I have added a touch of star dust to the GS. Well actually meteor dust.
Quote
Iridium is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Ir and atomic number 77. A dense, very hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of the platinum family, iridium is used in high strength alloys that can withstand high temperatures and occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium. Iridium is notable for being the most corrosion resistant element known and for its significance in the determination of the probable cause of the demise, by a meteorite strike, of the dinosaurs. It is used in high temperature apparatus, electrical contacts, and as a hardening agent for platinum.
No I'm not "Off the Planet" I just replaced my stock GS spark plugs NGK DPR8EA-9
with some NGK Iridium plugs NGK DPR8EIX-9 :icon_mrgreen:
(http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7972/gs500sparkplugsvn0.jpg)
As you can see the Iridium plugs have a much smaller centre (center for you yanks :P) electrode. The smaller the electrodes surface area, the easier it is for the spark to jump the gap. This reduces the chance of miss firing especially with lean fuel to air ratios.
We all know the GS typically runs very lean, and that motorcycle engines don't have the strongest electrical systems, so any help you can give the system is a bonus.
The small 0.6mm electrode NGK used is made from a very special metal known as Iridium. This is because with softer, more commonly used materials like Nickel, Gold, Silver and Platinum would wear away too quickly at this small size. The standard NGK plugs centre electrode for comparison is made of Nickel and is a little bigger than 2.0 mm.
The side electrode also has its side ground away. The minimises the amount of metal over hanging the spark area, allowing the flame of ignition to spread faster and more evenly.
A more efficient spark plug in theory results in more power, better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
(http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9910/gs500iridiumdv2.jpg)
Now as for NOTICEABLE performance increase.... from the seat of my pants I have noticed nothing. But then again a 1-2% increase (about the maximum you could ever expect from spark plugs) would not be very easy to detect by the seat of your pants.
I did this more for the peace of mind that anything that helps to reduce misfires is a good thing!
and reduced misfires equals better acceleration and power delivery.
A side benefit is you can keep them in motorbikes for up to 32,000km / 20,000 miles! (96,000km / 60,000 miles in normally aspirated cars!)
The only draw back of these spark plugs is the price as they were 3-5 times dearer than the stock plugs. I purchased mine for $14 AUS from E-bay.
For those on a lesser budget, NGK's V-Power offer some of the performance benefits of these Iridium plugs for no additional cost over stock plugs. They do not however last as long as the Iridiums.
Hope this some what helpfull :thumb:
http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug411.asp
http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/spark_plugs_technical.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_plug
Now this might be marketing BS, but on this page http://www.ngkspark.com.au/pages/bulletins/T01-7.htm NGK claim the long life benefits of a 0.6mm centre electrode over the 0.4 that Nipon Denso use.
Now if performance was your ONLY consideration, then the Nippon Denso Iridium plugs might be worth investigating.
Quote
Denso's current Iridium Power product range is aimed mainly at the performance car and motorcycle markets.
Construction of NGK and Denso plugs is similar for the most part, the big difference being Denso's use of a 0.4mm Iridium tipped centre electrode - claimed to be the world's smallest production centre electrode, where NGK's IX centre electrode is 0.6mm.
As with NGK Iridium, and indeed most other spark plugs, the narrower the centre electrode is, the lower the potential difference (voltage) that is required to jump the gap between centre and ground electrodes. It follows that the Denso plug will require an even lower 'spark jump' voltage than the NGK plug.
The Denso plug also utilises a 'u-grooved' ground electrode which is claimed to aid in the production of a 'flame core' which further improves the combustion process. In theory, all the benefits offered by NGK Iridium plugs are further improved by the Denso Iridium plugs - with the exception of service life. The smaller diameter of the Denso centre electrode means that less wear can take place before the plugs' optimum service life is exceeded.
The Denso Iridium Power spark plug equivalent for the GS500 is the
IX24B
Hi all
I[m using a DP8EA-9 spark plug...... its much easier to find this over here....
Do u guys think i should replace it for a iridium or a standard one?
thx a lot,
Filipe
I purchased 4 Iridium NGK plugs from BikeBandit I believe and am anxious to put them in in the Spring. Too cold now in OH. I have the GS500F and purchased them for my 03 Suzy Kantana 600.
Quote from: Filipe_500 on December 24, 2006, 06:11:57 AM
I'm using a DP8EA-9 spark plug... it's much easier to find this over here...
Do u guys think i should replace it for a iridium or a standard one?
Filipe
A standard DPR8EA-9...but, how does it run with the DP8EA-9?
I recently replaced my non stock champion plugs with stock issue NKG on my 1993 GS. I've noticed that it seems to be running hotter now, it could always be my imagination. The idle also seems to be higher now 1400 rather then 1200 rpm. Since this is a spark plug post, any ideas?
-ash
Gap too close? Make's it easier for the spark to jump across the resistance of the gap. Kinda like advancing the ignition.
Quote from: ashman on December 24, 2006, 01:03:30 PM
I recently replaced my non stock champion plugs with stock issue NKG on my 1993 GS. I've noticed that it seems to be running hotter now, it could always be my imagination. The idle also seems to be higher now 1400 rather then 1200 rpm. Since this is a spark plug post, any ideas?
-ash
Probably actually Getting the Spark that it needs to Burn Now.Srinath will Probably Chime in and say that the Champions are better though. :laugh: :laugh: This is Where I would have to Disagree with Him.For the Past Many many Many years that I have Played with Motorcycles and Small Engines I have had Nothing but Problems with Champion Plugs.Yes Even Straight out of the Box. :mad:
Also If you are Running Resistor Plugs they are not Needed.If you have the Stock Spark Plug Caps on your Bike they already have the resistors Built in.Too Much Resistance will cut down on the Power of the Spark.
That's wonderful Info, I was think about trying Iridium spark plugs in the GS after reading a little about them in Matrix/Vibe forum, they came in my Toyota Matrix standard, and from what I've come to understand my car would not even really run without them, or if it did run it would have no performance and very likly harm the engine.
I'm running Iridiums simply because I had to mail away for new plugs and figured I might as well put in the better ones. I haven't had any problems. I don't think you're supposed to gap Iridium plugs, though.
Quote from: Filipe_500 on December 24, 2006, 06:11:57 AM
Hi all
I[m using a DP8EA-9 spark plug...... its much easier to find this over here....
Do u guys think i should replace it for a iridium or a standard one?
thx a lot,
Filipe
Using a spark plug without a resistor in theory will give you a slightly brighter spark. However NGK Australia offers the following advice:
QuoteAll modern engines require the use of resistor type spark plugs.
A resistor type spark plug is one that incorporates a 5 K ohm resistor to suppress ignition noise generated during sparking. (Radio frequency interference).
Radio frequency interference is commonly exhibited by the crackle sound coming from the car radio and there is now an Australian Standard covering R.F.I. which is considered a type of pollution.
As R.F.I. can also cause premature failure to other electronic components in a modern vehicle, it is important that resistor spark plugs are used to prevent this possibility.
NGK UK says this...
Quote
As well as reducing electrical noise for radio, television and mobile telephones etc, many modern ignition systems require resistor plugs to stop electrical noise from interfering with the vehicle's on-board electronic control units (ECUs). If non-resistor plugs are used in place of resistor ones, the result can be malfunction and in some cases immobilisation of the vehicle. Resistor spark plugs should always be fitted, therefore, where specified. NGK resistor spark plugs contain a single ceramic monolythic resistor of approximately 5000 ohms.
Because of the type and construction of the resistor (ie no springs), the problems of vibration and sudden changes in temperature that can occur with some other brands do not apply. The function of the resistor is to reduce electrical noise generated by the ignition system. The most effective place to situate a resistor in the high tension circuit is as close to the spark plug as possible.
This makes the spark plug an ideal place to house the resistor. Because the resistance value is only approximately 5000 ohms, there is no detrimental effect on engine performance, power output, vehicle emissions etc. It is also a fact that many motor sport world champions only use NGK resistor spark plugs. In nearly all cases - apart from some very old low output ignition systems - resistor spark plugs can be used in place of the non resistor versions.
Due to the Iridium plugs lower voltage requirements for a spark to jump the gap, in 99% of road usage they DO NOT need to be gapped (they come pre-set from the factory). If you do gap an iridium plug be VERY VERY care full not to touch the Iridium Centre electrode!!!
The Resistor thing can go both ways.The Radio Interference that they speak of Occurs Mostly with AM and CB Radios.Also with running Both Resistor Caps and Resistor Plugs your Electrical System could Also Fry from Having to Push the Spark to Ground thru too Much Resistence.You'll Have 5,000 Ohms on the Plug and up to 5,000 Ohms on the Resistor in the Cap.Maybe more Depending on How Much extra Resistence builds up from Use.
Personally I doubt that a system designed to use resistor plugs, like the GS500's are would have a problem.
But like I said, in theory using a non resistor plug should improve spark some what.
Quote from: Jughead on December 24, 2006, 10:07:35 PM
The Resistor thing can go both ways.The Radio Interference that they speak of Occurs Mostly with AM and CB Radios.Also with running Both Resistor Caps and Resistor Plugs your Electrical System could Also Fry from Having to Push the Spark to Ground thru too Much Resistence.You'll Have 5,000 Ohms on the Plug and up to 5,000 Ohms on the Resistor in the Cap.Maybe more Depending on How Much extra Resistence builds up from Use.
Jughead I love your use of capitalization. Its very... new. Instead of all caps, no caps, or proper caps, you take it in a whole new direction. :thumb:
Why thanks....... I guess.I've really never noticed.I think it's a Twitch or Something. :dunno_white: :laugh:
Champions are usually shorter life. I seem to start thinking that its getting bad in about a year. NGK's were bad right from the box. I however believe now the quality issues with NGK have been fixed. So YMMV. Literally ... O0
Cool.
Srinath.
I m use also Iridium Spark , it is very good. But this alone nothing give to your bike. You need also performance exhaust and Air filter. In drag race it is very help me for high torque.But if u want use iridium spark , once week u have to drive over 8000 rpm in top speed , other wise u can burn your spark plug. This high performance spark plugs clean it self over 8000rpm. :thumb:
Quote from: zeda3000 on December 25, 2006, 02:59:42 PM
I m use also Iridium Spark , it is very good. But this alone nothing give to your bike. You need also performance exhaust and Air filter. In drag race it is very help me for high torque.But if u want use iridium spark , once week u have to drive over 8000 rpm in top speed , other wise u can burn your spark plug. This high performance spark plugs clean it self over 8000rpm. :thumb:
I've never heard anything like this. Care to reference it?
(subtext for non-native English speakers: I think this is bullshit, prove me wrong)
Yoo smart guy , check the below link , i think still not late for u to learn new things in your life...........
http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/techinfo/qa/q13/index.html (http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/techinfo/qa/q13/index.html)
Copy from NGK web site as......
Occasionally drive under high-speed conditions (approximately 80 km/h or more) to ensure spark plugs reach their self cleaning temperature.
I m racing over 2 year and this is very funny that you try to teach me what is spark plug ,
so now think who bullshit ......
Well RPM (velocity) and temperature do clean plugs.
Now 8000 rpm ??? that I dont know for sure, a long stroke motor with tremendous swirl velocity may clean out well much below that due to swirl velocity and what not.
A bike with 4 valves and 1 plug in the center will probably be in a pocket of dead air till you get rpms up.
The GS is likely to have decent velocity flow around the plug even lower down.
Temperature helps clean it when you shut it down. It should burn off the carbon and mixture that may have gotten slapped on it in the last few seconds of riding/idling. Else it wont restart.
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: zeda3000 on December 26, 2006, 02:27:11 AM
Yoo smart guy , check the below link , i think still not late for u to learn new things in your life...........
http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/techinfo/qa/q13/index.html (http://www.ngk-sparkplugs.jp/english/techinfo/qa/q13/index.html)
Copy from NGK web site as......
Occasionally drive under high-speed conditions (approximately 80 km/h or more) to ensure spark plugs reach their self cleaning temperature.
I m racing over 2 year and this is very funny that you try to teach me what is spark plug ,
so now think who bullshit ......
I don't think its bullshit that plugs get fouled. I think you just totally made up your numbers. You sure as hell don't need to hit 8k rpm to get to 80kph, and I still don't see anything saying to do it on a weekly basis. The only time I've seen people needing to clean fouled plugs are in the MSF course when idiots leave their choke on and ride at 3k or less for an hour.
I run Denso plugs, I noticed better accelleration easier start and smoother idle.
could just be old plugs in the first place. but I'm happy with the results.
I used to own a custom shop "Crucial Custom" cars mostly, when people came to me for more power I would first recomend Denso plugs, Nology wire's, intake and exhaust. The results are great, so I'm going to try the some on my bike. I not sure if Nology make wires for our bikes but I've seen them on others.
has anybody tried better coils or know of something better to get a hotter spark ...boost the power :dunno_white:
Quote from: ajaxgs on December 30, 2006, 04:18:57 PM
has anybody tried better coils or know of something better to get a hotter spark ...boost the power :dunno_white:
I'd say that your Pretty muc stuck with stock unless MSD Coils ETC. are Hotter. :dunno_white: :dunno_white: IMHO Stock is Hot Enough.If it's Sparking Correctly then it's running Correctly. ;)
I've been unable to find an exact ohm match with aftermarket coils. But I'm sure Nology wires would give the plugs every thing the coils have to offer. In my opinion you probably couldn't use any more spark efficently without getting more air/fuel in and out faster. :dunno_white:
i have these in my truck.
the stock copper plugs had a faint glow in the tester (120psi)
the iridium plugs look like a mig welder arcing (120psi)
dyno pull showed a 7hp increase and 14tq increase. idle was smoother, less hesataion, and easer starting for the high compression
I know in a V8 (Especially a hemispherical combustion chamber) the angle the plugs end up in the chamber at can give you a 1% - 2% gain in hp.
So a 0.5hp increase on your GS? ( :laugh: )
That NGK site has the following info on Iridium plugs. Think it's worth dumping it here for reference sake:
Quote
Iridium Plugs bring these benefits!
· Improved acceleration
When you switch to Iridium Plugs acceleration is improved. There is a fast response to throttle operation and you can feel the difference compared to plugs in original plug.
· More engine power!
Iridium Plugs improve the engine performance in terms of power. The extra power becomes apparent in situations like climbing hills, giving you a comfortable driving and touring experience.
· Improved ignition and starting characteristics
The ultra-fine center electrode of an Iridium Plug ensures fast ignition and improves the engine's starting characteristics. Since there is little dispersion in the position of the spark, idling is stable too.
· Better fuel economy!
Since Iridium Plugs ensure excellent ignition, the gasoline is burned efficiently. These plugs provide both economic and environmental benefits.
Iridium Plugs are different in these respects!
· Use of iridium alloy makes a difference in performance!
The iridium that we use is a new alloy. In comparison with materials like platinum that are used in general-use plugs, it is a superb electrode material with an excellent melting point, hardness and strength.
· Improved ignition due to fine electrode!
Since the electrode is fine, which means that it is conducive to spark formation, the spark energy is large and ignition is improved. This produce the ultimate performance of the engine.
Iridium VS Normal
(http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/6376/photo1op0.gif)(http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4676/photo2jy4.gif)
· Resistant to fouling, so maintains high performance!
The "thermo edge" burns off deposited carbon (product of combustion), preventing deterioration in the ignition performance of the plug and maintaining high performance.
Quote
Breakage of the Center Electrode Tip
Spark plugs with fine electrodes made of iridium or platinum have "Do not adjust the spark gap" written on their packing boxes.
1) This is to prevent the general user adjusting the spark gap and breaking or removing part of the fine center electrode tip as the spacing tool makes contact with it.
2) When the tip of the center electrode is broken, a nick is sometimes left on the ground electrode too.
Checked my plugs today. After 20,000km's they still look superb!!!
As for non resistor plugs, they badly effect digital tv reception :icon_twisted:
Quote from: galahs on March 06, 2008, 06:51:11 AM
Checked my plugs today. After 20,000km's they still look superb!!!
As for non resistor plugs, they badly effect digital tv reception :icon_twisted:
but your not watching t.v while riding .......are you? lol :laugh:
Hey, if cagers can mindlessly watch their sat navs whilst driving their SUV to pick the kids up from soccer, I thought I may as well put my life back into my own hands.
I just installed NGK Iridum plugs and I had smoother idle and less hesitation as well, but also had some unusual loud popping in my exhaust on and off. (I think it was me, there was a racer boy 350Z pacing me for awhile, it could have been him. I also added Seafoam to the gas for the first time, so I don't know if it was the combination... I did notice that my "sticky idle" seemed like it was not staying stuck so long at higher rpms than it should when coming to a stop, especially at a light, it was about half as sticky by the middle to the end of the ride. Thinking that was the Seafoam. Of course the new 14t sprocket probably helped with the feeling of hesitation as well. haven't pulled a plug for a look see yet, but they seem fine. Cheap on feebay too.
My bike runs a touch rough when it has carby cleaner in the tank. Hard to describe but it feel hesitant.
My bike pops and crackles on rapid de acceleration but that was caused by the K&N Lunchbox airfilter and straight through exhaust. By suddenly snapping shut the fuel supply the bike is running lean for the revs its carrying.
With your set up that would not seem to be uncommon..? The pops got really loud when the z was right beside me, but I couldn't tell through my helmet if it was ma and the noise was reflected off of him so I could hear it better, or if it was him. My riding buddy also said the z was noisy... but I heard pops for awhile on and off. Will see if it's back tomorrow.
Thanks for the input!
I'm gonna get a Denso plug, with a 1989 bike with 38,000 kms it will probaly be the last plug I get for that bike. EBAY has them for $20.00 delivered can't go wrong,(I hope). :thumb:
Yeah, I think I popped for $18. delivered on the Iridium. Post back on the Densos please? ;)
Quote from: Teek on March 08, 2008, 03:34:14 PM
With your set up that would not seem to be uncommon..?
Comon on bikes or cars with free flowing intakes and exhausts.
Will do Teek, probably be another month before the roads are fit to drive on for a bike around here,I only get about half the year of driving time.. :cry:
TREXSTER, I'm so sorry! A bike and rider stuck inside is no fun for either one of them.
galahs, my bike has none of that free flowing anything except cash out of my pocket which is now empty for awhile. ;)
Popped while warming up on choke on the second test run, 1st ride was 75 miles PCH and canyons, last Sunday was only 35 of same, but she's running smoooooth, and the throttle response is very good. Less lag and a quicker return to idle, so the Seafoam is helping.