Indexing plugs

[TBirck]

I like to have my motor checked once a year and new plugs installed. I know they are indexed when the dealer does it. The question is I also like to change my plugs after about 6 or 8 months myself, is there any harm done to the motor if I don't index the plugs? I usually do this around August, then back to the dealer in January.

[SEAHORSE]

This link tells you how to index the plugs. Start with page three for the procedure itself. This only applies to FICHT, DI, and E-TEC motors.

http://www.boatsetup.com/PlgIndexing.html

[TBirck]

Thanks Seahorse. I know the procedure for indexing the plugs
Just wanted to know if not indexing them would be harmful to my 2003 250 or if the plugs just would not last as long

[Dae]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TBirck &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks Seahorse. I know the procedure for indexing the plugs
Just wanted to know if not indexing them would be harmful to my 2003 250 or if the plugs just would not last as long

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Someone else could probably answer this better and I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but from what I was told, they need to be indexed. The reason is because if the fuel sprays on the ground, it cools the plug too much and it keeps the fuel from burning correctly.

Bottom line, keep them indexed. Not only will you get a better fuel burn, but the plugs will run at the correct temp.


- Dae

[John from IL]

That's pretty much correct Dae. Also make the engine run like crap.

-John

[MagnusL]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TBirck &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Just wanted to know if not indexing them would be harmful </TD></TR></TABLE>

Read somewhere (here probably) that if you don´t index the plugs, it will sound like an OptiMax!

[Bassmeister]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MagnusL &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Read somewhere (here probably) that if you don´t index the plugs, it will sound like an OptiMax!


</TD></TR></TABLE>
AHHH Don't go there Magnus!!!

[TBirck]

I respect everyone's openion here. I have changed my plugs for the last 2 years as I stated and have not had any adverse affects.

No it did not sound like an Optimax --------And it also did not make any difference in the way the motor ran. Also when the dealer tuned it up the plugs were not bad.

Just wanted to hear from some of the Rude mechanics here if doing this would be bad for my motor.

Thanks for all the answers on this.

[Dae]

Are you saying you haven't been indexing your plugs?

- Dae

[TBirck]

My dealer services my motor each January. He does index the plugs

Then I change the plugs myself around the first of September. I have not indexed them those times.

I did index them one year and it took 2 sets to get them all to index properly.

Just wanting to know if this will damage the motor in any way. I have been running xd100 oil so should not have a carbon problem.

I just thought that one of the Guru's could answer my question

[TBirck]

I got an answer. Thanks anyway.

[Dae]

Instead of going through a bunch of plugs, you can get replacement spacers. I'm talking about those washers that come on the plugs.

What you want to do is replace the ones on the plugs versus adding them. I think Sparkplugs.com carries them but in a pinch, just go to a store and buy some cheap plugs so you can swap them out with the ones on the Champion plugs.

- Dae

[TBirck]

Thanks for the insight Dae. Will have to try that

[SEAHORSE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dae &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Instead of going through a bunch of plugs, you can get replacement spacers. I'm talking about those washers that come on the plugs.
- Dae</TD></TR></TABLE>


The factory says DO NOT, repeat DO NOT, use washers to index the plugs on a FICHT or E-TEC engine!

[Dae]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SEAHORSE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The factory says DO NOT, repeat DO NOT, use washers to index the plugs on a FICHT or E-TEC engine!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Seahorse,

I'm not taking about adding washers, but I'm talking about replacing the compression washers that come on the plugs. For what ever reason, there are slight differences in how thick or how much they compress and Sparkplugs.com sells replacement Champion compression washers specific for their plugs.

BTW, I do know not to add any addition or remove the compression washers to get them to index.

- Dae

[GhostComanche]

Will adding compression washers not change the distance from the plug to the piston when firing?............ever so little, but it will change it !!...........Can this be good for the plug that is firing the cylinder that the compression washers are on?? ..........Roger

[Flipping57]

Roger, he is not saying to add washers. He is saying if a plug will not index on either side of the engine to take the washer off of the plug and put a new washer on and try it again.

[GhostComanche]

10-4 !!.................Roger

[SEAHORSE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dae &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Seahorse,

I'm not taking about adding washers, but I'm talking about replacing the compression washers that come on the plugs.

BTW, I do know not to add any addition or remove the compression washers to get them to index.

- Dae</TD></TR></TABLE>

OK, now I get ya. I knew you've been around long enough and know enough about engines so I was surprised at your post at first. Now with your explanation, my slow brain finally registered your intent.

I've never had to swap a washer, indexing is pretty routine and easy after all these years.

[Bassmeister]

I'm getting he hang of indexing the plugs. As soon as the weather warms a little Im gonna check my head temp with a pyrometer and see whats up and check the blow off valve for seepage, index a new set of plugs and should be ready for this year!!!