How long will the plugs last?

[DrewQ45]

I now have 80K on a set of OEM Platinums.

Sad thing is, I have a new set sitting which I scored during one of Joe's specials. I just don't have the time, patience or desire to spend 6 hrs under the hood right now and my back hasn't been up to par lately.....

...anyway, the Q is running like a champ as always...how much longer can I go on these plugs?

...Drew....

[Jesda]

On paper: Theyre due.

In my humble opinion: Another 20-30k.

[qship96]

I currently have 105,000 on mine,running great- will get replaced this fall along with valve cover gaskets.

[Q45tech]

In the 1991 compilation of TSB, there was a proceedure to clear the plugs:

"Drive vehicle for 5 minutes in 2nd gear at 55mph [4100 rpm]Drive vehicle for 5 minutes in 1st gear at 35 mph [4700 rpm]

Repeat up to 4 times until clear".

Most people drive way too conservatively for a high performance engine.

Must blow out all the accumulated garbage from modern gasoline.

[DrewQ45]

I currently have 105,000 on mine,running great- will get replaced this fall along with valve cover gaskets.

Wow, now I don't feel so guilty!

I remember one or two of the boots being submerged in oil last time I changed them but the boot sealed out the oil pretty good. Guess with the high gas prices I really need to get to work on them as they can't burn as efficiently as when new.

No valve cover gaskets for early G-50s correct?

[Jesda]

Yeah, the manual says to use RTV for 90-93.

[qship96]

In the 1991 compilation of TSB, there was a proceedure to clear the plugs:

Most people drive way too conservatively for a high performance engine.

Must blow out all the accumulated garbage from modern gasoline.

Must be my 50-60 mile continuous 85-105 MPH weekly runs on I 70 that blow out all the cobwebs! thank god for the V1 and preventative maintenance I have kept up with allowing truely enjoyable extended high speed runs free of shakes,wobbles,and vibrations!

[DrewQ45]

I'll never forget the last time I changed the plugs. I must've stretched it out into an 8 HR job hanging out with my friend Bud and all. Not a particularly technical job, just painstaking and tedious with all the crop you have to do. I remember putting it back together and saying a small prayer when I fired her back up.

Guess what? For the first 10 secs the engine ran like crap.. feeling like it was down two cylinders. I guess it took a moment to burn whatever crap might've accumulated on the tips and to arc properly into a clean burn. Scared the living daylights out of me though.

Hey, I wonder if during the change, it would be a good time to get some of that miracle stuff for electrical connections that Texasoil was talking about... wouldn't mind smearing some on the the plugs and other connections that I'll be pulling apart.

...Drew....

[yodawill2000]

Dielectric Grease ..Works great .

[elwesso]

Owners standards vary!

I wouldnt run the plugs too much past 100k for fear of them getting stuck in there!

[maxnix]

Owners standards vary!

I wouldnt run the plugs too much past 100k for fear of them getting stuck in there!

Galling is the big worry. Who knows what the last grease monkey used for thread lubrication? Salt?

[metzgerq45]

What are the symptoms of fouled plugs on a Q45? I just bought a '94 with 76k miles from an old lady, and:

1) it sometimes "bucks" while driving at a steady 30-40 mph (like the fuel was cut-off for a tenth of a second...)

2) surges somewhat under moderate acceleration below 4000 rpm

3) goes like made above 4500 rpm!!

[elwesso]

Check my post in your thread.

[metzgerq45]

Where? I'm a newbee and can't find your response....

[elwesso]

zerothread/175575