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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 15:38:46

Title: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 15:38:46
First thing anyone will notice when they do a service on an Omega is that the spark plugs have two electrodes. Perhaps not that unusual now, I don't know, but relatively odd for the time, I'd say. As I understand it, they're for a cleaner / better / stronger spark.

This being the case, what could be gained by fitting them to, for instance a Carlton/Senator/Monza etc? Nothing, or actually a potentially nice upgrade, given the minimal cost?

Answers on a postcard  :y
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: omegod on 01 September 2016, 15:42:19
I don't get spark plugs at all, I find Omega plugs fit most other cars I have had and haven't caused an issue, if the threads the same and it's not longer I fit the buggers.   
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Nick W on 01 September 2016, 15:59:06
If you can tell the difference between single/twin/12.67 electrode spark plugs from the driving seat, you ought to be doing formula 1 testing.
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Andy B on 01 September 2016, 16:08:13
.... As I understand it, they're for a cleaner / better / stronger spark.
 .....

They're twin electrode to make them last twice as long to extend the service interval ..... the 2.6 & 3.2 use 4 electrode plugs  :y
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 16:21:23
Haha. Ta NickW, wasn't so much interested in some magic 'powerrrr' increase, so much as if spark plugs have come on a bit in terms of how cleanly they burn the fuel.

edit: to AndyB ta  :y Never realised it was for that reason. Good to know  :) SO, basically 'a spark is a spark is a spark', there's been no advancement in this field, really?
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Nick W on 01 September 2016, 16:34:06
Haha. Ta NickW, wasn't so much interested in some magic 'powerrrr' increase, so much as if spark plugs have come on a bit in terms of how cleanly they burn the fuel.

edit: to AndyB ta  :y Never realised it was for that reason. Good to know  :) SO, basically 'a spark is a spark is a spark', there's been no advancement in this field, really?


The advance was over 30years when mapped ignition meant that you could fire the plug when needed rather than when the hopeless mechanical advance allowed. Fuel injection did the same for fuelling some years earlier. These two things are the cause of the real, simultaneous improvement of  power, economy, emissions, driveability and durability.
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 16:44:43
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Morris 8hp  :)
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Nick W on 01 September 2016, 16:50:29
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Morris 8hp  :)


You can have mapped ignition with a distributor and coil. Look at an EFI Pinto or Ford V6 or Rover K-series
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 16:56:43
It's a Vauxhall 28H there's a blast from the past  :y
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Mr Gav on 01 September 2016, 18:05:51
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Omega  :)

Fixed that for ya DBG  ;D
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 01 September 2016, 18:14:26
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Omega  :)

Fixed that for ya DBG  ;D
Would love to see how the Datsun responds to 91 octane fuel ;D
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Mr Gav on 01 September 2016, 18:24:22
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Omega  :)

Fixed that for ya DBG  ;D


Would love to see how the Datsun responds to 91 octane fuel ;D

Probably in the same way I respond to raw chicken  ;D
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 01 September 2016, 18:34:25
 ;D lumpy...
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: 78bex on 01 September 2016, 22:43:41
off topic slightly, my old fazers fire up quicker from cold with iridium plugs & V-power petrol.
If available would iridium plugs help an old Mig  ???
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 September 2016, 23:49:17
Had to google that, bikes not my strong point!  :D well, the general consensus is GM plugs are the best to get for an Omega... however feel free to have a go, if it makes a difference post your findings, way I see it everything was a stupid idea and impossible until someone did it.  :)


Also Mr Gav that's mean! Good job Pissy didn't hear you say that!  :P
Title: Re: Twin electrode Spark plugs - why?
Post by: TheBoy on 02 September 2016, 12:38:34
Ah...this engine I'm thinking is pre-electronic ignition. Dizzy cap and Coil like a can of red bull.  :y


Sounds like most definitely no point, then! Be like putting Shell V-Power in a Morris 8hp  :)


You can have mapped ignition with a distributor and coil. Look at an EFI Pinto or Ford V6 or older Rover K-series
Just fixed a slight error ;)