Denso iridium spark plug

[jimmy03fronty]

Has anyone tried these plugs? I know that it shouldn't make a difference in performance, but the factory (double platnum) plugs were $15 and the denso iridium were only $11. The web site I ordered them from lists the Denso as an equivalent to the NGK. It was time for some new plugs so I ordered some and put them in my ski and it wouldn't run. It would just start, check engine light would come on, and then die. I put the old plugs back in and the ski worked just fine. I double checked the gap and the plugs are gapped correctly. I have a 2002 Kawasaki 1100 STX DI. Does anyone have any ideas?

[captblue1]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

was 4 dollars each worth it? $16 bucks a year?

[jimmy03fronty]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

I wasn't trying to cut any corners. I just saw what was supposed to be a better plug for cheaper and thought I would take a shot. The $4 dollars wasn't worth it this time, but if the plugs actually were an equivalent like the site side, then it would have been worth it. I just wanted to know if anyone has any experience with these plugs or has had the same problem that's all.

[Technical Support]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

Many people have tried many plugs on just about every ski. In the end, the NGKs are always the best choice, period.

[Riixxii]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

Now there's a statement that is 100% true! NGK or NGK, what will it be?

[jimmy03fronty]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

Thanks, that's what I thought. Who cares if iridium is stronger and harder than platinum

[captblue1]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

NGK makes an iridium plug. but i would still use what is called for. Kawasaki knows a little more about it than we do

[wmsky]

Re: Denso iridium spark plug

I use Denso iridium plugs in my 89 Waverunner and in all my cars. Never had a problem with them. I also gap them larger than spec since the fine wire iridium electrode fires at a lower voltage than the thicker steel electrode of a standard plug. The larger gap forces the plug to fire at a higher voltage and you get a longer hotter spark than the standard gap gets you. I gap them at .032 in my Waverunner. Never have a problem starting it and it runs good enough to get my 215 lbs up on a kneeboard when my 165 lb son is driving it. That's not bad for a stock 16 year old 32 hp ski. I'm not saying that an iridium plug will give you better performance. In fact, the research I've done says that the sharp edge of a fresh steel electrode will give you the best spark for a given gap. But the sharp edge erodes relatively quickly and the more it erodes, the weaker the spark. All of the "special" metal plugs, such as platinum, iridium, etc., were designed mostly to allow longer intervals between plug changes because they don't erode as quickly. I do think however that iridium plugs would be less prone to fouling. I believe that the fine wire iridium electrode gets hotter when it fires and will burn off any deposits better.