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vintage57
Galesburg, IL
57, joined Nov. 2007
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A good all round spark plug is platinum .The split tip is really for high performance applications and perform best at high engine rpm's. Generally if you keep up on tuneups and regular maintainance any engine will resond well.
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| 8/10/2009 7:39:18 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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i got a 4x4 dodge dakota 3.9 magnum motor. so platnium?  im fixin to go get all my tune up stuff today, and gonna try to do it myself? im very stubborn, thats a quality it takes for this work right? and i cuss pretty good, and i like to drink beer. ill tell you how it goes. im gonna put that sea foam in my tank too.i dont want to mess up  thanks yall. i like this moral support.oh, whats the best advice about installing the plugs? as my son yelled at me once about not putting them in correctly, i think i wasnt doing it straight enough or something like that. hes kinda patientless.oh ya thanks guys 
[Edited 8/10/2009 8:05:17 AM ]
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| 8/10/2009 10:32:24 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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zmang
Redwood Falls, MN
27, joined Dec. 2007
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Start off by doing one Plug at a time so you dont mix the plug wires up. If you can start them off by hand tighting them, so you dont mess up the threads. Then put a socket on it and get them nice an snug, try not to over tighten..Goodluck.
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| 8/10/2009 8:22:17 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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4b13s
Alva, OK
29, joined Jul. 2009
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STAY AWAY FROM THE BOSCH PLATINUM PLUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
in my own personal experience.. a well as a few auto techs i have talked to the bosch platinum plugs are not holding up to American engines... trust me.. im spending $1500 on an engine for my pickup because of that... broke the core in 7 of the 8.. broke 3 valves and 2 pistons...
NGK plugs have always done well for me... they cost a little more than most.. but i have ran them in everything from a go-cart to my mud truck..
and as was said above me... be careful not to over tighten... most heads on vehicles are aluminum anymore and strip very easily...
Good luck in your quest to learn the mechanics of a vehicle.. Some people have the will to learn it.. some dont...
as for me.. ill stick to diesel and heavy equip... 
as well.. it is good to replace the air filter... depending on the size of filter.. and your driving conditions (dirt..sand..ect...) as to how often it needs changed... i switched to a k&n filter and clean it every oil change.. but would change my paper filter every other...
[Edited 8/10/2009 8:23:54 PM ]
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| 8/10/2009 11:25:54 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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ok i got champion plugs, its the original plug for chrysler, i was gonna get ngk, but a mechaic who builds race cars said he would just run the champions., i put in the sea foam and bought lucas oil treatment for the oil change, got a rotor, dist, and wires. got the airfilter and the pcv valve. im so nervous. i think ill do ok ,but im scared ( like a girl) to mess up the plugs. i like the advice on hand turning to start. if my sons not over my shoulder then i might be ok. hes the one who would make me jump 10 feet and hit my head on the hood.
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| 8/12/2009 12:14:14 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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4b13s
Alva, OK
29, joined Jul. 2009
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personally i dont care for champions...mostly on our performance engines we run a hotter spark.. mostly msd.. that was the first set i put in and they didnt last with the msd ignition.. nothing broke or anything.. just didnt take to the hotter coil to well.. heck.. i may have had to small of a gap on them as well and it be my fault..
good luck to ya... let us know how it turns out for your adventure under the hood.... 
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| 8/12/2009 10:28:31 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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cruise427
Los Angeles, CA
47, joined Sep. 2008
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personally i dont care for champions...mostly on our performance engines we run a hotter spark.. mostly msd.. that was the first set i put in and they didnt last with the msd ignition.. nothing broke or anything.. just didnt take to the hotter coil to well.. heck.. i may have had to small of a gap on them as well and it be my fault..
good luck to ya... let us know how it turns out for your adventure under the hood....
Champion Plugs are not very good, for a very simple reason
they have a tiny spring in the middle of the plug,
a good plug will have a solid core, from the top {where the wire connects}
to the bottum {where the spark happens}
we couldn't figure out why Champions kept failing.
one day, i was frustrated and i threw the plug against a wall
.. it bounced back and landed at my feet, i picked it up
and i noticed it has a 2 piece core with a wimpy little spring in the middle.
i switched to a plug with a 1 piece solid core.. "Autolite"..
that was it..
we were running a 460 in a boat, but the same applies to cars.
if you don't beleive me, next time you're holding a Champion plug
break it and compare it to an AC or Autolite plug.
i'm a firm beleiver in MSD ...
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| 8/12/2009 7:08:17 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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4b13s
Alva, OK
29, joined Jul. 2009
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Champion Plugs are not very good, for a very simple reason
they have a tiny spring in the middle of the plug,
a good plug will have a solid core, from the top {where the wire connects}
to the bottum {where the spark happens}
we couldn't figure out why Champions kept failing.
one day, i was frustrated and i threw the plug against a wall
.. it bounced back and landed at my feet, i picked it up
and i noticed it has a 2 piece core with a wimpy little spring in the middle.
i switched to a plug with a 1 piece solid core.. "Autolite"..
that was it..
we were running a 460 in a boat, but the same applies to cars.
if you don't beleive me, next time you're holding a Champion plug
break it and compare it to an AC or Autolite plug.
i'm a firm beleiver in MSD ...
i wouldnt doubt it.. but i dont handle plugs much other than my own vehicles... but anymore cat now has a spark plug in them.... funny looking thing to... all it is for is the reburn..
ill have to find me a champion and try it... have a salvage yard next door to our shop.. i bet rick would find me one...
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| 8/12/2009 10:50:44 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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21stcent
South Prairie, WA
63, joined Nov. 2007
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I had Autolites fail me. Took out a set and replaced them with the same and they failed too. First time I ever had a plug fail. Learned from that one. Also have had NGK's fail on pressure washers. Drives you crazy.
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| 8/13/2009 6:47:00 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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well, i didnt do the plugs or wires, its done w/ help ,now i need a tension pully. plus upper arm bushings. this truck never ends. i been changing everything already. so im assuming im gonna need lower bushings, plus upper and lower ball joints? i did do all the rotors and drums, calipers and shoes. ok, im going to get the pully for now. cleaning the house is so much easier, and less costly! why didnt i just kiss my ex's- ass? kidding! ok thanks for yalls information. 
[Edited 8/13/2009 6:48:11 AM ]
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| 8/13/2009 11:26:13 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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southernga
Chula, GA
61, joined Jul. 2009
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i will not use a champion plug at all ; not even a lawnmower ! platinum plugs are fine if they came in a car or truck ! i run autolite in everything ; gm , ford ,chrysler , inports ! i just get better service from them . i run them in my 10 second drag car !
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| 8/14/2009 1:24:15 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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rcdude31
Fort Valley, GA
43, joined Aug. 2009
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I agree, autolite plugs are the best all round plug ya can get. I run em in my camaro which is equipped with an MSD 6AL based system and so far they have out lasted every other plug I've put in that thing. About the Champion plugs though, The plug with the spring in it sounds like a resistor plug which don't hold up well to hot ignition systems anyway the non-resistor plug is a solid core if I'm not mistaken. Anyway champions melt and go the way of the dodo way to fast for me so i don't like em ether lol
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| 8/14/2009 5:31:35 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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i think ill go w/ autolites or ngks next time. all this negativity on champions is more then im comfortable with. my truck is doing ok. for now. i sure dont think ill be able to do these dang bushing either. im tellin you im thinking about going to auto mechanics school.or something to help me.
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| 8/14/2009 5:54:47 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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4b13s
Alva, OK
29, joined Jul. 2009
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not a bad idea if you wish to do so... alot of people have learned "the hard way".. i know i did.. school didnt teach me much.. but dad has owned his own shop for about 18 years.. i learned from him... did the school for the paper...
the problem with doing those bushings is you need a press.. or on some the proper press for that control arm... some you can do in a normal shop press.. some you cant...and if you get into the electrical systems... be ready to spend some $$$ on test equipment...
personally i prefer to work on the electrical systems.. alot of other pull their hair out and discover new words while doing so....
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| 8/14/2009 6:08:43 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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forevernever
Silver Springs, FL
47, joined Aug. 2009
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so what is a fair price for someone to do the bushings? ive been took for alot of $$$ on my adventure fixin this truck. i am trying to learn so i wont have to rely so much on someone else for the simpler things. or be so ignorent that they do it again. striving for independance in a mans world is not easy, mechanical at the most.
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| 9/19/2009 2:24:37 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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rujessegirl
Los Angeles, CA
40, joined Aug. 2009
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what brand spark plugs are the best to go with? do i want either copper or the platinum? and does anyone know how important it is to change out a breather filter? i didnt even know i had one. i am female, so dont be mean, im trying to learn do my own mechanical work. all the guys i was dealing with wont help. i think they want me to rely on them. i dont want to of course. soo, im hoping yall here will help me get through the dumb ???'s so i can learn to fix my own mechanical issues.
Simple, stick to whats ever the orignal's was. Dont get suckered in by sales man on geting something els. Get O.E. plugs. Dodge uses Champion / Ford uses AutoLite to make Motorcraft / GM Chevy use's ACdelco / Japanees Cars use NGK or Denso, but use NGK / then just ask if your Car came with Platinum or Copper???? Stick to the original's!!!
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| 9/30/2009 10:31:33 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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saesph1
Centerville, PA
54, joined May. 2009
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Champion now makes most of A/C plugs. Champion makes the newer Motorcraft plugs. Stay away from Botch anything. The AutoZone buys them for less than a buck apiece, thats why they push them. I've been having problems with resistance differnces in the Autolite line. I wont use them until they fix their problems. NGK are a fits all low resistnce plug that have excelent starting qualities in later model GM V engines.
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| 9/30/2009 8:46:53 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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tiranor
Wapakoneta, OH
35, joined Oct. 2008
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(since when did champion start makeing Motorcraft?) B.S. I just read the autolight history and turns out Prestone Fram and Motorcraft are all still Autolight! they were quite proud of Motorcrafts newest plug inovation...
[Edited 9/30/2009 9:04:41 PM ]
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| 9/30/2009 8:47:12 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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amber1011
Camp Hill, PA
32, joined Aug. 2009
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*sigh* I HAVE to use Bosch, 100% against my will.
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| 9/30/2009 9:25:02 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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bigheartedmannc
Danbury, NC
36, joined Feb. 2009
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You must work for or know someone who works for bosch?
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| 10/1/2009 7:46:27 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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saesph1
Centerville, PA
54, joined May. 2009
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Champion's owner, fed/mogul bought champion 3 years ago. The upgraded their manufacturing process and have been producing certain numbers fo all manufactures fo over two years. Back ith the late 80's and early 90's Champion had quality issues as some of you know. Since the fed/mogul take over quality issues have met industry averages. Unfortunately Autolite/fram have moved away from the higher quality standards that had made them famous from the 70's. Fram filters will void toyota vehicle waranties due to dry starts and gelling issues.
ps, Amber, get your inspection license as soon as you can after your move.
[Edited 10/1/2009 7:47:28 AM ]
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| 10/1/2009 7:49:29 AM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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saesph1
Centerville, PA
54, joined May. 2009
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I usually cut out the old bushings with a torch, freeze the new bushings and use a ball joint press in a vice with a helper. 10 bucks a bushing is fair.
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| 10/1/2009 6:14:54 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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amber1011
Camp Hill, PA
32, joined Aug. 2009
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You must work for or know someone who works for bosch?
No, I have a german car, and Bosch is OE on M-B. That, and there is no other aftermarket partnumber other than Bosch.
edit: S, I grew up in PA, and had PA insp. and emis. licenses. All I have to do is renew.
[Edited 10/1/2009 6:16:58 PM ]
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| 10/1/2009 7:16:30 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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saesph1
Centerville, PA
54, joined May. 2009
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The automotive industry uses all kinds of different vendors for different lines. The only way I KNOW this crap is because i attend every seminar, go to every trade show, read every trade rag, EVERY MONTH. I work on the junk that the dealers can't figure out. You know what the sad part is, do you? I'm only average as a mechanic.. That is sad because there are too many numb nuts working on equipment, that are HIGH, DRUNK or just plain stupid. Cars can and do kill people. It does not matter who you like, the steelers or the indians. Fram or purolator. I just pulled three botch "super platnum from a junk toorass with a 3.0 vin (s) motor. The resistance in these junk, .89 plugs killed three coils in less than a month. If you have a european car and don't want to use NGK, buy the green ringed Botch, They are made in europe, not china and are consistant quality wise to european standards.
[Edited 10/1/2009 7:17:28 PM ]
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| 10/11/2009 9:12:00 PM |
Copper or platinum plugs |
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bowtie4511
Columbia, MO
58, joined Oct. 2009
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it is always best to use the same brand of plugs the come in it from the factory. & yes stay away from bosch plugs in american cars & trucks. r u talking about air breather or crank case breather? both r cheep & easy to change. alot of newer cars & trucks don't have crank case breathers cause of where they pick up the air now it is already filtered. hope it helps u. 
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