This is the response from Vince Bechtel of Tempest.  (Posted with his permission)

Steve Colwell

From: Vince Bechtel [mailto:vincebechtel@tempestplus.com]
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 2:31 PM
To: 'Steve Colwell'
Subject: RE: Cracking insulators

Hello Steve,

I have heard about the Champion plugs having cracked insulators. However I have not seen any evidence of this on Tempest plugs, massive or fine wire.  My suggestion would be to continue use of your current plugs until normal time of replacement.  If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact me.  Thanks for your support of Tempest.

Sincerely,

Vince Bechtel

Regional Sales Manager

Tempest Plus Marketing Group

2801 Wade Hampton Blvd. PMB-122

Taylors, SC 29687

Cell: 843-991-1199

Fax: 864-848-2122

E-mail: vincebechtel@tempestplus.com

www.tempestplus.com

From: Steve Colwell [mailto:mcmess1919@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 1:57 PM
To: vincebechtel@tempestplus.com
Subject: Cracking insulators

I have a Continental IO550-N with 310 hours total time.  The engine was equipped with Autolite (now Tempest) URHB 32S Fine Wires at overhaul.  I have pulled the plugs for visual inspection and they appear OK.  Would you recommend replacement with massive electrodes considering the problems recently identified with cracked insulators?

Steve Colwell