Since September more information has come to light.  The Tempest plugs are preferred as of now.  Checking resistance is a very good idea any time the plugs are gapped or checked in any way.

Walter

On Feb 10, 2012, at 5:37 PM, Colyn Case wrote:

Walter,

Can you please clarify TAT's position on Tempest plugs?

I'm inferring from the link below that the following are true:

a) So far only Champion fine wires are implicated

b) but TAT suspects Tempest fine wire have the same failure mode

c) and TAT further prefers the 29 heat range which Tempest doesn't offer.

d) Therefore TAT has a preferred recommendation of Champion massives vs. Tempest anything.

http://www.taturbo.com/TATSR22-SB11-05%20fine%20wire%20spark%20plugs%20initial%20release%20sept%2023%202011.pdf

Colyn

On Feb 9, 2012, at 11:55 AM, Walter Atkinson wrote:

The issue is the resistance.  Plugs should be routinely tested for resistance and when out of spec., should be replaced.  The problem with cracked ceramics is not detonation, it is pre-ignition, which is much more damaging.  The Champion plugs are having resistance problems.  The Tempest plugs are far less likely to present a resistance problem.

Walter

On Feb 9, 2012, at 8:29 AM, Ron Laughlin wrote:

Don't know if anyone brought this up yet but Tornado Alley Turbos has

recently issued an "mandatory" service bulletin on fine wire plugs.

Apparently they are more prone to insulator cracks than the massives.

When the insulation falls off they turn into "glow plugs" and can lead

to a detonation event. I think George has documented this. Here's the

SB:

<TATSR22-SB11-05 fine wire spark plugs initial release sept 23 2011.pdf>

Ron

On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 11:37 AM, Tim Olson <Tim@myrv10.com> wrote:

The fine wire plugs are pretty darn durable.  Mine are

the Unison (now tempest) ones.  I find that they're easier

to clean with the walnut chip blaster because without the

massive side electrodes, it's much easier to get down in

them to clean them.  They run real well for me.  For my

dollar, I'll go Tempest fine wire for sure.  There's nothing

magical about the Champions, and in fact you're just

sticking with something older at that point when there is

"new improved" available.  The resistors alone are a good

reason to switch.

FWIW, I did the same thing with oil filters.  After buying

2 each of Champion, Kelly, and Tempest, I now only buy

Tempest oil filters.  The Kelly filters were just too

flimsy.  The champion are higher price with lower

quality features.

Tim

On 2/8/2012 7:05 AM, Art Jensen wrote:

Lorn,

Talked with Linda today. Still don't know the benefits of using fine

wire (Iridium) versus massive other than price. Champion massive are

$26.95 versus Tempest massive at $22.75. Champion fine wire (Iridium)

$89.95 versus Tempest fine wire (Iridum) at $49.50. These prices are

from Aircraft Spruce.

I like the idea of the center electrode and resistor being fused

together as one piece. That new design is found in both types of plugs

made by Tempest. The price difference between the two types of plugs

should be no factor since the Fine wire (Iridium) are supposed to last

1000 hours or more than the massive.

According to Linda, the platinum plugs are no longer being manufactured.

I have a call in to tech. Support at Champion but have not heard back

from them yet.

Art Jensen

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*From: * Lorn H Olsen <lorn@dynacomm.us>;

*To: * <lml@lancaironline.net>;

*Subject: * [LML] Re: Tempest spark plugs

*Sent: * Tue, Feb 7, 2012 5:28:43 PM

Art,

Iridium spark plugs will last for 2,000 hours. With the Champion plugs,

at 500 to 800 hours, you will either have to buy massive plugs to swap

the resisters or buy new iridium plugs. I went to the junk yard and

pulled good resisters out of used massive plugs. The Tempest plug

resisters will stay good for the life of the plug.

Other than the resisters, you will not be able to tell the difference

between the iridium plugs. Make sure that you don't get the older

platinum type.

To buy:

For good service with spark plugs call Linda Lou, Inc. in Memphis, Tn.

All Linda sells are plugs. She has replaced dropped plugs for me in the

past. Linda also gave me the number of a Champion rep. I will talk to

him in the near future and see if resisters or replacements are

available for the high resistance Champion plugs.

800-824-9912

Her prices for plugs are:

Tempest: $51.00

Champion: $89.95

Lorn

On Feb 7, 2012, at 6:00 AM, Lancair Mailing List wrote:

From: Art Jensen <flycassutts@yahoo.com <javascript:return>>

Date: February 6, 2012 7:50:13 PM EST

All,

Would like to hear from everyone using the tempest spark plugs. Are

you satisfied with them? Do you think they are better than Champion, and

why? Are you using the massive or fine wire? Help me make an informed

decision.

I am getting ready to order a new set of plugs. I currently use the

RHB32E by Champion in my IO-550-N. I have no complaints with these plugs

but wonder if the Tempest with their one piece resistor design is better

as their ad would suggest.

Thank you for your input

Art Jensen

--

Lorn H. 'Feathers' Olsen, MAA, ASMEL, ASES, Comm, Inst

DynaComm, Corp., 248-345-0500, mailto:lorn@dynacomm.us <javascript:return>

LNC2, FB90/92, O-320-D1F, 1,800 hrs, N31161, Y47, SE Michigan

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