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| Since September, Champion seems to have "softened" their position and are trying to fix this problem that back in September they claimed did not exist. This is sort of like TCM fixing the cylinder problem that "never existed." <g>
Walter
On Feb 13, 2012, at 11:21 AM, Kevin Stallard wrote:
I found a response from Champion.
The usually finger pointing has begun… http://www.championaerospace.com/assets/Champion-Fine-Wire-Spark-Plug-Service-Letter.pdf
From: Lancair Mailing
List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf
Of Colyn Case
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2012
6:51 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Fwd: [LML] Re:
Tempest spark plugs
Lorn, you must have missed this.
I've included an alternate link to what Ron put in because I couldn't
get that to work.
This is a very interesting read.
The problem was actually found on Champion plugs.
TAT is recommending Champion massives. It looks to me like TAT
likes the 29 heat range and that Tempest doesn't make one of those.
I'll seek clarification from Walter.
Other very interesting stuff in this article: pictures of
affected cylinders; pictures of the monitor trace; what to do if you see that
kind of a trace in flight.
http://www.taturbo.com/TATSR22-SB11-05%20fine%20wire%20spark%20plugs%20initial%20release%20sept%2023%202011.pdf
Date: February
9, 2012 10:29:21 AM EST
Subject: [LML] Re: Tempest spark
plugs
Don't know if anyone brought this up yet but Tornado Alley Turbos has
recently issued an "mandatory" service bulletin on fine wire plugs.
Apparently they are more prone to insulator cracks than the massives.
When the insulation falls off they turn into "glow plugs" and can
lead
to a detonation event. I think George has documented this. Here's the
SB:
<TATSR22-SB11-05 fine wire spark plugs initial release sept 23 2011.pdf>
Ron
On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 11:37 AM, Tim Olson <Tim@myrv10.com> wrote:
The fine wire plugs are pretty darn durable. Mine are
the Unison (now tempest) ones. I find that they're easier
to clean with the walnut chip blaster because without the
massive side electrodes, it's much easier to get down in
them to clean them. They run real well for me. For my
dollar, I'll go Tempest fine wire for sure. There's nothing
magical about the Champions, and in fact you're just
sticking with something older at that point when there is
"new improved" available. The resistors alone are a
good
reason to switch.
FWIW, I did the same thing with oil filters. After buying
2 each of Champion, Kelly, and Tempest, I now only buy
Tempest oil filters. The Kelly filters were just too
flimsy. The champion are higher price with lower
quality features.
Tim
On 2/8/2012 7:05 AM, Art Jensen wrote:
Lorn,
Talked with Linda today. Still don't know the benefits of using fine
wire (Iridium) versus massive other than price. Champion massive are
$26.95 versus Tempest massive at $22.75. Champion fine wire (Iridium)
$89.95 versus Tempest fine wire (Iridum) at $49.50. These prices are
from Aircraft Spruce.
I like the idea of the center electrode and resistor being fused
together as one piece. That new design is found in both types of plugs
made by Tempest. The price difference between the two types of plugs
should be no factor since the Fine wire (Iridium) are supposed to last
1000 hours or more than the massive.
According to Linda, the platinum plugs are no longer being
manufactured.
I have a call in to tech. Support at Champion but have not heard back
from them yet.
Art Jensen
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From: * Lorn H Olsen <lorn@dynacomm.us>;
*To: * <lml@lancaironline.net>;
*Subject: * [LML] Re: Tempest spark plugs
*Sent: * Tue, Feb 7, 2012 5:28:43 PM
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
<javascript:return>>
> 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 <javascript:return>
LNC2, FB90/92, O-320-D1F, 1,800 hrs, N31161, Y47, SE
Michigan
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