Received my call from Shane at Tech. Support for Champion.  The most interesting topic of discussion was the changing of resistors in these plugs that has been discussed before on the LML.  Shane tells me that there is a proprietary cement that is used on the screws inside these plugs.  Therefore, there is not a field service type maintenance that can be done on these plugs to change the resistors.   Probably like many of you I was under the impression that when the resistors went to 5000 ohms and beyond they should be scrapped.  Shane did not know where this information comes from.

At any rate, as I indicated at the beginning of this discussion, I had no complaints with my Champion plugs, rather it is the unique design of the Tempest plugs that had me wanting to try them.  Unless, someone can tell me a benefit to be gained from the fine wire and/or the Tempest brand, I expect I will just stay with the massive plug and spend the money saved on gas.

Art Jensen

---

From: Bill Wade <super_chipmunk@roadrunner.com>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 2:18 PM
Subject: [LML] Re: Tempest spark plugs

What's the problem with platinum? I'm running fine wires in both my IO-550 and TCM IO-360.

I haven't noticed any problems after 300+ hours on each one. -Bill Wade

-----Original Message----- From: Lorn H Olsen
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 12:28 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Tempest spark plugs

Art,

Iridium spark plugs will last for 2,000 hours. With the Champion plugs, at 500 to 800 hours, you will either have to buy massive plugs to swap the resisters or buy new iridium plugs. I went to the junk yard and pulled good resisters out of used massive plugs. The Tempest plug resisters will stay good for the life of the plug.

Other than the resisters, you will not be able to tell the difference between the iridium plugs. Make sure that you don't get the older platinum type.

To buy:

For good service with spark plugs call Linda Lou, Inc. in Memphis, Tn. All Linda sells are plugs. She has replaced dropped plugs for me in the past. Linda also gave me the number of a Champion rep. I will talk to him in the near future and see if resisters or replacements are available for the high resistance Champion plugs.

800-824-9912

Her prices for plugs are:

Tempest: $51.00
Champion: $89.95

Lorn

On Feb 7, 2012, at 6:00 AM, Lancair Mailing List wrote:

> From: Art Jensen <flycassutts@yahoo.com>
> Date: February 6, 2012 7:50:13 PM EST
>
> 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

--
Lorn H. 'Feathers' Olsen, MAA, ASMEL, ASES, Comm, Inst
DynaComm, Corp., 248-345-0500, mailto:lorn@dynacomm.us
LNC2, FB90/92, O-320-D1F, 1,800 hrs, N31161, Y47, SE Michigan


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