Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:28:54 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: New-Spark-Plugcebo Effect
In-Reply-To: <5033EE56.6040201@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Those are simply the wrong spark plugs. The standard plug is a W7C. The "D"
is a longer reach plug used in the inline 4s. The projected tip brings the
flame front closer to the piston and can increase the propensity for knock
and ping. This can also increase the production of NOx especially once ping
begins. Unfortunately in the Water boxer Ping is not heard until it is
getting really bad. Let the piston meltdowns and broken rings begin. Yes it
may feel better especially after replacing worn plugs. If you want to use
quad electrode plugs go for the Bosch 4477 ( my favorite). Although it is
listed as a replacement for the W7D's due to its more universal design the
actual reach is closer to the "C" series and the platinum tip being enclosed
eliminates the glowing red part that can induce ping. BTW back in the old
days if you went to the dealer to get spark plugs you would get W7CS.
W=14mm thread with gasket
7=Heat range Higher is hotter.
C=length of thread and reach, (d=extended tip)
Next C =copper, S=Silver
If an "X" = extended gap such as .060.
The new Bosch numbering system is not as easy to decipher.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Rocket J Squirrel
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 4:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: New-Spark-Plugcebo Effect
Just swapped out my older Bosch W7DC0 pluggies for new NGK BP6ET.
Either tencentlife (Chris Corkin) is right: "The main reason this plug
design so often produces palpable improvement in idle, throttle response,
and overall performance is mostly due to the projected core, and that is
helped by the side electrodes not "shading" the spark gap from the middle of
the charge. The wbx has a very compact, somewhat "spherical" charge at TDC,
as well as outstanding squish dynamics, so initiating flame nearer to the
charge center aided by the squish produces a faster total burn, and fast
burn is the principal requirement for responsiveness, efficient use of the
fuel, and lowered emissions (especially NOx)."
<http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=327351&start=80&sid=2b4a44
c5892001fb15120a77e2dd8767>
or it's the New-Spark-Plugcebo Effect.
But I definitely feel that the throttle is more responsive and the van
peppier.
No increase in real power, of course: took the van up my neighborhood
calibrated steep street and it didn't climb any faster. But I'm pleased
anyway.
--
Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
Bend, Ore.
