In a word, yes! I've removed platinum plugs that have caused Smog Test
failures. On "feedback" cars--those that have O2 sensors
and are in "closed-loop" during the test, a "fancy" platinum plug first
causes a misfire( high HCs), this allows extra oxygen in the exhaust
stream. The O2 sensor doesn't know or care where the extra oxygen comes
from, tells computer "I'm lean", computer reacts by adding extra fuel
(CO). Catalytic converter will cover
much of this up, however.
Since I can't emotionally handle comebacks
very well, I insist on the right plug every time.
Bosch Platinums and Splitfires aren't on that list. Autolite, Champion
platinums in a non-platinum application are no better.
Most of the vehicles I work on get regular
Autolites. Exceptions are mid 90's and up distributorless ignitions.
They usually get whatever the manufacturer calls for.
Don Kenyon ASE Certified Master Automotive
Technician, L-1, CA Enhanced Smog License
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue May 01 2001 - 07:42:39 PDT