I am running Bosch Platinum spark plugs in my 1965 170 slant with the stock point system ignition. I see that many of you recommend removing the included washer when installing NGK plugs......should I do the same with my Bosch plugs and what should they be gapped at?

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1965 Valiant 200
170 C.I

Plugs should be gapped at 0.035" for stock points ignition. Ditch the Bosch plugs and run the NGK plugs without the rings.

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Do not use platinum plugs in a slant six; it's a waste of money. For applications which do require platinum plugs (many newer vehicles), I have been told that you should not try to alter the gap. They supposedly come pre-gapped from the factory, and if you attempt to change the gap you are likely to damage the platinum coating that makes them cost so much in the first place.

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

I run the Bosch +4 in my slant and they are wonderful!! I don't see any reason not to run them.

For a 65 you don't need the washer on the Bosch's.......

(there, I actually answered the question, and didn't tell you that Bosch Platinums are junk)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Why are they junk?

During the year I spent working at O'Reilly's, I had more complaints about Bosch +4 plugs fouling out than any other brand/model (and we didn't sell that many of them to begin with). I can't offer an explanation of why this is, but real world experience has convinced me not to mess with them.

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

Quit buying Bosch Platinum spark plugs; they're junk, and they're overpriced, and sooner or later (usually sooner) they will cause problems with driveability and fuel economy. Get NGK ZFR5N spark plugs instead; they are both cheaper and better. Gap to 0.035".

Yes, you need to remove/omit the ring washer when installing any brand of spark plug in a '63-'74 slant-6 head.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I can think of several good reasons not to run them:

•They're not the correct electrode configuration for the slant-6 combustion chamber; those extra ground electrodes offer no operational benefit (no improved fuel economy, no improved performance, no improved driveability) but they do stick you with quite a few combustion-related drawbacks.

•They're just as poorly made and unreliable as the rest of Bosch's spark plugs

•They're massively, obscenely, stinkingly overpriced, especially when there's a vastly better upgrade spark plug (that actually offers real benefits!) available for about 20% of the price of the Platinum+4s

Are we havin' fun with reasons not to run them yet? They are a marketeering scam, just like Sylvania Silverstar headlights, Slick-50 and all the other overpriced crapola you're goaded into buying for your car by marginally-truthful advertising.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Quite right.
Not true. There are some gapping methods that can damage spark plugs (notably those "gapping pliers" wherein you put the spark plug and squeeze the handles to set the gap—those exert extreme pressure on the centre electrode, often cracking the spark plug's internal gas seal). But, all the major makers' regular platinum plugs can be successfully gapped without problems using conventional gap measuring and electrode-bending tools. They don't have a platinum "coating", as such. Either they have a solid-platinum centre electrode or they have platinum discs welded to the end of the centre and/or side electrode.

The exception is those stupid Bosch Platinum +2 and +4 plugs, which cannot be gapped—yet another good reason to stay away from them.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

OK Dan im puting you on the spot. Full race engine 12.54 in the 1/4. I use autolite sparkplugs and have used the steel gaskets on the plugs . How much of a defferance does it make . I see other racers use the rings. So Dan give me a lesson on this. Thanks Ron Parker PS if will help me to win just email me .










It Aint Over Until I Win

Usually a small one, but the idea is to prevent the plug from running too hot, so if going without the gasket means you can dial in just a tetch more timing 'cause your engine is just a tetch less prone to pinging, well, maybe it'll be a help, eh?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

isnt the ring what puts the correct angle on the plug seat to seat properly against the head?

No, the ring gasket does not affect the angle of the spark plug relative to the head.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I have run single Bosch Platinums in my slant for 2-3 years now and I have never had a problem.....what is the purpose of the washer/ring anyway? Doesn't it prevent wear and damage on the spark plug tube o-ring?

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1965 Valiant 200
170 C.I