[7dad34]

About to tune up my winter 318 and I thought I would ask just to get a random opinion then go from that. Thanks in advance !

 

[KB]

what my dealer hands me when I ask for one.

in general I like OEM parts, these were designed in with longevity in mind

 

[knottyrope]

plugs are like oil IMO

I have used champion and NGK in most everything with out issue

our van has orig plugs in it and has 200k miles on it. My truck has 102k miles on orig plugs

 

[hankvc]

The 318 gets Champions or NGK. As I recall, the Onan OEM plugs were Champions, although JD is now supplying NGK.

 

[wmgeorge]

FYI I hope you know JD does not make spark plugs. I usually use NGK and the last time I replaced I used an Iridium plug, kind of expensive at about $7 each.

 

[knottyrope]

I have not changed the plugs in my 420 since owning it in 2004. it also sat for 7 years.

 

[7dad34]

Thanks all. I'll go with the majority. I feel the need to replace mine and even at $ 14 , it's a bargain to me.
I guess I look at things differently than others. $14 once will not get my driveway cleared from snow. $14 put into my trusty 318 will get a cleared driveway as many times as it takes all winter long. I don't factor in stuff like spending more for the part I need.
Thank you for taking the time to reply

 

[ddogg]

Mike, for me, it was whatever my NAPA lady handed me. That was 6 years ago, and I am pretty sure they were about $4.00 each.

 

[dr_evil]

MIKE - Seriously, your logic is sound, but $14 for Iridium plugs in an Onan is wasting money, the $3 Champions will work just fine.

 

[lodogg2221]

You do NOT need anything but the standard NGK plug. There is zero benefit to running a different metal electrode plug, as these ignitions dont put out enough juice to make them worthwhile.
BTW, the dealer charges about twice what everyone else does.
Champion RS14YC Traditional
NGK TR5 2238 V-Power
Denso T16EPR-U 5022 Traditional
Bosch HR9DC+ 7879 Bosch Super
Autolite 104 104 Traditional

 

[hankvc]

Mike, my 318 starts and runs just fine in below 0F weather with Champion RS14YC plugs. No need to "solve" a non-problem with expensive plugs. I buy plugs at NAPA, who carry them for a reasonable price.

 

[ab318]

I use NGK everywhere and the cheap TR5 was my choice for the Onan.
Champion don't last on motorcycle or other high power engine but for our tractor or a mower they are good enough.
Andre

 

[wmgeorge]

FYI I use Iridium plugs in all my 2 cycle equipment, and since my 318 is using oil, these work best. Yes I know for $500 re-ring or $1500 for a repower I could fix the oil burning.

 

[mkos1980]

Not Onan but I have been starting to run the NGK's in all my small equipment.

 

[wmgeorge]

The NGK part number for Iridium TR5 plugs, NGK 7243 TR5-1 IX

I have not used a Champion for years, maybe since they moved production to Mexico. It was at one time, the only plug I would consider using.

Must be a reason that most of the car and truck mfg are using Iridium and Platinum tipped plugs in the new 100,000 mile tune up interval vehicles.

 

[7dad34]

NGK's from O'Reillys Auto parts for $2.50 each. Problem solved.
Thanks to all that offered their opinion !

 

[akaothermick]

Bill the Iridiums are a good choice and are practically maintenance free as the exotic metal tips are so highly resistant to electrical discharge erosion, with the benefit of a fine wire electrode that will practically never foul even in incorrect mixtures and oil burning engines and also fire better with marginal power ignitions than the old iron plugs that were around when the Onans were the latest and greatest,

 

[wmgeorge]

There is so much complaining on here about the poor starting of the Onan and how you need to upgrade to a points saver for $30 and new hotter coil. The Iridium plugs are a simple upgrade.

 

[vinnie110]

I would second the motion on Iridium or Platinum plugs. Have Bosch Platinums in my 77 Mustang V8 and that engine starts so quick it is scary.

 

[michael l.]

I have 2 1992 chevy luminas and one has iridium plugs and the other conventional copper plugs and the difference in startup and engine pickup on acceleration is as different as night and day between the two.
The iridium plugs make the engine drive like a new engine. And the car accelerates acrually too much for my old back.
May be worth trying in the Onan for when that 49 thrower takes a big bite in the heavy snow.