Re: Tri-Electrode plugs -- possible FAQ

[zm@mhcnet.att.com]

> Triple electrode...what advertising genius came up with this one??
> 
> Seriously, what's the difference?
> 
> Also, I was steered away from them by a reputable shop.  Said there were
> problems with them, no details tho.
> 
> How about Bosch Platinums?  I had bad luck with them in my 280ZX, worth the
> $$$ ?

Yes, this is a frequently discussed topic. From the discussions on this
list, the general consensus is that the Bosch triple electrode recommended
by Audi are the best choice for these cars. The triple electrode increases
plug life, resists fouling and according to one poster to this list, deliver
a more consistent spark under high boost levels in the Audi turbocharged
engines.

Many people who have tried the Bosch Platinums (single electrode) have
reported dissatisfaction with them. The amount of Platinum in these plugs
is very little and the center electrode so small that it wears out fast
and recedes into the ceramic insulator. I have used them on my non-Audi
cars without much problem but with no better performance than the cheaper
ones. BTW, Bosch Platinums aren't very expensive, less than $2 at your
local K-mart. The triple-electrode ones are about $4 each at foreign car
part stores. Someone mentioned mail ordering them for about $3 each.

The Bosch Platinums apparently require a high voltage from the ignition
coil to work well. So, on cars with powerful ignition systems they
work well and not so well on other cars. This explains why some people
like them and others claim that they're awful. But for Audis, people
who have compared the platinums with the triple-electrode plugs, prefer
the triple-electrodes.

All the info I have given above is gleaned from the quattro mailing list
archives or what I've read in rec.autos and rec.autos.tech. Repeated from
memory though.... (chris, if you want the actual posts, I might be able
to dig them up for you; let me know).

Zafer