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spark plugs

52K views 33 replies 19 participants last post by  beat_truck 
#1 ·
Hello
I have a 2005 Grand Caravan (the 3.8 engine) and I am going to replace the spark plugs, does anybody know which is the best spark plug that can be used ?? as i am really confused.
 
#2 ·
I believe the Champion double platinums are OEM.

Others on the forum have tried different brands/types with success. But if you're happy with the way it performs now, just go for the OEM replacement.
 
#3 ·
Some people are happy with something other than the recommended OEM spark plug, but lots have had trouble using anything other than the Champion Double Platinum spark plugs that were DESIGNED for your engine.
 
#4 ·
In every car i've owned, i've never noticed a difference with "performance" plugs versus OEM plugs. In my truck I always use AC Delco plugs which have been great, when I put an MSD Distributor in i'm still gonna use the Delco plugs because I don't think anything else will be better, but I will get a set of 8mm MSD wires, and they'll be red because they look cool too.
 
#9 ·
Autolite platinum plugs work just as well as the champions. I use them because my local store stocks them but not the champion platinum.
 
#10 ·
Mopar's come with Champion OEM for a reason. The same reason Ford comes with Autolite (motorcraft rebadged) and VW comes with Bosch. Champion double platinum's !!
 
#11 ·
I'd use the Autolite plugs if I could not get the Champion plugs. But since I can I always buy the spark plug that was designed for the engine's in our van.
 
#13 ·
From What I have been able to gather, stick to the OEM plugs. Other plugs are not designed for your rig. Sure anyone will sell another brand to you, just to make a profit. But here Its guys shooting straight helping you. Like they say, use the OEM plugs. Play it safe not sorry. Jim
 
#14 ·
He already replaced his plugs, 10 years ago!.

On those vehicles with 3.3 or 3.8 engines, you can use any brand you like, as long as you use double platinum or double iridium.

Newer 3.6 engines doesn't need double platinum plugs, but you can still use them.

People having problems using other than Champion double platinum is because they use single platinum plugs.
 
#15 ·
Designers make choices based on what they designed.

For my Jeep 4.0L I6, it's Champion or NGK copper. Other plugs will, or may, work but the no brainer is what's specified.

Since I have no brains, it has Champion single platinums in it now and they are working fine. On sale, of course. :)
 
#19 ·
Thanks Jim,

The specified spark plug (for others reading this later) is on a white label under the hood on most automobiles.

The need for double platinum is related to the 100,000 mile longevity of the spark plugs.

Sometimes the platinum 'puck' is missing on a DP spark plug and the cathode is then rapidly deteriorated. The platinum anode and platinum disc on the cathode are 'hard' and resist erosion from the high voltage used.
 
#21 ·
Double platinum is specified not exclusively for long mileage, but because of the ignition system type. These fire 2 plugs at one time per coil; spark from coil to plug center electrode to ground electrode on cylinder under compression, and from ground electrode to center electrode back to coil on cylinder on exhaust stroke. Single platinum plugs would wear out twice as fast. You could use copper plugs which conduct the spark better, but you'd be changing them pretty frequently. The double platinums are so you don't have to keep buying new plugs all the time, which would drive up the cost of owning the vehicle and turn buyers away.
 
#22 ·
I was not aware that the shop that did my last plug change 100,000 miles ago had installed Autolite double platinum APP5426 plugs in my 2007 3.8L Grand Caravan. The van now has 222,000 miles and was still running fine on the Autolite plugs when I changed the plugs recently.

I did follow the prevailing guidance on this forum and installed double platinum plugs made by Champion this time. But based on how well the van ran with Autolite plugs,I would have had no worries about using them again. I do try to only use Top Tier gasoline. Maybe that helps.
 
#23 ·
Nice. I'm just running the single platinum Autolites. I've seen no difference in double vs. single in the 3.8L I had. So I've only used the Autolite single in the 3.3L.

As for fuel, 87 regular. Seafoam once per year the intake and 1 bottle to a half tank of fuel once a year as well.
 
#25 ·
So, the plan when 49999 rolls up on the odometer is:
drive to the junk yard and leave it there?
or
drive to the junk yard to get some used plugs?
or
buy some body metal, rivet gun, flux core MIG welder, Bondo, fibreglass, Fluid Film and a BRAND NEW set of double platinum spark plugs
:)
 
#26 ·
Original plugs had something like 250k km before I replaced them, gaps you could pass a truck through, never-ever misfired. The pundits said "Oh My, what sloppy maintenance" should have changed them much earlier and I think a few said you'll see better mileage. Not one foot further on the new plugs, but thanks for askin'.
Plugs are like oil, everybody has an opinion and some of them even make me laugh.....so there is that. It sparks, it fires, off you go!
 
#29 ·
A ton of miles can be racked up on double platinum spark plugs. Some leave them in until problems develop with starting or running, with unbelievable kms/miles on them.

CHAMPION Warranty Information:
"Iridium plugs 7 years - Double Platinum Power 5 years - Platinum Power 3 years - Copper Plus 2 years"

AUTOLITE Warranty Information:
"2 years for Copper Spark Plugs; 4 years for Platinum Spark Plugs; 5 years for Double Platinum Spark Plugs; Limited Lifetime years for Iridium XP Spark Plugs; 5 years for Professional Series Wire Sets; 1 year for Glow Plugs"

NGK Warranty Information:
"60 Days"
Short and not so sweet. I leave turkey in the fridge longer than that. :)
 
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#33 ·
Not stopping by your place today, you are in a bad mood. :)

Once you get started on the body work, it will progress. Takes some working into like most vehicle projects. Just take your time and enjoy, don't rush and make mistakes/get frustrated. So says Pastor Jeepman who doesn't practice what he preaches. :)

I have a cheap flux core welder also. Still don't know how to use it, but the welds keep the wheel barrow, lawn mowers, and whatever together. Just this week, I welded the broken handle on a lawn mower for my Son. Welded, added a reinforcing piece, welded again, used a grinder to smooth things out, covered the repair with J B Weld for a top notch, nice looking job. Finished it off with red caliper paint, in case the Grandson uses the mower, has to be sharp. :)
 
#34 ·
I have a cheap flux core welder also. Still don't know how to use it, but the welds keep the wheel barrow, lawn mowers, and whatever together. Just this week, I welded the broken handle on a lawn mower for my Son. Welded, added a reinforcing piece, welded again, used a grinder to smooth things out, covered the repair with J B Weld for a top notch, nice looking job. Finished it off with red caliper paint, in case the Grandson uses the mower, has to be sharp. :)
Don't feel bad. No matter how hard you try or how much experience you have welding, it's hard to get any kind of decent looking welds out of a flux core machine. Especially the cheap A/C machines from places like Harbor Freight. Sheet metal work is even harder to do with one, but it can be done with practice (and some re-dos).

A grinder and paint makes you the welder you ain't.:)
 
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