Forum

[Dennis C]

A warning to all. ----- Four years ago I completed the restoration of a 1959 Super Meteor, no expense spared. ------- the bike has always been a reluctant starter but when running absolutely no problem at all, the starting varied from first kick to push down the road in desperation, so bad in fact that I would find any excuse to leave it in the garage and take another one out instead, I went through everything from Magneto to Carb time after time (not the plugs they where new). --------- Last week my B31 which is always a first kick start also became reluctant, new plug, cured. --------- This got me thinking so new plugs in the Enfield, now it is a first kick starter. --------- Google fake NGK spark plugs that is what I had in, the Ba888rds four years a right leg like a weight lifter because I got caught by a con man at an autojumble.

[Bullet Whisperer]

Hi Dennis, this might prompt some discussion, but years ago I remember it being said that one in seven new spark plugs is a duffer [on average]. Whether this included all makes to get the average, I don't know, but would assume so, but, then again perhaps it could just be bad information? Paul.

[Paul M H]

I've found some NGK spark Plugs can be a bit hit & miss as some are made in various country's. I've had some last ages in my old work Bullet but others pack up or start misfiring after just a short time like a couple of weeks all were bought new in motorcycle shops so should have been OK. So for the past Two years I've been using Champion Plugs and they seem fine not had a plug fail for ages present one has been in there two years plus. As you say might have been a bad batch but I will stick to Champions as I brought a pack of eight so they will last ages.

[Norm]

Dennis, Interesting, I have similar thoughts every time I wheel my Series 1 Inter out, how many times can I kick it before exhaustion takes over. I ended up fitting Pazon ignition to it, easier to set the timing but didn't really improve the starting. I fitted NGK Irridiums which improved the starting but it was impossible to ride because off misfiring and carrying on. Put the old ones back in and it was back to normal. I have never resorted to trying to push start it because I know it will always start on the kicker if I can keep kicking long enough. And the next time it will start first kick. Bit of a ceremony every time I leave our meetings with everybody coming out of the pub to see if I can get it started. Much joy when it does

[Paul M H]

Heres a link to the Document mentioned by Dennis C http://www.ngkbusi.com/index.php/nws/15-ep

[simon]

I used to think that as long as the reach and heat range were right one brand was pretty much as good as another but my old 860 GT Ducati has changed my mind. I ran every sort of plug in it from NGK to AC and all of them would work ok but would end up with a rich side and a lean side on them. Eventually the rich side would foul and I'd have to replace them. I finally tried the ones recommended in the workshop manual L86 Champions and around 20,000 kms later they are still perfect. Why? I don't have a clue.

[Dennis C]

Hi All. ---- heres a link which will help decide whether you have fake NGK plugs or not, it certainly proved that mine were fake. ------ http://www.slideshare.net/athangal/dist ... spark-plug

[PeteF]

On a more general topic Dennis you said "I went through everything from Magneto to Carb time after time (not the plugs they where new)"...... I'd be a rich man if I had a pound for everytime I'd thought that - not just plugs but any component!

[Dennis C]

Hi Pete. --- Yes I understand what you are saying and perhaps I should know better by now, but both plugs were new and the bike ran perfectly once started would tick over as long as you wanted pull cleanly and give power throughout the rev range, take them out and check always a nice fat blue spark on both, no sign of the plugs being faulty at all, in fact they were not faulty just cheap crappy fakes. ----- I told you the other week I would get to the bottom of the starting problem, taken four years but finally did it, I never realized that there were fake plugs about. ------ I was talking to my brother last night and told him the tale of woe, he has a Honda CB750 which has been playing up just after starting and has done for some time, he checked his plugs and yes he has NGK copies as well, his came from a dealer so check carefully when you buy them.

[grunda 12]

hi dennis,well done for letting people know about fake plugs ,but heres a warning don,t try to warn the masses on here you,ll end up being ridiculed ,i use champion or ngk at £2 each from our local emporium ,the mico bosch copy of indian origin fitted origionally functioned admirably for 2000miles happy days paul.