damn Champion spark plugs.

[whitehatspecial]

OK, I've read the posts about popping through the exhaust but this one takes the cake.
After inspecting allthe ignition wires in my newly built 340 engine I decided to pull the spark plugs to troubleshoot the exhaust popping problem. The #7 plug was the culprit. It appeared as thought there was no gap but it soon became apparent that the insulator broke loose and was floating down to the spark tip.
I bought a new set of Champion plugs from NAPA and looked at the package....made in Mexico. Go figure.

[histoy]

I've always had problems with Champion plugs fouling in my '64 Max Wedge engine.   Had to put in 2 or 3 sets every summer.  This year I switched to Autolite #86 plugs, and they've been running great.

[dodge freak]

You sure it was cause it was made in Mexico and not from pinging from bad gas ? Thats the # reason plugs crack like that, next comes the rings and pistons, thats why they say no more than 9.5-1 compression with pump gas.

[Ghoste]

I've always had excellent luck with Champion plugs.  I haven't really paid any attention to where they were made but I imagine the last few sets I bought were all Mexican.
I don't run real high compression but I do tend to run a cooler than stock plug.

[Charger_Fan]

Often, the reason for cracked porcelain is because someone at the parts store dropped the box when he pulled them.

However, I've had bad luck with them too. Lots of guys here have good luck with them...so, who knows.

[dodge freak]

That makes sense also just like eggs in the market.

As for how they spark, the spark is only how good the coil , spark box and wires are, if one or more is weak then the plug won't fire as good. If you look at all new cars they have 1 or 2 coils firing each plug. On these old V8 motors we have 1 coil firing 8 plugs ! This is why I believe a new aftermarket spark box and coil is a MUST if you want a smooth, non missing running motor everyday all the time. You can try to use a Mopar unit and it might be ok for a while but as soon as some oil leaks in to the cyc. or the carb gets too rich the plugs are going to get dirty and start to missfire. Just my 

[Plumcrazy]

Often, the reason for cracked porcelain is because someone at the parts store dropped the box when he pulled them.

Sounds like you have a guilty conscience.

[whitehatspecial]

You sure it was cause it was made in Mexico and not from pinging from bad gas ? Thats the # reason plugs crack like that, next comes the rings and pistons, thats why they say no more than 9.5-1 compression with pump gas.

Yep I'm sure. New gas, in a new tank, with new fuel pump in a freshly bored engine with new rings and flat top pistons.

[694spdRT]

I had a problem with Champion's in my 383 back in High School but I can't honestly blame it on the Champions alone as it could have been the carb or maybe even the guy tuning it. 

So far so good right now with the 440 in the '69 and Champions one heat range colder.

[deputycrawford]

A friend of mine ran Champions in his 7 second rail car. If he hit it with Nitrous for too long it broke the insulator and sent it to the piston top. he runs NGK now.

[dodge freak]

Well I run Accel plugs so maybe Champion's aren't so hot.

[jerry]

i have been running champion J-11-Y plugs in my 69 1/2 6-bbl since 69 never a problem.

[73Charger]

I run champions in my Charger with 87 octane - not a problem, and even in my Formula that runs nitrous - never a problem there either.
I have however noticed that some plugs come with the wire ends "unscrewed" now, and I don't like that much.

[resq302]

I've always had problems with Champion plugs fouling in my '64 Max Wedge engine.   Had to put in 2 or 3 sets every summer.  This year I switched to Autolite #86 plugs, and they've been running great.

I have experienced the same thing with all of my vehicles including my 383 in the charger.

[Steve P.]

I have never had big problems with the firing of a Champion plug. BUTTTTTTT,,,,,, Back in the days when I had my own repair shop I ran into the odd plug stuck in the head. EVERY time it was a Champion plug. Every time!!!  Didn't matter if it was in a ferd, chovey or a mope. ALLLLLLLLWAYS A CHAMPION.  I won't even run one in a lawnmower.....

[deputycrawford]

The same problem that Junior Streib has in his rail car. Hit it with Nitrous and the insulator breaks loose. Mashes a piston really fast.

[whitehatspecial]

I replaced the Champions with NGKs. So far no problems. [ducking for cover]

[daytonalo]

Figured out that champion were junk back in 79 non stop fouling , autolite all the way on all my cars and race boat !

[firefighter3931]

I replaced the Champions with NGKs. So far no problems. [ducking for cover]

Good call....NGK user here. 



Ron

[John_Kunkel]

I just love brand name debates, pick any brand and some will praise it and an equal number will cuss it.

Wasted bandwidth.