gyropilot
Only GyroBee Memories
Back in December of 2003, I did a little research and made a complete list of NGK spark plugs available for the Rotax 447/503/582, etc. series of engines with their current street (Internet) prices (from www.rockauto.com ). Product descriptions are from NGK literature.
Basic size info. - 14mm threads, 3/4" reach, 13/16" hex, gasket seat
NGK brand
B8ES - Standard plug recommended by Rotax.
~$1.53 each
BR8ES - Same with resister for improved RFI suppression.
~$1.61 each
B8EV - Gold Palladium fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$4.15 each
NGK EV gold palladium spark plugs, have a fine wire (1.0mm) gold palladium center electrode for better ignitability, more power, and enhanced antifouling capabilities. Gold palladium increases durability. Traditional ground electrode.
BR8EV - Same as above with resister for improved RFI suppression.
~$4.33 each
BR8EVX - Platinum fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$5.73 each
NGK VX series are manufactured with performance in mind. The center electrode is platinum fine wire(0.8mm) for both long life and better performance. A fine wire center electrode requires less voltage thus creating a stronger spark from your current ignition system. A tapered cut ground electrode improves ignitability by allowing for larger growth of the flame kernel.
BR8EIX - Iridium fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$6.22 each
NGK iridium plugs represent the ultimate evolution of spark plug technology and performance. The iridium center electrode is both stronger and harder than platinum. This allows NGK engineers to design an ultra-fine (0.6mm) center electrode reducing the voltage requirement for spark. This allows for a brighter, stronger spark from your existing ignition system. The ground electrode has a tapered cut at the firing end which reduces quenching for better flame core growth and increased ignitability. The combination of fine wire center electrode and tapered cut ground will increase performance, improve acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
In the past, when I've replaced the plugs in my 503 with the stock BR8ES, the engine would start easier (normally the first pull) and would run smoother. However, this performance increase would last only a few hours then the engine would start and run more typically... usually 2 or 3 pulls required to start, etc.
This flying season I decided to give the expen$$ive BR8EIX Iridium plugs a try just as an experiment. I opened up the gap on these new iridium plugs (over the stock Rotax recommendations), because I felt the lower voltage requirement for the plug would allow this without putting a strain on the electronic ignition system. I'd hoped the easier starting and better running would last way beyond the first few hours after the plugs had been installed.
I'm happy to report "so far so good." At a minimum there doesn't seem to be any adverse effects. On the positive side, with about 15 hours on the plugs, the engine still starts on the first pull every time, it idles better, and it seems to still run quite smooth (subjective of course). My fuel economy also seems to be much better this year that last, but I'm not sure if I can attribute that to the spark plugs... doesn't seem to make sense. There could be many other reasons for that.
Just thought someone might find this interesting. If not... WELL EXCUSE ME!
John L.
Basic size info. - 14mm threads, 3/4" reach, 13/16" hex, gasket seat
NGK brand
B8ES - Standard plug recommended by Rotax.
~$1.53 each
BR8ES - Same with resister for improved RFI suppression.
~$1.61 each
B8EV - Gold Palladium fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$4.15 each
NGK EV gold palladium spark plugs, have a fine wire (1.0mm) gold palladium center electrode for better ignitability, more power, and enhanced antifouling capabilities. Gold palladium increases durability. Traditional ground electrode.
BR8EV - Same as above with resister for improved RFI suppression.
~$4.33 each
BR8EVX - Platinum fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$5.73 each
NGK VX series are manufactured with performance in mind. The center electrode is platinum fine wire(0.8mm) for both long life and better performance. A fine wire center electrode requires less voltage thus creating a stronger spark from your current ignition system. A tapered cut ground electrode improves ignitability by allowing for larger growth of the flame kernel.
BR8EIX - Iridium fine wire center electrode with resister.
~$6.22 each
NGK iridium plugs represent the ultimate evolution of spark plug technology and performance. The iridium center electrode is both stronger and harder than platinum. This allows NGK engineers to design an ultra-fine (0.6mm) center electrode reducing the voltage requirement for spark. This allows for a brighter, stronger spark from your existing ignition system. The ground electrode has a tapered cut at the firing end which reduces quenching for better flame core growth and increased ignitability. The combination of fine wire center electrode and tapered cut ground will increase performance, improve acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
In the past, when I've replaced the plugs in my 503 with the stock BR8ES, the engine would start easier (normally the first pull) and would run smoother. However, this performance increase would last only a few hours then the engine would start and run more typically... usually 2 or 3 pulls required to start, etc.
This flying season I decided to give the expen$$ive BR8EIX Iridium plugs a try just as an experiment. I opened up the gap on these new iridium plugs (over the stock Rotax recommendations), because I felt the lower voltage requirement for the plug would allow this without putting a strain on the electronic ignition system. I'd hoped the easier starting and better running would last way beyond the first few hours after the plugs had been installed.
I'm happy to report "so far so good." At a minimum there doesn't seem to be any adverse effects. On the positive side, with about 15 hours on the plugs, the engine still starts on the first pull every time, it idles better, and it seems to still run quite smooth (subjective of course). My fuel economy also seems to be much better this year that last, but I'm not sure if I can attribute that to the spark plugs... doesn't seem to make sense. There could be many other reasons for that.
Just thought someone might find this interesting. If not... WELL EXCUSE ME!
John L.