I ordered Tempest Iridium spark plugs – 50 $/piece versus 100 $/piece from Champion for my TSIO550.
I ordered them after my mag check showed a rough running engine and I found a tiny piece of carbon in one of the spark plugs. I felt with one fine wire the probability is just a lot smaller that a piece of carbon would get stuck there. Taking the cowl off for one dirty spark plug is a pretty big pain.
I let my engine idle for a while to get the turbo below 900 degrees before shutting it down – this probably does not help in regards to fouling.
If you decide to go with tempest be prepared for long lead times – I ordered them with aircraft spruce 1/13 – first they were in stock – then the delivery was scheduled for 2/2 – now the delivery is scheduled for 3/9
Ralf
From: Art Jensen [mailto:flycassutts@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 7:50 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: Tempest spark plugs
All,
Would like to hear from everyone using the tempest spark plugs. Are you satisfied with them? Do you think they are better than Champion, and why? Are you using the massive or fine wire? Help me make an informed decision.
I am getting ready to order a new set of plugs. I currently use the RHB32E by Champion in my IO-550-N. I have no complaints with these plugs but wonder if the Tempest with their one piece resistor design is better as their ad would suggest.
Thank you for your input
Art Jensen |